Coronavirus: The virtual church experience

Converge church planting leaders Lee Stephenson and Danny Parmelee discuss lessons learned during the coronavirus pandemic when it comes to virtual church.

1:40 Lee says his church plant, which is about 18 months old, was already having conversations about how to maximize the online church experience before the coronavirus pandemic hit.

2:16 Lee quickly learned that the quality of recording and sound equipment matters when it comes to keeping people engaged online.

3:34 Lee talks about the setup he’s using to record his sermons.

4:38 Lee’s church is using SlingStudio to manage the camera and recording.

5:57 Lee says it’s also important to pay attention to lighting.

7:00 Lee talks about how to preach using a teleprompter.

7:58 Danny and Lee talk more about SlingStudio.

10:03 Lee discusses how to create a worship experience that engages people at home.

11:08 Lee talks more about using a teleprompter and how much one costs.

12:33 Lee says they try to make their services no longer than 45 minutes.

13:19 The order of service at Lee’s church is a quick host introduction and prayer, two worship songs, a bumper video leading in the sermon, the sermon and ending with the host.

13:52 Lee has found that participation falls off quickly when sermons are longer than 25 minutes.

16:08 Lee tells pastors to watch what other churches are doing to find ways to improve. Evaluate every week; how did we do engaging people online?

16:52 Lee is looking at this as a long-term gift to the church versus being a detriment.