In the ever-evolving landscape of church ministry, technology continues to play a pivotal role in how congregations connect, grow, and serve. Recently on The Press On Connection podcast, hosts Jeremy Allison and James Denman sat down with Steve Lacy and Phil Thompson of StreamingChurch.tv to discuss the future of streaming technology for churches. The conversation highlighted the innovative ways churches can leverage streaming to enhance their ministries. As well as some humorous stories. You can listen or watch the podcast on Church Solutions Podcast page.
Meet the Guys Behind StreamingChurch.tv
Steve Lacy, a seasoned engineer with a background in aerospace, and Phil Thompson, a veteran in Christian radio, missions, and pastoral leadership, bring a wealth of experience to StreamingChurch.tv. Their combined expertise is reflected in their mission to empower churches with tools tailored to ministry needs.
Phil humorously remarked, “We’re just really old people who’ve done a lot,” but their work is nothing short of groundbreaking. From launching Christian radio stations to creating church-specific streaming tools, their passion for serving ministries is evident.
The Journey from Innovation to Impact
Steve recounted how StreamingChurch.tv was born out of a simple desire: recording sermons for his local church. From using a camcorder in a high school auditorium to leveraging online tools like chat rooms and member profiles, Steve’s vision evolved into a robust platform for live streaming.
Phil added, “StreamingChurch.tv is about more than just streaming. It’s about creating an interactive online ministry experience.” By integrating features like AI-driven chat hosts and personalized follow-ups, StreamingChurch.tv helps churches connect with their communities in meaningful ways.
Challenges and Opportunities in Streaming
Streaming has become a necessity for churches, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as Steve pointed out, “Just throwing up a camera isn’t enough anymore.” Churches must be intentional about their streaming strategy, starting with a clear understanding of their audience.
Key considerations include:
- Identifying the Purpose: Are you streaming for regular attendees, reaching out to seekers, or building an online-only ministry?
- Focusing on Engagement: Interactive tools, local advertising, and a welcoming online presence can make a significant difference.
- Leveraging AI: StreamingChurch.tv’s AI-driven tools, like DailyDive365, take archived sermons and create daily devotionals in the pastor’s voice. This not only keeps congregants connected but also extends the life and reach of a sermon.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
As technology advances, so does StreamingChurch.tv. Phil highlighted their focus on AI as a key driver of innovation. “From AI-powered devotions to automated podcast creation, we’re helping churches maximize their content with minimal effort,” he said.
Steve added, “The future of streaming will likely include shorter, more focused content to cater to today’s short attention spans.” With tools like viral stream sharing and advanced analytics, churches can better target and engage their audiences.
Advice for Churches Embracing Streaming
For churches considering or expanding their streaming efforts, Steve and Phil offered this advice:
- Define Your Goals: Determine who you’re trying to reach and why.
- Create a Strategy: Tailor your streaming approach to your audience’s needs.
- Invest in Engagement: Promote your streaming services and make them interactive.
- Leverage Resources: Utilize tools like those offered by StreamingChurch.tv to enhance your ministry.
Final Thoughts
StreamingChurch.tv stands out not just for its technology but for its commitment to serving churches. “We’re here to equip churches with the resources they need to succeed,” said Phil. With live support and a deep understanding of ministry challenges, they’ve built a platform that’s as supportive as it is innovative.
If your church is ready to take its streaming ministry to the next level, visit StreamingChurch.tv to explore their tools and resources.