Podcast Episode #504
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The term “internet church” brings a mix of emotions and reactions from church leaders, but if your church is online, there are a few best practices to cover. Today, we discuss eight of them.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
- Even if your church live-streams services, the physical gathering should be emphasized and be the priority.
- Point to groups in your preaching to get people more involved in the community of the church.
- When people give to a church, they become more connected to a church.
- If you have an online service presence, you need an online prayer presence.
The eight points that we discuss are:
- Some people really cannot attend
- Clearly indicate the importance of the physical gathering to the internet church
- Provide discipleship resources
- Point to groups in the community
- Be bold about seeking financial stewardship participation
- Have a vibrant prayer ministry
- The necessity of a champion for the internet church
- Be creative in internet worship services
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast
- Prayer Engine
- Pro-nounce
- John Crist Virtual Reality Church
- Brainerd Baptist Church Sermon Bumper
Rainer on Leadership is a member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network
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Feedback
If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com. If we use your question, you’ll receive a free copy of Scrappy Church.
Your first highlight was specifically mentioned when I went to church this weekend (the church has a significant Internet presence). In fact it has been mentioned both of the last two weekends.
PS–The John Crist video is hilarious. Surprised some church hasn’t actually DONE that yet.
Yes it is!
Thom,
I know this is a simple formula to minister to the shut-ins and military folks, but we simply post our auto recordings of sermons on Facebook and we tag folks in our comments section.
We are a small rural church and this simple format has really made an impact on relationships with folks that simply cannot attend.
It works! I like it.
I agree with Thom’s comment. I’ve done the same thing in my ministry setting; rural, family-sized (~40 members, average age 72) colonial church. The response and connection made through audio messages is impactful. And it can be a vehicle to attract newcomers too. I have heard from more than one visitor that they have listened to my sermon online before attending.
I watch several sevices online. When people mention “pod casts” or “tweeting”, I don’t even know what they are. My suggestion is that everone who speaks should be mike trained. It’s really easy to change the channel when you cannot hear the speaker.
As a native Detroiter who went to the Silverdome on numerous occasions (including to see Billy Graham) you have piqued my interest in “the story.”
While my webcast team is ministering via webcast, we are also ministering to the webcast crew.
Over half of my webcast crew would not be involved in the church at all if it were not for their participation in the technical side of the service. Their participation in the webcast brings their whole family into the church. Webcasting and technical support gives them purpose and a connection to the service that simple attendance does not.
One of my struggles as the ministry team leader is how to mentor them to deeper faith from within the webcast ministry.