According to Grey Matter Research, more than 17 million non-churchgoers visited church websites in the past year. “Churches are natural places of interaction,” said Scott McConnell, LifeWay Research Director. “Congregations are rapidly adopting social networking, not only to speed their own communication, but also to interact with people outside their church.” In addition to social networking, there is a growing trend of ministries extending worship and education opportunities beyond the walls of the church building. Ministries are finding a healthy online community is a powerful tool to reach new people locally and the world abroad.

Thanks to the advancements in Ethernet-based Internet access and streaming video technology, ministries can now expand their reach by offering a safe church experience completely over the Internet. The technology behind the scenes making this online interaction possible is often an Ethernet Internet connection powering a streaming media/content server that delivers live streams and rapidly deployed fresh content.

I’ve compiled a Top 5 list of best practices utilized in ministries who invested in Ethernet Internet access and streaming video technology.

1. Reach Local Unchurched. People who may not be comfortable entering a church building now have a safe, anonymous way of watching live worship services online. This can be a great way for people to try your church without experiencing the initial fear of entering the building without knowing what takes place inside.
2. Reach Homebound. People unable to attend your church building because of sickness or physical limitations can join the live worship experience by watching online through their Internet connection at home.
3. Reach Distant Church Members. Have college students, former members who have moved away, or members serving in the military who want to be a part of your congregation and receive continued discipleship and encouragement? You’d be surprised at how many online viewers who have ties to your church will watch from other countries.
4. Inclement Weather. Thunderstorms may make it unsafe or discourage some people from coming to the church building. Having a live online worship service allows people to watch the service from home (providing they still have electricity and Internet service). Make sure your website includes a place for members to give their offering online. ☺
5. Reach the World. Want to reach more people with Good News than can fit in the sanctuary of your church building? The streaming online coverage area is global (potentially wherever there is an Internet connection). Live streaming may not be right for every church. However, if you are looking to make a greater impact in your local community and around the world, especially to reach the next generation while keeping connected to a tech-savvy population, it has never been easier or more affordable to use live streaming video powered by Ethernet Internet access.