Resources for worship in Stage 3 restrictions

The new stage 3 restrictions in Victoria limit our capacity for producing live-streamed church services, as many churches did on Sunday March 29. Below are some suggestions and resources to help communities continue to provide worship gatherings. Hopefully you’ve used our decision-tree to determine which best suits your community.

We’re aware there are many different platforms and technologies available. We’ve attempted to identify user-friendly options. These options have no charge (unless otherwise indicated) If you’d like to contribute your suggestions, please feel free to get in touch and we’ll add them to the suggestions below.

Section 1 – Live public broadcasts

There are two simple options.

(a) Skeleton crew broadcast via Facebook Live or Youtube Live. Using family members, lead worship from your own home.

(b) A live Zoom broadcast over Facebook. Invite those participating in the service into a Zoom meeting, and stream it to your church Facebook page.

A handy guide is here. Note – the meeting host requires a licensed Zoom account ($).

For either of these options, we’d suggest a few tips – test the technology prior, rehearse your service, and ask everyone contributing to watch this video from Ralph Mayhew.

Section 2 – Live community gatherings

For these, Zoom is an easy option. Simply share the meeting ID with your congregation. For a sense of familiarity, the preacher may choose to use an image of their church as a virtual background.

If your members require assistance to use Zoom, we’re confident the resources on our Zoom help page will help you.

Section 3 – Simulated Live Experience

This option gives you the flexibility of time and editing. Participants can pre-record worship elements, then simply stitch the videos together using free video software, and upload the video to premiere live on your Facebook page at your scheduled worship time. An added bonus is that worship leaders are then released to be live & interacting in the comments.

Here is Facebook’s guide to uploading premiere videos

Section 4 – Curated worship options

This option presents opportunities limited only by your creativity. We’ve suggested a few below. You might like to offer a time for your community to connect virtually to reflect on the experiences at a scheduled time throughout the week.

(a) Provide an online DIY worship experience, such as they do at Manningham Uniting Church – Sunday March 22 or Sunday March 29

(b) Create a YouTube worship playlist, featuring songs of praise, a special guest preacher and reflective prayers – here is an example by Headington Baptist Church

(c) Provide stimulus for families & individuals to use – we love The Bible Project’s Church at Home guides & the resources produced by The Centre for Music, Liturgy & the Arts