When COVID-19 hit and lockdowns began, churches everywhere were suddenly faced with a challenge they hadn’t planned for—how to continue reaching their congregation without physical gatherings. Livestreaming quickly became the only viable path to ministry continuity. But not everyone was ready—technically, structurally, or financially.
At the time, I was serving in a church that had already made notable investments in its media ministry. We had a solid audio-visual foundation: cameras, a good sound system, projection screens, and overflow setups. While these had primarily been used to serve in-person congregants, they now provided a strong starting point for transitioning online.
For some time before the pandemic, I had been advocating for the church to consider livestreaming or at least recording and uploading sermons online. But understandably, it hadn’t been a priority. The ministry had grown using other effective means, and there hadn’t been a felt urgency for digital broadcasting.
When the lockdown came, however, there was no longer a choice. The message had to reach people—this time through screens. I took the lead in proposing practical, cost-effective solutions using the equipment we had, and suggesting key additions that could enhance our setup. It wasn’t easy. The budget hadn’t accounted for this shift, and not everyone immediately saw the long-term value. But with patience and clear communication, we found a way forward.
One of the most important lessons I learned during that time was the need for technicians to bridge the gap between the technical world and the ministry vision. It became my job not just to set up cables and configure systems, but also to explain to leadership—clearly and respectfully—why certain tools mattered and how they served the church's mission.
Eventually, we implemented a system that worked. It was simple, reliable, and scalable. That very setup is still in use today, and I’m proud of the part I played in helping make it possible.
Insights from That Experience
From that journey, here are some guiding reflections I carry with me into every church media project:
- Start with excellence, even if resources are limited. You don’t need every gadget on the market. What matters is doing the basics well—with clarity, purpose, and care.
- Sound matters more than video. When internet speed is poor, the video might downgrade, but good audio keeps people engaged. A sound card for analog-to-digital conversion can make a world of difference, especially if your camera or video switcher offers only basic audio inputs.
- One well-operated camera is enough to begin. For churches starting out with limited gear, a single camera can do a lot—if it’s handled with skill. Smooth movements and intentional framing help keep the online audience focused on the message.
- Don’t overwhelm your audience. Whether it’s overly loud sound or overly complex camera angles, simplicity often wins. My principle: Less is more.
- Train your team. Equipment without knowledge doesn’t serve the mission. Volunteers should understand what they’re doing and why. A well-trained team multiplies excellence.
- Think long-term. When setting up systems, think about how they can grow. A good design allows for future upgrades, making sure that today's decisions don’t limit tomorrow’s possibilities.
Livestreaming is not just a technical function; it’s ministry. It’s how we reach, serve, and engage people who might never walk through the door—but are still part of the Body.
If you’re part of a church exploring or struggling with livestreaming, I hope my story encourages you. You can start small and grow with time. What matters most is building with vision, training with excellence, and always putting the message and the people first.
By Kanyingi Chege
Media Technologist | Sound Engineer | Technical Trainer | Videographer