Have you ever wondered how you could increase your ministry’s reach or add more value to your sermons? The answer probably lies with church live streams.

Everyone’s doing it, and it’s only the start for live streams. If the past two to three years have taught us anything, it’s that virtual experiences are just the same, or sometimes even more convenient than in-person events.

But before you start, you must understand how to get it right with the church live stream setup. It’s also not as complicated as it sounds. Dive in, learn how to get started quickly, and take your church services to the next level.

Why Stream Church Services

While live streaming is the hottest trend, it’s utilized mostly in the entertainment industry. However, the uses and benefits of live streaming can still apply to churches and evangelical ministries.

Here are a few reasons why you should stream church services:

For People Who Can’t Attend the Service

It may not be possible for some people to attend your church service due to certain issues or a mix of circumstances, whether it’s work, travel, illness, or even personal preference.

Livestreaming your church service allows people to stay connected and involved with their faith even if they cannot attend church physically. This can be especially helpful for people with chronic illnesses, the elderly, those living far away from the church, or those who cannot physically make it to the service due to lack of transportation or financial issues.

To Attract New Congregants

Not everyone can attend church every Sunday or Saturday, or maybe they’ve even been considering switching churches. But there’s also nothing worse than jumping into a church service and midway finding out that it’s not what you like.

Being able to watch the service from the comfort of their own home is a great way to get people interested in your church without the discomfort or pressure of joining a new congregation. Livestreaming also allows people to get a better feel for what your church is like before they even step foot in it.

They can check out your sermons and how you interact with the congregation, allowing them to decide if it’s a place they’d like to be. With live streaming, you can share a video or audio clip of your sermon with potential visitors and members, which can be reshared again with more people.

To Raise Donations

Besides sharing your church’s sermons with a wider audience, the right live streaming tools can provide your congregation with convenient means to contribute and chip in whenever necessary to advance the ministry.

Furthermore, live streaming allows you to reach a larger pool of potential donors. By increasing your reach to a near-global audience, you may be able to attract donations from people who have never been to your church before.

To Bring In Far-Flung Guest Speakers

With a live stream, you don’t need guest speakers on-site to deliver their sermons. All you have to do is sync their audio and video feed onto your stream.

This is easy, especially on Wave.video, where you can quickly change the video and audio sources from the live streaming studio. However, ensure you plan and practice for the media feed switch to avoid disrupting the service.

One way to do this is to try a dry run to ensure you’re comfortable switching media feeds. It might also help to change the audio feed to a praise and worship song or something appropriate while your guest speaker gets ready to address the congregation.

Church Live Stream Setup: What Equipment You’ll Need

With a relatively smaller audience, you might only need a laptop and are good to go. But you’ll deal with a significantly larger group with a church live stream. Here’s a brief look at the equipment you’ll need to pull it off:

Laptop

While there’s the option to work with a desktop computer, a laptop is ideal as it’s generally more portable and easier to work with. But not all laptops can handle the rigors of live streaming.

Look out for the following when choosing a laptop for your church live streaming. The first is processing power. Depending on the complexity of your live stream setup, you may need to ensure that your computer can handle the processing load you require.

It would be best to consider a laptop with a powerful graphics card to ensure smooth operation when running multiple applications or working with high-resolution video.

You’ll also want to consider the amount of RAM and storage available on the laptop. If you plan on working with high-resolution videos or capturing large files, you must get a laptop with plenty of RAM and storage space. This will help to ensure that your laptop can store and process the large amounts of data needed for your production.

Recommended tool: Acer Predator Helios 300 PH315-54-760S

Camera(s)

Visuals form a major part of any live stream, and getting the video quality and resolution right is vital. The right camera ensures that those who tune into your church Livestream have a pleasant experience and can follow and engage with the service conveniently.

A digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera is the perfect choice for most churches. These are lightweight, relatively inexpensive, and offer great image quality. You can also opt for a camcorder or mirrorless camera if you want something a bit more advanced with more features.

No matter which type of camera you go for, make sure it has a good lens for capturing clear footage. Most DSLR and mirrorless cameras will come with an 18-55mm kit lens, which should be good enough for most applications.

However, consider investing in additional lenses, such as wide-angle and telephoto lenses, to achieve more detail in your broadcasts. This will allow you to capture better footage at different distances.

One point to note is that with better video quality and higher resolution, you should also plan to have adequate storage, as these can be quite bulky.

Recommended tool: Panasonic Lumix GH5M2

Tripod

Shaky or unsteady footage is an absolute no in any live stream. It reeks of unpreparedness, and the experience will be far from pleasant for your congregation.

A tripod can help you avoid all this. This crucial equipment will keep your camera steady and help reduce vibration and shake during the broadcast. It will also allow you to adjust the camera position easily as needed throughout the service.

Ensure you choose a quality tripod with a sturdy base, adjustable height, and enough weight capacity to hold your camera. You should also be aware of the number of legs on the tripod – many tripods have three or four legs, but some models have five or more.

Recommended tool: Cayer BV30L Video Tripod System

Microphone

Good audio is just as vital as the visual; your microphone choice can make or break your church live stream. The best microphone for your church will depend on a few factors, such as your church’s size and the kind of sound you are trying to capture.

A multi-channel wireless system like the Sennheiser G3 is a great option for larger churches with multiple speakers. This microphone allows you to have multiple inputs and different people speaking in different channels. The sound quality is top-notch and can easily be adjusted for any room or environment.

If your church is smaller and you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, then a lavalier microphone is an excellent choice. These microphones are small and compact and offer great sound clarity. They can also be easily clipped onto clothing, making them great for moving around during the service.

No matter what kind of microphone you choose, make sure it can capture all of the audio in the room. Also, ensure it has good noise reduction technology to help reduce ambient noise from the crowd or other sources.

Recommended tool: Sennheiser EW 112P G3-G

Lighting

Good lighting is essential for creating a professional look for your church live stream. Natural light can be an option, but you need to have the right light that won’t cause any issues with the stream. For a good quality live stream, you will need to invest in lighting equipment.

This should include Softboxes and a few LED lights so that you can adjust the light intensity and coverage. You should also ensure that the lights are not too close to the camera and are evenly spread across the room. Consider installing an adjustable dimmer switch to adjust the lighting according to your needs.

Dive in deeper into lighting for streaming in this guide on best lighting for live streaming.

Recommended tool: For the key light, consider Elgato Key Light; For the fill light, use Neewer RGB Light Panel

Video Switcher

This equipment will allow you to switch between multiple cameras, add titles and graphics to the broadcast, and adjust the video levels.

If you plan on using multiple cameras for your live stream, you’ll need a video switcher to make the transition between shots smooth and seamless. Various options are available, from professional-grade to budget-friendly consumer models. When selecting a video switcher, look at features such as audio inputs and outputs, number of camera inputs, and overall usability.

Video switchers are a great way to add visual interest to your live stream, and they can also help save time when switching between cameras. With the right video switcher, you can bring professional quality production values to your church live stream at a fraction of the cost.

Recommended tool: Roland Professional A/V V-1HD HD Video Switcher

Encoder

An encoder is a device that converts audio and video into digital formats, which can then be sent over the internet. This device is essential for broadcasting a live stream, as it takes the data from your audio and video equipment and converts it into a format that can be streamed online.

Forget the usual encoding on your computer. As you’ll find out from this resource, live streaming encoders are more specialized tools to ensure your audience get the best possible stream quality on their end.

There are numerous encoders on the market with different features and capabilities. Encoders can also be in the form of software or dedicated standalone devices. Software encoders typically cost less or are free but less powerful.

Hardware encoders cost relatively more, but they can handle resource-intensive streams making it easier to stream or multi-stream to larger audiences.

When choosing an encoder for your church live stream, it’s important to consider the type of streaming service you’ll be using. Many streaming services have specific requirements for encoders, so do your research and pick one that meets those needs.

It’s also important to look at the types of connections available on the encoder, as some models only support certain types of inputs. Also, don’t forget to get an encoder with enough power to handle your desired quality and resolution.

Recommended tool: Teradek Vidiu X Ultra-Slim HD Live Streaming Encoder

How to Live Stream a Church Service

While there isn’t a fixed method for live-streaming a church service, these pointers should help you cover most ground:

Outline Your Broadcast

Think about the message you want to share and the topics you want to discuss. An outline of the service will help keep your broadcast organized and concise. Consider including aspects such as prayer, readings, announcements, and worship. You may also want to include a warm-up act before the service to draw people in and keep them engaged.

Ensure you break up each segment with an introduction and a closing. If possible, include graphics or videos to make the service more interesting.

Set Up Your Cameras and Lighting

For best results, consider the room size, the type of shot you need, and the available lighting. If you have the gear, set up multiple cameras to get different angles and perspectives, so plan accordingly.

About lighting, you want to ensure that all speakers are properly illuminated for optimal visibility. Place one or more lights behind or beside the camera to highlight the speaker. Also, use soft box lights or spotlights to light the room from other angles. Make sure to adjust the power of the lights to the desired brightness level and adjust the color temperature if necessary.

When setting up lighting, be aware that too much light may cause glare and over-exposure in some areas. To prevent this, use light diffusion tools like umbrellas or scrims to spread the light. This will help you achieve a more balanced look while providing enough light for your video.

Where to Locate the Mic

Considering the church livestream will be happening concurrently with the in-person service, two main options would be ideal. Using a boom mic or clip-on lapel microphone.

A boom mic will give you a wider coverage field and can easily pick up multiple voices in a room. On the other hand, a lapel mic provides higher-quality sound and is great for picking up individual voices.

The other option is to use a separate mic not connected to the camera. This could be placed on the pulpit, at the front of the church, or even in a portable unit that can be set up anywhere in the room. Depending on your setup type, this could be an ideal solution, as it will give you more flexibility on the pulpit.

Wireless mics are also an option, but interference from your congregation’s gadgets may prove to be a challenge for your live stream.

Choose a Platform or Try Multistreaming

Try not to overthink this. To determine the right platform for your church live stream, consider where your target audience, i.e. congregation, is more likely to hang out online.

For relatively mature audiences, think YouTube, Vimeo, and the like. If your congregation is more youthful, Facebook Live, YouTube Live, and nowadays TikTok Live. You don’t have to limit your live streaming to one platform.

It’s now possible to live stream on multiple platforms simultaneously, and it’s as simple as clicking a few buttons. Here’s more information on multistreaming.

Run Some Tests Before Going Live

You may have top-of-the-line equipment and the best people to operate them, but things may still go haywire. It won’t look good on your church, and you may even lose your loyal congregants since they’ll have to find something else to watch or do as you figure out what went wrong.

Before streaming to the wider audience, test all your equipment and, if possible, have a trial run stream with a few people. You never know what the test could reveal about your planned church live stream.

Promote Your Stream

You’ve worked hard, assembled all the equipment, and are ready to deliver the most inspiring sermon. But it’s only good if you can find an audience or congregation, else all your efforts will be in vain.

Wave.video enables you to copy a link to your stream. You can even share the live stream link directly from the platform to your preferred social media channels and video-sharing platforms.

Go Live!

Now to the moment of truth. You’ve done this many times; only now you’ll be live on camera talking to a wider and probably a congregation you’re not exactly familiar with. When ready, hit the “Stream” button and engage with your congregation.

Remember that your viewers may have different connection speeds and bandwidths than you. If you notice buffering issues or poor video/audio quality, try decreasing the streaming resolution or using a lower bitrate.

How to Use Wave.video for Live Streaming a Church Service

The beauty of Wave.video is that it’s a whole video marketing ecosystem with an advanced but easy-to-use live streaming tool.

Here’s how to live stream a church service using Wave.video:

1. First, check and ensure all your hardware is working properly. Once you’ve set the lights, camera, and microphone in place, connect your video switcher and encoder if you have one, but it’s not entirely necessary with Wave.video. Finally, plug all the respective feed inputs into your laptop.

2. Next, open Wave.video on your browser and click “My Projects.”

3. Click “My streams & recordings” on the submenu on the left side of your screen, then click “Setup Live Stream.”

4. Fill in your stream’s details and toggle the option to schedule your church live stream for later if you want to. Don’t forget to choose a folder where you’ll save your live stream.

5. Hit the “Setup destinations” button. Select the stream destination, then log in to the account associated with your church. You can add more stream destinations by clicking the plus button and repeating the process.

6. Toggle the button on your preferred stream destination and hit “Create Live Stream.”

7. The live stream is now ready. Click “Open Studio” and invite guests to your stream while you’re at it.

8. Click the “Settings” button and adjust your audio and video input devices. Then click “Enter Studio.”

9. Add overlays and backgrounds or change the audio. You can also access the live and private chat options on your right. Once everything looks good and you’re ready, click “Go Live” to begin your broadcast.

Final Thoughts

Not only is live streaming a church service a great way to reach a wider and more diverse audience, but it also offers an opportunity for congregation members to view and share the service, even if they cannot physically be there.

It’s also not difficult to live stream church service. It’s all a matter of having a proper outline for your broadcast, the right gear, and a knack for trying things out. Don’t forget to have a test run before you go for the live stream to ensure everything works as it should.

Regarding the church live stream setup, consider who your audience is and how you can make the experience interactive and engaging for them.