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Patrick Clark of Bell Shoals Church in Tampa, Florida, (pictured here), shares his thoughts on evolving role of live streaming in the church, the importance of evaluating its true impact, and alternative strategies for online engagement.
When the pandemic hit, churches scrambled to figure out how to keep their congregations connected. For many, that meant diving headfirst into live streaming. Suddenly, churches large and small became media hubs, equipping themselves with cameras, switchers, encoders, and software to produce weekly worship services for a homebound audience. And while some churches have since refined and even elevated their broadcast ministries, others are stepping back and asking a hard question: Is live streaming still worth it?
Digital ministry isn’t about production values—it’s about creating authentic connection and spiritual momentum.
That’s the tension Patrick Clark wrestles with at Bell Shoals Church in Tampa, Florida, where he serves as Creative Strategy Pastor. Clark recently sat down with Church Production to talk about the evolving role of live streaming in the church, the importance of evaluating its true impact, and alternative strategies for online engagement.
A Time to Reassess
Clark, whose role sits at the intersection of ministry, media, and strategy, has witnessed the shift firsthand. “During COVID, live streaming became a lifeline,” he says. “But now that we’re back in the building, we’re asking: What’s the best use of our people, time, and financial resources?”
He’s not alone. As churches face tightened budgets and volunteer burnout, many are rethinking the live stream. The question isn’t whether digital ministry is important—it absolutely is—but whether a weekly, multi-camera live stream is the best or only way to serve people online.
We’re asking: What’s the best use of our people, time, and financial resources? Live streaming isn’t always the answer.
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Images courtesy of Bell Shoals Church, Tampa, Florida.
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The Real Cost of ‘Live’
Clark is quick to point out that live streaming is not just about hitting the ‘Go Live’ button. “We’ve created this expectation that Sunday morning has to be a polished, multicam experience, but the truth is, that takes a lot,” he says. “It takes trained volunteers, expensive equipment, and hours of post-service editing if you're repurposing content.”
And then there’s the lingering question of who the live stream is actually for. “We sometimes assume people are tuning in live from home on Sunday morning,” Clark adds, “but our data shows most people watch later in the week, and they’re skipping around. They’re not engaging with it like they would in the room.”
We’ve created this expectation that Sunday morning has to be a polished, multicam experience—but the truth is, that takes a lot.
Alternatives to the Traditional Live Stream
That’s where Clark offers some refreshing alternatives. “What if, instead of trying to replicate Sunday online, we created something for the online experience?” he asks. “A midweek devotional, a short teaching, a worship moment filmed in a different setting—those can be incredibly effective, and much more sustainable.”
Clark’s team at Bell Shoals has started experimenting with shorter, purpose-built video content. “We’ll shoot a 10-minute Bible study or prayer time midweek. It doesn’t require the full production team, and it’s highly shareable,” he explains.
He also sees value in highlighting moments from the weekend service, like a sermon clip or worship highlight, edited and captioned for social platforms. “You’re still extending the ministry of the church, just in a way that matches how people consume content today.”
Creating content specifically for online viewers can be more effective—and more sustainable—than replicating Sunday services.
Understanding the Audience
At the heart of the conversation is audience clarity. Who are you trying to reach online—and why?
“We’ve had to separate our goals,” Clark says. “If you’re trying to serve your members who are traveling or sick, a simple, even single-camera live stream might be enough. But if your goal is to reach people who’ve never set foot in your church, the strategy has to look different.”
That means thinking more like content creators and less like broadcasters. “It’s not about putting a service online,” Clark says. “It’s about creating connection points. That could be a story from someone in your church, a testimony, a short reel from the sermon—whatever helps people take a step toward Jesus.”
The Value of Stewardship
For Clark and his team, this shift is ultimately about stewardship. “We’re called to steward our resources—people, money, time, talent—for the greatest Kingdom impact,” he says. “If you have a thriving live stream with great engagement, that’s amazing. Keep going. But if it’s draining your team and not bearing fruit, don’t be afraid to pivot.”
He encourages churches to ask honest questions: Who is watching? When are they watching? Are they taking next steps? How does this fit into our overall discipleship strategy?
“If we’re just checking a box because we feel like we have to stream, that’s not enough,” he says. “We need to be intentional.”
Final Thoughts
Clark believes the post-pandemic era is a chance to rethink—not retreat from—digital ministry. “It’s not live stream or bust,” he says. “There are so many ways to serve your community and expand your reach online. The key is to be clear on your ‘why,’ creative with your ‘how,’ and faithful with your ‘what.’”
For churches still wrestling with the question of whether to live stream weekly services, Clark’s advice is simple: Pray first, evaluate your audience, and don’t be afraid to do something different.
“It’s not about keeping up with the church down the street,” he concludes. “It’s about being faithful with what God’s called your church to do—online and in person.”
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