Why Your Online Video Matters

Why Your Online Video Matters:  

Connecting and Engaging Your Audience 
In an increasingly digital world, the importance of streaming video for churches cannot be overstated. Before the pandemic, many churches debated the viability and necessity of online streaming for their services—whether live broadcast or on-demand. However, in a post-pandemic world, neglecting an online presence puts churches at risk of underserving their communities. After years of limited in-person connection, engagement through social media and remote communities has surged, transforming the way people connect, communicate, and consume content. For churches, embracing streaming video is no longer just about staying relevant; it's about inviting people into community, expanding your reach, and fulfilling the mission of spreading the Gospel to as many people as possible. 

Welcoming People Into Community 
In-person gatherings remain essential for building strong faith and relationships with other believers, but how are you building bridges for people to take the step of joining you in person? The entire relationship-building process has changed post-pandemic, altering how we determine where to invest our time and resources. Whether we like it or not, in-person connection rarely happens without first establishing an online connection. People wait to buy products, visit a doctor, or engage with a church community until they’ve thoroughly vetted you online and have determined that you offer what they’ are seeking. We can debate whether this shift is good or bad, but it cannot be denied—or ignored. 

The post-pandemic question has evolved from “Should we stream to keep remote attendees connected?” to “Can we afford not to stream if we want to grow our community and reach more people?” 

Expanding Reach Beyond Physical Boundaries 
The original argument for streaming video remains as relevant as ever. One of the most significant advantages of streaming video is its ability to transcend geographical limitations. Not everyone can attend church services in person due to distance, physical limitations, or time constraints. Online video allows churches to reach congregants who are unable to attend in person, ensuring they still feel connected to their faith community. 

Moreover, streaming video enables churches to reach a global audience. A church  can share its message with viewers across the world, extending its ministry far beyond the walls of its building, regardless of its size and location. 

Meeting the Needs of a Digital Generation 
As younger generations increasingly turn to digital platforms for information, entertainment, and community, churches must adapt to meet them where they are. Streaming video is a powerful way to engage with these digital natives, offering them a way to connect with the church on their terms. Whether through live-streamed sermons, online Bible studies, or interactive Q&A sessions, churches can use streaming to create content that resonates with younger or marginalized audiences. 

Message videos also provide a rich source of social media content, allowing churches to create bite-sized messages of encouragement or challenge for those who consume content in this fashion . A well-timed clip from a sermon can lead to viewing the entire message, which can, in turn, lead to in-person engagement. If your team isn’t equipped to create that content, numerous AI software tools can help. These platforms allow you to upload your message video, and they’ll generate content for you. 

Your Online Video Matters 
Society is undergoing a massive shift in how we engage with others, and that engagement often starts with your online presence. Welcoming new people into your community, keeping existing members engaged when they can’t be in person, and reaching the digital generation all require effective online connection. It’s no longer a question of whether to invest in online engagement—it’s a necessity to connect as well online as you do in person. 

The good news is that the tools to create online engagement are becoming easier to use and more cost-effective. Effective video and online engagement should be scaled to match your organization’s size and personality. A high-end broadcast studio might be unnecessary and out of place for a small church of 150 people, while a church of 2,000 putting out poor-quality video will quickly see the impact on new attendees. Creating quality video content that represents your ministry well is key. 

If you’d like help evaluating your existing video system or need assistance building a system that’s right-sized for you, we’d love to help. Click here to start a conversation.