Months have passed and the world is still reeling from the Covid-19 pandemic. Some churches are still closed to protect their congregation. Others are taking risks despite the steady rise of cases.
No matter how we may individually feel about this crisis, we, the faithful, still believe that the worship services must continue. Let us, however, be smart about how we go about our service.
There are two groups of you ought to be concern about during these uncertain times. These are the volunteers and viewers. Church leaders need to find a way to tap these groups of believers.
Empower Volunteers
A service needs servants. You may be confined at home and the temptation to go at it solo may come but you will hit a wall. You need back-up.
People are angrily waving their fist at the year 2020. You can relate to them. This year has been hard on all of us. Perhaps this can be your way to inspire them to go back to serving.
The simplest strategy to get them back on the ministry is no secret at all. Just contact them individually. Group calls and chats do not work. There are times when people hesitate to answer so as not to be put on the spot.
Hold a pre-service gathering exclusively for the servants also gets them in the mood to serve. Be there to build them up.
Engage Viewers
Content is king! Make sure your videos are excellent. They will keep viewing because of compelling content. Viewers also become sharers. Truly great content can also become viral.
Viewers nowadays have been staring at screens for most of the week. Students take up online classes. Employees and entrepreneurs follow work at home setup. There will be fatigue from this sudden surge of internet activities. Take into account digital burnout.
Adopt techniques like pattern disruption to keep interest high and prevent boredom. Here are a few examples of pattern disruption.
Slides
Photos
Zoom in/out
Animation
Sound effects
B-rolls
Take your worship services to Facebook and Youtube. Use Facebook to foster community life. It has pages to attract new parishioners and groups to connect existing ones. Youtube helps in increasing the range of service.
Content is not the only king though. Many creatives have resigned to the fact that even the most engaging content cannot secure commitment. Churches nowadays are experiencing plummeting attendance in their online gatherings. This is a widespread problem.
What can be done about this conundrum? Consult the other king: connection. So, rally the connectors. These are extroverts who are naturally gifted in engaging people. Remember that content can attract viewers but the connection will make them stay.
Remember the great commission. Keep making disciples even if you are in your living room. The internet can reach all nations. Stay connected with your volunteers and viewers.
Perhaps you had a different plan for 2020. This year may have been a disappointment for you but God always delivers. There is victory waiting around the corner. You may have imagined packed halls for your worship services but the Lord may have something else.
Most people quantify success using numbers. Believe that God qualifies success through deepened relationships. The downfall of huge turnouts is the lack of engagement. Why not go smaller and deeper?
Do one-on-one relationships. Go into households (digitally of course) and connect with families. Check-in on individuals who are alone in this pandemic.
Imagine churches going to the people instead of the people going to them. This is what Jesus wants. He wants you to go!
Shift your perspective. Trust in God’s perspective. Trust in His plans.
Points to Ponder
How can you inspire your fellow servants to serve?
Who can you minister to in this pandemic?
This is one of my lessons on the new course Ministry on Lockdown. Make sure to come back to this website regularly if this has piqued your interest.
Check out our events and do connect with me. I would also be very grateful if you share this post with your family and friends. Thank you and God bless you.
Artwork is created by Michelle B.