4 PRINCIPLES FOR ONLINE WORSHIP



It may be a new norm but doing online worship doesn't have to be an unusual experience.   As your leaders try to put together online worship for your church.  Remember these four principles.

Homogenize

By definition, it means the "same likeness".  The idea is that whatever your congregation sees, try to come as close to what they usually would see.  That could be the face of the pastor to the face of the worship leader or the background of the church or a slide showing the church.  The order of worship and perks and quirks that come along with live worship.

Contextualize

You can't really attain the same experience with live worship so contextualize it.  Maybe you don't have to do the whole 45-minute sermon.  How about your offering?  Can't pass the bucket so figure out if you need to do an online giving, a deacon passing by this week to collect or just simply mailing it to the church.   Have you ever thought of a direct deposit? 

Personalize

Your congregation is used to the interaction so resist making your Sunday online experience passive.  It is why I like Zoom, Skype, Messenger, GHangout and FB Live.  They facilitate interaction that no social space can dumb down.   During your broadcast mention names, call out individuals and recognize interaction like "thank you for putting your request" or "tell us where you are at" or say "click the like button and share us this worship to your FB friends."

Energize

Remember it is still called "Worship Service."  We "worship" and we "serve."  The online experience must answer "what now?" And it shouldn't be "done that...on to life".   Get your sermon notes available on your website or your PowerPoint.   Direct your people to engage after the video service.  "After this service, call someone who you can share some of these reminders."  Or "this week, we will video call again, join us in our time of prayer."   Better yet say, "click share after this broadcast and let your friends know about your church."  Now that's online evangelism.

Sure it is a new norm but it doesn't have to be unusual.  I would love to hear what things you follow when you do your online worship these next few weeks. 

Other Resource:
Prepare Your Congregation For Online Worship Service 

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