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The current recommendation from the Kent County Health Department is that all churches refrain from in-person meetings of any kind, including gathering by car or outside. The shelter-in-place order from the Governor's office and the White House Coronavirus guidelines are fully in effect and apply to churches.
We recommend that you consider the following resources to help you develop an effective online strategy to serve your members and community.
We recommend that you consider the following resources to help you develop an effective online strategy to serve your members and community.
How to Build an Online Worship Community
1. Live stream a Sunday message on one or multiple platforms. (Make sure that you have the streaming license with CCLI if you
are streaming your songs! If you just stream your sermon, you should be ok. www.ccli.com)
2. Create a simple webpage that lists all of your online expressions (live streaming, giving, etc.).
3. Pick a day like “Wednesdays or Thursdays at Home” and stream a devotional from the pastor or staff.
4. Emphasize online small groups and digital ‘watch parties’.
5. Have a daily, live online ministry time on social media that includes things like prayer, communion, and scripture reading.
6. Move as much financial giving to automated online options by speaking openly and candidly to the church.
are streaming your songs! If you just stream your sermon, you should be ok. www.ccli.com)
2. Create a simple webpage that lists all of your online expressions (live streaming, giving, etc.).
3. Pick a day like “Wednesdays or Thursdays at Home” and stream a devotional from the pastor or staff.
4. Emphasize online small groups and digital ‘watch parties’.
5. Have a daily, live online ministry time on social media that includes things like prayer, communion, and scripture reading.
6. Move as much financial giving to automated online options by speaking openly and candidly to the church.
Technology Strategies
Facebook Video Chat
WhatsApp
WhatsApp provides fast, simple secure, private messaging and calling for free. The messaging feature allows for groups of up to 250 persons, each. The app also allows for transfer of pictures, and pdf documents (ideal for sharing worship orders and bible studies materials). The video calling feature provides for an easy to use and secure one on one video conferencing, ideal for pastoral care. The App is free and is available for android and iPhones. There is also a PC/Mac Desktop App so that administrators and regular users can text/video conference directly from their PC/Mac. |
Zoom Meetings
PhoneInvite.com
PhoneInvite.com provides automated call services for churches looking to communicate with church members though voice messaging. Record custom messages and schedule delivery from your web browser for .04 cents per call. |
Resources |
Recommended Equipment |
Using Technology to Prepare your Church for Coronavirus
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How to start a Facebook Live
https://www.gnjumc.org/content/uploads/2020/03/Facebook_Live.pdf Virtual_Church.org https://www.virtual-church.org Faithlife.com https://faithlife.com/coronavirus/church-online Livestream Setups https://www.churchmotiongraphics.com/30-real-examples-of-live-stream-setups-used-in-churches/?fbclid=IwAR1b1QYjahAqgI4BkiEzP2nNwYhsdBHk9CWSq4Hv4OGFx4ybde2wEedtChg |
Device Stabilization for iPhone or iPad:
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