by Pastor Aaron Layne
It was a plan set in motion some time ago as we have systematically improved the technology around the worship space and Fellowship Hall. Due to the dedication of so many, the giving of time, talents, and treasures, the last part of the upgrade plan was completed this past week with the purchase and installation of Live Streaming equipment.
There are many to thank, from Joan Hinton and Chuck & Phylis Graver, who's generous memorial gifts have made a lasting impact on our mission and ministry, to the Church Councils of past and present as well as the Administration Team and Chair Ed Cooper for their vision to take care of the needs of those who are here at AdventELC, as well as spreading God's Word to the world.
Dale Bicker, Del Phillips, Mike Deeter, and so many others have literally saved this congregation
thousands of dollars
by donating their time and expertise to obtain and install equipment.
Some may ask,
Why Live Streaming?
A fair question.
The goal of any church is to reach people and touch lives. Our goal and our focus, especially in this year of 2020 is to
SEE CHRIST CLEARLY
and to
MAKE CHRIST CLEARLY SEEN.
By streaming our services and other events, we are able to take this ministry beyond the walls of the church, connecting with more people than ever before in the name of Jesus.
Increased access to the internet has transformed the way people communicate. It is nearly impossible to be in a public place for more than a few minutes without seeing someone use a smartphone to check Facebook, read an article, or send a quick text.
Churches across the country have started to take advantage of this high-tech era by streaming their services. Observing that their community is spending more and more time on their various digital devices, savvy churches can stay relevant by meeting their members where they are: online.
1. Reach Seekers
Live video streaming allows us to reach people we have never reached before. Take a moment to imagine someone who has never set foot in a church, whose parents never spoke about God, and whose friends don’t identify with religion. Still, that person might be curious about the Bible and wants to learn more. Though we’ve all driven by hundreds of churches, most people who fit this description will start their search on Google instead of walking through the doors of a church. Showing our services online shows them a glimpse of the community they could join.
2. Connect With People Who Are Home Sick
On an average Sunday morning, most churches in America could fill the rosters of several baseball teams with people who have stayed home - either because they’re sick or because they’re caring for someone one who is. One of the most practical and consistently relevant applications of streaming is that it allows the 34-year-old mother to stay at home with her coughing 6- year-old while still tuning into take part in her weekly worship.
3. Share Important Moments
Every year, we host important events - weddings, music from the Live Nativity, BEARS programs, funerals/memorial services, and more. Sometimes, however, the people who want to be there just can’t make it. Being able to watch the event streamed live lets these people share those important moments, despite their physical distance.
4. Bless those Faraway
Our community members aren’t confined to the walls of your church...our ministry shouldn’t be either. Individuals and families who have been apart of AdventELC have moved away for various reasons, yet still want to connect to this family of faith.
Live video streaming is a special tool that can bring them the comfort of home, even when as they adjust to their new surroundings and find a new church home. The ability to tune into your church online can bless them in a special way, even when they're hundreds or thousands of miles away.
5. Welcome New Families
Before believers move to a new area, they’ve often searched online for the new church they can join. After all, a church is a haven for anyone new to a community. Showcasing our sermons and services online makes them more comfortable with who you are, what you’re about, and what they should expect from your ministry; it lets new families see if your church is the right fit for them.
PLEASE SHARE
our new online presence with those you know online. Use one of these graphics we have designed to invite others from your social media platforms to come to church with you, digitally!
