Why Zoom is only the beginning for live streaming services for Houses of Worship

Written by

Jacob Braunstein

Published on

September 30, 2020

Zoom has forced many Houses of Worship, along with other organizations (think comedy clubs, gyms, and concert venues) to adapt quickly to the live streaming movement. Many were hesitant with the initial leap into the internet, with common questions being:

Why would we showcase our content for free online?

But now with large gatherings banned throughout most of the United States (if not world), it's forcing organizations to rethink their approach and the potentials cons, as if they don't provide a virtual presence, then there is no relevant connection to their members/customers.

Zoom has proven to be an effective, easy, affordable, and widely accessible form of connecting virtually. As the widespread use was initially fun, quirky, and different, we're now entering month 4 of our quarantine, where people are having serious "Zoom Fatigue". A researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) puts it,

Zoom calls are now becoming exhausting for the average American, because all of our life cycles are happening on the same platform. Before where you might have relaxed by going into a bar, or comedy club, you are now faced by using the same platform where you communicate with co-workers or your therapist.

Zoom is a great short term solution, but let's talk about once you and your clergy are allowed back into your worship space. You have just spent the better half of the year training your members that virtual worship works and exist. Your members ages 60+ are especially hesitant to physically participate with large groups.

You need to continue with your online presence, not just because the times require it, but because your viewers are demanding it.

The truth is good video production is hard. Getting your content out there is easy - you have seen this first hand with Zoom -  sitting 20 inches from your Laptop screen. What happens when you are now standing in a 200 foot sanctuary? You need the cameras, audio, time, skill, and know-how to pull of each one of your services.

There are do-it yourself options and many Houses of Worship are able to pull it off. But at the end of the day...

Houses of Worship are not production companies.

If your sermon doesn't align with their timing, what's stopping them from virtually participating in another Synagogue's service on the other side of the country?

Need something more scalable? That's where LiveControl can help -- we can install and manage all your camera equipment, operate your cameras during your LiveStream, and distribute the content to all your favorite destinations. Want to get started? Visit LiveControl.io for more info.

More from the blog

Your internet speed is one of the most important factors in live streaming!

Read Story 

The shift from physical meetups to virtual hangouts has changed expectations for what “attendance” means for the funeral service. Live streaming is here to stay, and it is an important way for families to connect with their loved ones. It is also a great opportunity for funeral homes to differentiate themselves from their competitors and generate new revenue streams. With cloud-based technology, families can access recordings at any time, making live streaming an invaluable tool for funeral homes.

Read Story 

Accepting donations is one way that congregants engage with and stay connected to their church. With current stay-at-home orders, how can they give from their homes?

Read Story 

Stay in touch!

Get the latest product releases, tips, and LiveControl updates straight to your inbox.

Subscribe
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.