Nearly every congregation has a few members who don't perceive the value of using technology in a religious setting. If your strategy for reaching your congregation in as many ways as possible involves a streaming media aspect, one way to gradually introduce the idea of streaming worship to these members is to make use of communication technology that is personal and can be organized around smaller, more intimate groups, where opportunities for face-to-face interaction are unforced, but inherently part of the experience. Most are familiar with the concept of video conferencing using popular consumer services like Skype, Apple's FaceTime, or Google Hangouts.
Google Hangouts is a relatively new, free video chat program similar to the well-known Skype, which allows multiple users with cameras to see and hear each other at the same time on a single screen. Hangouts are limited to ten video conference participants, and have no time limit. The service can also be used to broadcast a group meeting to many more people, but there is always a limit of ten active participants. A similar, paid service, Skype Premium ($4.99/month), will connect up to 25 callers simultaneously with each other.
One effective idea for church leaders who are gradually introducing the idea of streaming worship services to their congregations is to use one of these low-cost or no-cost video conferencing technologies, and conduct a live stream Q&A with the pastor after the Sunday service.
There are several other practical applications of this free and easy-to-use technology. Churches can use video chats to help geographically-separated prayer groups or scripture study groups, to help far-flung missionaries connect with each other and the congregation which loves and supports them, or to fellowship with members who with limited mobility due to their physical health, disability, age, or severely inclement weather.
Editor's note: This is an excerpt of a longer, more in-depth version of article scheduled to be published in the December 2013 issue of Church Production Magazine. If you would like to subscribe to the print or digital editions of Church Production Magazine, click here
Want more information this subject? Here's a hint: Focus on acquiring and distributing quality audio before you set out to deliver good video. Good video is nothing without good audio.
