Church Solutions Podcast – Episode #459 Recap
Welcome to another episode of the Church Solutions Podcast! In this week’s episode, Phil Thompson and Steve Lacy dive into a topic that’s critical for churches embracing the digital age: Why are people not watching your church livestream?
Over the years, streaming services have become essential for churches, especially during the pandemic. However, as things have normalized post-COVID, many churches have noticed a decline in livestream viewership. Why is this happening, and how can you reverse the trend? Here are the key takeaways from our conversation.
1. Define Your Audience and Strategy
One major reason churches struggle with their livestreams is a lack of clear focus. Many churches make the mistake of trying to appeal to everyone. But, as Steve aptly put it, “If you try to create something for everyone, you end up creating something for no one.”
Churches should identify their primary target audience by asking questions like:
- Who are we trying to reach?
- What are our goals for streaming?
There are three primary audience categories to consider:
- Maintenance: Focused on deepening the spiritual journey of committed church members who may miss in-person services.
- Ministry: Targeting your local community, including those who may not attend church regularly but are seeking spiritual guidance.
- Missional: Aiming to spread the gospel beyond your local area, reaching people globally.
Understanding your audience is critical to crafting content that resonates.
2. Tailor Your Content
Content is king, and relevancy matters. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work for livestreaming. For instance:
- If your focus is Maintenance, your stream can include deeper teachings and longer formats since your audience is already committed.
- For a Ministry focus, prioritize concise, engaging content that appeals to first-time viewers and addresses practical needs like marriage, parenting, or budgeting.
- If you’re pursuing a Missional strategy, craft universally appealing, gospel-centered messages that are accessible to people from diverse backgrounds.
First impressions are critical! Research shows that viewers often form opinions within the first five minutes of watching. Make those moments count.
3. Engage Your Online Viewers
One of the biggest differences between a successful and unsuccessful livestream is interactivity. Here are some tips to engage your online audience:
- Have a dedicated online host: An online pastor or host can make viewers feel welcome and help them navigate the experience.
- Encourage interaction: Use features like live chat, prayer requests, or polls to foster community among your viewers.
- Be consistent: Treat online attendees with the same care and importance as in-person congregants. They’re real people with real needs, and your online ministry should reflect that.
4. Focus on Quality and Relevance
Phil shared a great analogy from his days in broadcasting. In the early days of Christian radio, stations tried to appeal to everyone by playing every genre—Christian rap, rock, country, and more. But this lack of focus alienated listeners. It wasn’t until they narrowed their content to a contemporary Christian pop format that their ratings improved.
The same principle applies to livestreaming. Churches must focus on providing relevant, high-quality content that resonates with their target audience.
5. Practical Questions to Ask About Your Stream
To ensure your livestream is effective, ask yourself:
- Is my content compelling and relevant to my audience?
- Are my services interactive and engaging?
- Do my livestreams align with my church’s mission and vision?
- Are we treating online viewers as an integral part of our church family?
Webinar Announcement: Learn More About Livestreaming!
We’re excited to announce our upcoming webinar:
“The Power of Integrated Sermon Shots with StreamingChurch.tv”
- Date: February 25th
- Time: 12:00 PM (EST)
- Where: Webinar.StreamingChurch.tv
This webinar will dive into the importance of integrating short sermon clips into your livestream strategy to boost engagement. We’re teaming up with Cory Aldrin from Sermon Shots to share actionable insights and offer exclusive discounts to attendees. Can’t make it live? No problem—sign up, and we’ll send you the recording!
Final Thoughts
Livestreaming is a powerful tool to extend your church’s reach, but it requires strategy and intentionality. By defining your audience, tailoring your content, and engaging your viewers, you can transform your livestream into a meaningful ministry tool.
Have questions or need help with your church livestream? Reach out to us at StreamingChurch.tv. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Church Solutions Podcast so you never miss an episode.
Thanks for joining us—see you next time!