Cataloging worship services allows people to enjoy them later and provides access to those who could not attend in person

Today’s technology makes it easier than ever for Universal Life Church ministers to reach out to people. If you’re already using the Internet to connect with current and prospective members, consider streaming online church services. It’s a great way to spread your message, and your words could have an impact in recorded form long after you’ve uttered them in person.

Ideally, worship is shared in person, but there are always people who can’t physically make it to church. Illness, mobility issues or work schedules might leave some people out of group worship. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to bring them online church services? People who travel often, too, could benefit from being able to access the service from a remote location.

The Internet is also a great way to reach people who’ve never worshiped with you before. Nowadays, the web is the first place people go to conduct research on everything, including joining a church. Providing services online is a great way for shy newcomers to listen in before they work up the nerve to visit in person, and there’s no better way to give people an accurate idea of what your services are like than to let them witness one online.

Some other benefits of making recordings of your worship services available online include building a repository of favorite musical performances for the congregation to revisit or using the recordings as an archive that worship leaders can refer to when planning future services. Accompanying slides or other audio-visual components of your worship services can be archived online as well.

Worshiping online isn’t necessarily the isolated experience it once was. Invite people to comment on your website to obtain feedback about the services, gather song requests and start a dialogue. Innovations like Google+, which allow for multiple people to join one video chat, can also add a sense of community to your church’s online services.

Streaming worship services requires a minimal technological investment, including a high-resolution camera, a dedicated computer, a broadband Internet connection, encoding software and a streaming service provider. Many congregations have tech-savvy members who might be willing to offer up their expertise and equipment to help you get started.

There are a few legal issues to consider, too, when streaming worship services. While you don’t need a license to perform copyrighted materials as part of an in-person service, you may need to obtain one to broadcast them. Consider having anyone who participates in services sign a consent-and-release form as well, and if someone creates original content for the services to be broadcast, be sure there’s a work-made-for-hire agreement in place, or obtain a letter of permission for its use. You might consider posting notices about recording your services as well.

For some, an online service is the only way they can worship. No matter what the reason for that, give absentees a way to participate in your church by simply offering an online Universal Life Church service.