Hey online worship leader!
Let's point out the biggest difference between ONLINE worship gatherings and IN PERSON worship gatherings: the sense of congregational worship.
That was the allure of gathering together as a church on Sundays - a sense of community. And it's hard to replicate that when people are isolated in their homes "watching church" on a screen.
So, how do we foster congregational worship through online church?
Here are 3 ways to foster congregational worship through online church:
1 | Constantly remind people we are worshiping TOGETHER
The best way to foster a sense of congregational worship online is simply by reminding people.
It's so easy to forget when we're sitting in front of our screens that we are worshiping with the rest of our church.
So, constantly point people to the understanding that, even though we're separated, we are still gathering as the Church on Sundays.
Here's an example: "Do you see that number in the top left of the livestream on your screen? That's not just a random number. Those are real people in real places in real time worshiping along with you. So, even though you might be sitting at your house with your family or your roommate or alone - you are worshiping with your church family. We are in this together!"
2 | Utilize small group online video calls during Sunday worship
Something I've been considering is utilizing online video calls DURING Sunday worship.
What if you had your small groups watch the service together? Sure, people might be sitting there silent but there's something about actually seeing other people worshiping with you. Then, after the service there is a natural transition for those people to connect on a deeper level.
3 | Teach people that congregational worship doesn't just have to happen on Sundays
Teach your church a holistic understanding of worship. Worship is not just gathering in a room together and singing - it's serving each other, it's serving your community, it's sending a text to someone in your church just to check in on them. If you are a worship pastor, use these moments to teach your church that worship is more than singing.
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