Engaging Online & In-Person Members
Many ecclesias now include members who participate primarily or entirely online, whether due to distance, health, isolation, or other circumstances. These brothers and sisters are a vital part of ecclesial life, and intentional effort helps ensure they remain fully connected to the fellowship. The ideas below offer practical ways to strengthen the bond between online and in-person members, both during Sunday services and throughout the week.
Incorporating Online Viewers into In-Person Sunday Services
Announce the number of people attending online
Welcome individuals attending online by name
Schedule time for in-person attendees to interact with online viewers
Create opportunities for in-person attendees to step in front of the camera and wave
Appoint a time for comments from online viewers
Project the screen showing online viewers during Sunday school
Ask someone online to give one or more prayers during each service
Stream exhortations live online
Use a cell phone held up to the microphone so that a remote member can pray or comment
Pair members watching online with members in person for follow-up after morning service and mid-week interaction. Consider a list that rotates monthly to encourage a variety of interactions centered around God's word.
If Sunday school is broadcast virtually, include quick and interactive games such as Bible trivia. Online viewers can participate by cell phone or chat as they are able.
Plan an outdoor service when the weather allows
Increasing Ecclesial Interaction Outside Sunday Morning
Zoom coffee hour
Outdoor events or outdoor services
Zoom reading groups
Zoom small group discussions
Zoom book studies
Hybrid CYC, Ladies' classes, and other gatherings, with a laptop or tablet set up in person using the same Zoom account as Sunday morning (which may be funded by WCF)
Other Fresh Ideas
Create an outreach campaign on social media
Where possible, invite a young person or team of young people who attend only online to take the lead on the campaign
Build a rotating schedule so that different members take the lead each month or quarter
Pair a young person with an elder in the ecclesia to call or write to each other. Provide a list of starter topics to help the conversation along.
Sponsor an outside event such as a neighborhood cleanup or community 10K, chosen by members who attend virtually
Volunteer together as an ecclesia at a food pantry, Meals on Wheels, Feed My Starving Children, or another local charity. Make a special effort to personally invite members who do not attend regularly.