When evaluating how to integrate digital media into your church community, there are several key factors to consider.
Define Your Identity
It’s crucial to view digital media as a platform for authentic interaction and communication that reflects the true essence of your church community. Before you begin, you need to have a clear understanding of your church’s vision, mission, unique ministries, and overall identity. Digital media can either clarify or muddle these aspects.
Clarify Your Purpose
Identify your top three objectives for utilizing digital media. These objectives will guide your decisions on where to allocate time and resources and how to measure success. Clearly outlining your digital media goals also helps in guiding those you hire or partner with.
Sometimes, these goals will require different approaches. For example, if your goal is to increase attendance at services or improve event communication, you may need to adjust your methods and platforms accordingly.
Depending on your needs, it may make more sense to start with a social media presence, or perhaps invest in a website first. Always consider your audience and the platforms they are most likely to engage with.
Assess Your Resources
It’s important to have a clear understanding of both financial and human resources required for your digital media strategy. While there are endless possibilities, knowing your budget for both initial setup and ongoing expenses is crucial for making thoughtful and sustainable decisions. Here’s an example of a budgeting framework to help you plan.
| Digital Media Item | Initial Cost | Ongoing Costs | Who Maintains It/Costs? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Website | Domain Name, Website Creation, SEO & Google Listing | Website Hosting, Content Creation, Maintenance (updating events, banners, sermons, etc.) | Admin (3 hrs/week), Video (4 hrs/week), Developer (fixes/updates) |
Trust the Right Partners
Here are some essential questions to ask when selecting the right individuals or companies for your digital media needs:
- Can you show me examples of your previous work?
- Do you have any references I can contact about your services?
- Can you provide a clear timeline for implementation?
- What are the terms of your contract? How long are we committed to working together?
Ensure Everything is Integrated
The more interconnected your digital tools are, the more streamlined your processes will be, reducing the need for constant maintenance. Consider the long-term picture when making decisions, and plan for future expansions. Here’s an example of what an integrated system might look like.
Website
When it comes to creating your church’s website, there are a variety of approaches. Services like Subsplash.com or Nucleus.church offer easy-to-use templates for churches, while church management software such as PlanningCenter.com can help you build a website in-house. These platforms are quick to set up, easy to maintain, and often include useful features like online giving.
Alternatively, you could work with a web professional to develop a custom website that is tailored to your community’s needs. Just be sure that the website is built on a content management system that makes it easy for staff or volunteers to keep it updated. Some web designers also offer post-launch support and management services. Custom sites provide greater flexibility but may come with a higher price tag.
Consider incorporating SEO (Search Engine Optimization) services to improve your church’s visibility in online searches. Additionally, listing your church on map services helps locals find you more easily.
Social Media
More than half of the global population is active on social media. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp have become vital tools for communication.
Focus on the social media platforms that align with your objectives. If increasing church attendance is your goal, use social media to give potential visitors a sense of your community’s atmosphere. Share photos that capture the essence of your church. If you want to communicate with your existing congregation, consider creating a page exclusively for announcements and events.
Managing multiple social media accounts can be time-consuming. Consider using tools like Crowdfire, Hootsuite, or Buffer to schedule posts, track interactions, and manage everything in one place.
Streaming Services / Video Hosting
Streaming your church services or making them available on demand continues to be a valuable tool for reaching both newcomers and regular members who may be unable to attend in person.
Live streaming can be as simple as broadcasting from a smartphone on Facebook or YouTube. However, understanding the required components will help you determine what you need.
Key elements include:
- Video Source: Cameras or a camera system connected to a video mixer
- Audio Source: Microphone or soundboard feed
- Encoder: A device or software that converts audio/video into streamable data
- Streaming Platform: Services like YouTube or Facebook offer free broadcasting, while platforms like daCast or Resi provide more advanced features like multi-platform streaming.
Learning Management
An emerging trend is using digital media for online training and education. As families juggle multiple responsibilities, attending church multiple times a week can be challenging. Online learning platforms can help you offer flexible training for volunteers and discipleship classes.
Platforms like Learndash.com, Teachable.com, and Thinkific.com provide the infrastructure to create and deliver online courses at your own pace.
Online Giving
Consider incorporating online giving alongside traditional in-person donations, event registrations, and café purchases. Each digital payment method may require a separate merchant account, which needs to be tracked by your bookkeeping system. It’s important to choose services that integrate seamlessly with your donor management and accounting software, reducing manual entry and lowering overall costs. While evaluating options, consider transaction fees and the potential for increased bookkeeping complexity.