The church worship experience is in a season of change. From virtual Sunday sermons to social media prayer reels, technology continues to affect our spiritual lives in nearly every aspect.
It’s human nature to be suspicious or afraid of change, but the Word of God has taught us better than that. No matter the obstacle, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13 New King James Version).
Effective change simply requires innovation in the Christian church. Lucky for you, you’re right where you’re supposed to be. We’ve compiled 7 easy steps to get your church ready to prosper in this new era by embracing technology and modern arts to meet people right where they are.
1. Pray on It
The first step when walking through a season of change in ministry is always to pray and seek God’s wisdom. I Thessalonians 5:16-18 teaches us to Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. The attitude of church leadership will dramatically affect the successful development of a church-wide technology plan. Church leadership can start by humbly and continually seeking the will of God.
2. Reevaluate how your church defines ‘the worship experience’
A debate exists within churches surrounding online and in-person worship. Are they the same? Hebrews 10:25 says, “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” This phrase has been used in some churches to mean that every time the church doors are open, you should be there. In other churches, the meaning is interpreted a bit differently where attendance at all church functions is not required. In the post Covid-19 era, some churches now believe that online streaming is equal to in-person worship. How your leadership views “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves” will impact your church’s needs and desires for online streaming services. Put differently, how your church spiritually interprets the Scriptures can significantly impact your technology needs.
Additionally, it would be useful to review the ways other churches manage their worship experiences to gain insight into any practices that may be beneficial for your church to consider in the future.
3. Determine what you need to thrive in this new environment
The third step requires an honest evaluation of the church’s needs. For some churches, the need will include streaming one or two weekly services or from various places within the church. The right lighting, software, and hardware can create a seamless experience so people can participate wherever they are.
Other churches might need a website or app with upgraded features so members can more easily interact with your church online. Your church might already have streaming, an app, and a website, but you’d like to start creating and sharing more video content throughout the rest of the week. Maybe you want to reach people through other avenues, such as social media or a strong email marketing strategy. Leadership must assess what is missing from the experience when congregants are not physically in the church and seek to replicate it virtually.
4. Honestly evaluate the possibilities and limitations given your budget
A church must manage its technology within its working budget. If the leadership desires to produce an interactive online experience that exceeds a realistic budget, then doing so could damage its overall ministry. Likewise, cobbling together a streaming experience that is unprofessional or unreliable is equally unacceptable. The church’s testimony could be negatively affected—and ultimately tithes and offerings—if members cannot watch a streamed service uninterrupted by technological problems. If leadership is streaming services, it should be handled in a first-class, Christ-honoring way.
After determining what the church technology plan is, the leadership must look at the cost to make it happen. Usually, this requires a consultation with an expert to evaluate your current setup and estimate what is needed.
5. Empower your staff and volunteers
To maximize the productivity of your staff and volunteers, you must provide them with proper training. Empower the people most invested in your church’s future with the right tools and the ability to work effectively as a team. The D’ART Collective Pathways are a great option for this type of training. The Pathways are a set of 6 courses designed to help Christians, pastors, ministry leaders, church staff, and volunteers harness the power of technology and the appeal of the arts to draw youth, the religiously unaffiliated, and those who have become apathetic and disconnected from their faith. The experience can promote team building while helping your church identify how to evolve and prosper.
6. Hire the right people to help you
If you don’t already have your own talented IT and support team, it’s best to hire the right staff members or outside professionals. Bringing in additional resources will boost your church’s capabilities, especially if you need help with streaming, audio, lighting, creative elements, marketing, or the social media management your church needs to reach people effectively.
7. Evaluate your progress regularly
Over time, you will learn what is and is not working through feedback from other members and by trusting their own eyes. Leadership should make a habit of regularly evaluating and making necessary updates. Sustainable success will require fluidity, feedback, and above all, faith.
The D’ART Collective desires to help congregations thrive by strengthening their ministries to better help people deepen their relationships with God, enhance their connections with each other, and contribute to the flourishing of their communities and the world.
To learn more or purchase the courses, please visit The Dart Collective Pathways.
I was encouraged by this information and we will certainly begin the process of moving forward to enhance our worship and streaming experiences.