The landscape of corporate worship has shifted dramatically with the surge of livestreaming. Shortly after our church launched livestream services, along with thousands of other churches following the pandemic, I heard a comment that has haunted me ever since: “I’m so glad our church started offering a livestream! Every Sunday I watch the service in my hot tub. It’s so convenient.” I offered a weak smile. But I wanted to roll my eyes. Is this what online ministry has become? A “convenient” way to half-engage the church of the living God?
I know I'm not alone in this frustration. Many volunteers share my exasperation. Every Sunday believers across the globe sleep in, roll out of their beds and onto their couches, and watch church online. For some, it seems to have become an easy excuse for minimal engagement with worship and biblical community. Meanwhile, week after week, dedicated volunteers invest their time and energy, waking up early and spending hours on Sundays to create what some perceive as merely a convenient option.
But this is not the whole picture. In fact, I would like to share a different story for my audiovisual friends.
Across the Atlantic, in Spain, someone began watching our worship services. A friend of hers had moved to Pennsylvania and started attending our church. Because we offer an online option, this Spaniard started watching our worship services along with her friend who attended in person.
For nearly a year—yes, this was a year-long engagement—she listened to our sermons and sang along with our worship team. But she now had questions. Eventually she mustered the courage to reach out and ask me a question about one of my sermons. Imagine the surprise of receiving an email from someone so geographically distant. Once her email hit my inbox, I agreed to meet with her via Zoom.
We began meeting every couple of weeks to discuss theology and Christianity. Over the ensuing months, I walked her through the story of the Bible. We discussed the doctrines of revelation, sin, salvation, and sanctification. I was able to send resources and share the gospel. Then one day, through the Wi-Fi airwaves, she made the decision to follow Jesus … all made possible through the digital connection forged by our online ministry.
Last Easter, my new Spanish friend visited the United States. I was able to meet her in person at our Sunday services. We even connected her with a retired missionary in our church who had spent time in Europe. This missionary was able to help her find a local church in her city.
None of this would have been possible without our online ministry team.
Hey, A/V Team: you matter! You faithfully show up midweek for rehearsal. You arrive early on Sundays and set up in “bat cave” (my name for our isolated livestream room). You meticulously set up the sound, ensuring every note resonates clearly. You artfully swivel the cameras, framing each shot to guide the visual experience. You navigate the complexities of software and remember numerous passwords. You work through connection issues with outdated equipment. You are the unsung heroes of an unassuming ministry.
And yes, all this effort provides an easy excuse for a few sleepy parishioners to “conveniently” watch from their hot tub. But that is not the whole story.
You are the conduit that brings the church to those who cannot attend in person.
To the sick and injured, confined to their homes or beds but longing for connection.
To the outcasts, who will not walk in due to the weight of shame or embarrassment.
To the elderly, whose physical limitations no longer allow them the drive.
To the neurodivergent, who feel overstimulated in typical worship services.
To those suffering social anxiety, overwhelmed by the crowds at church.
To those traveling, who still want to participate with their church family.
To those without reliable transportation, but a longing to worship.
To those exploring faith, yet needing anonymity as they join this virtual space.
Your ministry reaches people who would never visit in person. And maybe even curious Europeans.
Take heart. Thank you for your ministry behind the scenes.
About the Author
Nik Schatz is a lead pastor in Virginia Beach and adjunct professor at Lancaster Bible College. He and his wife have two children. He is a mediocre guitar player, avid chess player, and lover of Tex Mex food.