Intro
In a world where almost everyone is online, live streaming can help churches reach more and more people.
In fact, churches that stream online reach more new people and can easily engage with people around the world.
Connecting with people online can help your church establish trust with new people and help viewers feel part of a community.
Since a live stream might be the first experience a guest has with your church, you want to make sure their experience is seamless.
So, let’s talk about how to use live streaming to connect with new people.
Integrating Church Management Software with Live Stream Platforms
The best way to integrate ChMS with live stream platforms is to create a virtual connect desk for online viewers.
This virtual desk can be a place where viewers ask questions and interact with staff and help them feel plugged into your church.
First, select a live stream platform that supports integration with your ChMS and offers features like live chat, viewer engagement analytics, and easy integration with your church website.
Next, check if your ChMS offers built-in integration with your chosen livestream platform. If not, you might consider getting ChMS which includes a live streaming platform.
If your ChMS allows you to sync member data, track attendance, and collect engagement metrics during live streams, you can use this data to set up automation and connect with viewers.
Lastly, set up a virtual connect desk like a webpage or chat room. This will help online viewers feel a part of your church by interacting with church staff or volunteers in real time.
Creating an Online Attendance Form
You can’t connect with new people unless you know who they are. This is why creating an online attendance form is so important.
Follow these 3 simple steps for creating an online attendance form and start connecting with new people.
Step 1: Create the Form
For best results and greater efficiency, use the forms built right into your ChMS. This will ensure your data is consistent and provide easier ongoing maintenance.
Step 2: Design the Form
Design a simple form that captures essential information from online viewers. Include fields like:
- Full Name: To identify attendees.
- Email Address: To send follow-up communications and updates.
- Location: To understand the geographical context of your audience.
- Are you a first-time viewer? (Yes/No).
- Would you like to receive updates and news from our church? (Yes/No).
- Any prayer requests or feedback you want to share? (Open-ended).
Step 3: Ask Engaging Questions
Here are a few questions you can ask:
- What part of today’s service resonated with you the most?
- Is there any way we can better support you or improve your online worship experience?
Your online attendance form can serve as a pivotal tool for getting to know new viewers and building relationships with them.
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Utilizing Communication Workflows
Communication workflows are designed to help you reach more people in less time.
Without proper communication workflows, your staff wastes precious time and online visitors can fall through the cracks.
Use communication workflows in your ChMS to:
- Automate follow-up communication like emails, texts, and notifications to make sure visitors get connected with.
- Schedule reminders to send birthday cards and event invites to foster a deep sense of community.
- Automate surveys and feedback forms to gather input from online viewers and address any concerns or suggestions raised.
Every step you take to personalize communication helps online viewers feel cared for and part of a thriving community.
Sending Follow-Up Emails or Text Messages
Without follow-up, online viewers often feel disconnected.
Using proper follow-up emails or text messages help them feel part of a caring community.
Here are a few suggestions for follow-up communication:
Follow Up Quickly
Immediately after online viewers attend a service or event, make sure they receive a “thank you for joining” text or email. You can also include helpful links to your church website, online sermons, upcoming events, etc.
Follow Up Frequently
Within 1 or 2 days, send another text or email sharing information about your church’s values and how to get more involved. Include an invite to an online meet-and-greet with your leaders.
Follow Up Regularly
Make sure to regularly communicate with online viewers to keep them connected and engaged. Provide ministry updates, event invites, and volunteer opportunities.
Follow these suggestions and help online viewers feel part of your church.
Building Lasting Relationships with Online Attendees
You are now better equipped to build lasting relationships with your online attendees.
Because the reality is, online viewers desire connection too.
And, when you take the time to initially connect with new online viewers, they are more likely to attend in-person services and events.
The time you take to communicate with each and every online viewer is never wasted. Let’s continue to expand the kingdom one step at a time.
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