“The desire to return to in-person worship services was a pent-up demand far greater than we thought”

Especially this

4. Be careful not to invest too heavily in streaming services. Many church leaders continue to update the digital hardware and software at a significant financial cost. Other leaders spend hours each week preparing and refining the digital services. More attention needs to be paid to working toward getting more of our congregants returning to in-person services.

We are streaming now, did buy equipment for it. We will keep it up, but not make it the priority.

One of our elderly ladies passed a few weeks ago. She didn’t watch the stream, but lived just across the street. We also have an FM broadcaster. She was able to pick it up in her home. Her son stayed home to care for her until she passed. He is back in church, thanking us for the blessing of the FM broadcast for his mom.

So the technology is a tool, but it certainly will never replace the actual services (and we are seeing many new people in our services). A lot of people check us out online first though.

Also, recently had a contact from an old high-school buddy. We haven’t talked in years… maybe forty? Anyway, he is currently watching occasionally from over a thousand miles away. I have no idea where he is at spiritually. Thankful for the opportunity to be used in ministry towards him.

[Don Johnson]

So the technology is a tool, but it certainly will never replace the actual services (and we are seeing many new people in our services). A lot of people check us out online first though.

My mom has continued to use Zoom during her Sunday School class, even though they are meeting in person. She is 76 years old and she is the youngest in the class. The class has grown as a result of Zoom. Although they have great attendance in person, many are way too old to be able to attend class. They are now participating in class, asking questions, participating in prayer requests and fellowship, all over Zoom. Does it replace in person? No way. But it makes a huge difference spiritually to a number of individuals. Technology should be leveraged but should not replace in person.

The church we have been thinking of maybe attending live had a big announcement this last Sunday. I didn’t know any of this because we have been streaming the service. It turns out the 30 year old youth leader (a woman) has been in the hospital for 3 weeks with COVID. The pastor then announced 3 other people who got COVID that week…

I note no one in video image wears a mask, either on stage or in the crowd.

This is why we have yet to return to live church. Too many people are reckless with this thing.