We all know this is an unprecedented time we are living through. The COVID-19 virus has presented societal challenges we couldn’t imagine even a month ago. Social distancing has had a profound effect on work, school, recreation, and just about every aspect of day-to-day life in St. Louis and throughout the world.

In these difficult times, many turn to their faith. But the social nature and bonding of attending services and interacting with other congregants have been severely curtailed with social distancing measures. Fortunately, technology can bring some needed continuity to these vital social constructs. Read on to see how you can use church audio-video solutions to continue to serve congregants of every religion and denomination with messages and services that strengthen the bonds of community in St. Louis and beyond.

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Live-Streamed Services

With schools and offices temporarily closed, millions have turned to technology to continue to work and learn. In the business world, even before the current issues, the ease of today's videoconferencing and collaboration tools had already decreased the need for face to face meetings, training, and business travel. While there is no substitute for in-person interaction and experiences when it comes to faith-based organizations, technology can still help maintain communication, interactions, and connections.

It is relatively easy and straightforward to continue to interact with congregations using video and audio technology. Many churches, synagogues, and mosques have already started using video communication platforms like Zoom, Skype, and Google Meetings to continue to hold virtual services. Other platforms like Facebook and YouTube, which both feature live video streaming options and are inherently social networks that a majority of people use, make good alternatives both to host live services and store them for on-demand viewing by congregants.  

Interactive Learning and Meetings

While streamed services may limit interaction within the service, it is possible for congregants to interact via platforms in various ways. Built-in chat mechanisms can be used to make comments or pose questions to leaders. Songs and psalms during a service can be performed and included from another location as well. A little creativity in the use of technology can yield great benefits in reimagining how to continue connections. 

It’s not just large services that can benefit from video delivery. Any faith-based organization has many smaller meetings for education, social support, and organizational planning and management. The investment in equipment for live-streamed services can serve for these purposes as well.

How to Get Started

While live streaming technically can be done with a smartphone, a quality experience requires more than a personal device. However, it need not be complicated to add to your existing system, which may have microphones and other audio equipment that could be used. Elite Technology Solutions has many years of experience with audio and video systems for church and commercial settings, and we can quickly configure and install the right solution for you. Even after the current situation has passed, you will have a technology solution that continues to extend the reach of your organization in positive ways.

To learn more, call us today at (636) 939-4474 or reach out on our contact page. We look forward to working with you!