Online Worship and Ministry
Many congregations share their worship and ministry activities online. This includes livestreaming, pre-recorded video content and podcasting. This is great – but there are some things to consider before setting off into the online world. We've developed some guidelines for you.
Many congregations share their worship services and other ministry activities online to serve members unable to attend in person due to illness, infirmity or travel and as outreach to the wider community. This may be live streaming, pre-recorded video content, web conferencing platforms (Zoom or Microsoft Teams) or podcasting.
Using modern technology to extend the reach of the gospel is a great blessing; however, there are some factors to consider when setting up online worship and ministry. Here is an overview of the main factors congregations and ministry leaders should consider.
Professional Standards
- Respect and consent: Follow LCA Professional Standards of Ethical Behaviour to protect vulnerable individuals. Share images/identities only with consent, especially for those with privacy concerns.
- Notification: Inform worshippers that services are being filmed via bulletins or announcements. Offer options for privacy, like alternative seating.
- Anonymity: Avoid using full names for individuals unless they have a formal role. Protect children's identities and avoid naming them without parental consent.
- Prayers: Refrain from naming individuals during prayers for privacy. Consider placing specific petitions in bulletins instead.
- Privacy settings: Use privacy settings on social media to limit audience access.
Community and cultural sensitivities
- Accessibility: Ensure services are audible for those with hearing impairments. Provide subtitles for responsive prayers and hymn lyrics.
- Inclusivity: Welcome online viewers at the service's start and engage with the camera during delivery.
- Avoid inside jokes: Minimise local jargon or inside jokes to ensure inclusivity for broader audiences.
- Respectful content: Ensure no racist, sexist or offensive material is included.
Copyright compliance
- Licensing: Use copyrighted music only with permission or through a livestreaming license (for example, CCLI, One Licence).
- Attribution: Include licensing details in presentations and online postings to avoid copyright infringement.
- Permission for media: Obtain appropriate permissions for video clips and music used outside worship settings.
Budget and personnel considerations
- Resource management: Assess financial sustainability and volunteer capacity for online ministry. If struggling, consider directing members to other congregations’ online services.
Technical requirements
- Camera set-up: Use quality cameras on stable tripods; one fixed camera may suffice for smaller venues.
- Lighting: Ensure well-lit filming areas for visibility.
- Sound: Equip all speakers with microphones for clear audio.
- Livestream technology: You may require a mixing desk and a laptop for smooth operation, and professional help may be necessary.
For more details, download the guidelines below.
LCANZ Online Worship and Ministry Guidelines
Produced in collaboration with LCA Communications and Professional Standards, the LCANZ Online Worship and Ministry Guidelines have been prepared to support congregations and church agencies engaged in or considering livestreaming and other online ministry activities.
You can also discover more about online worship on the Worship Planning Page, including a list of livestreaming congregations around the LCANZ.
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