Why Churches MUST Livestream their Sermons in 2025

Gregory BoneyMinistry Insights

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These days, a first-time visit to your church often starts long before anyone walks through your doors. It starts online. If your worship service isn’t available to watch, there’s a good chance that spiritually curious guests will move on before ever giving you a chance.

That’s why live streaming your service isn’t just a tech upgrade — it’s one of the most powerful evangelistic tools your church has today.

Why Live Streaming Still Matters

I recently saw a bold claim in a social media ad: “Live streaming your worship service is a waste of time.” The argument? That short-form video content is a better way to reach people.

Now, don’t get me wrong — short-form video is incredibly powerful. But why does it have to be either-or?

If I could only choose one tool to invest in for digital ministry, I’d still choose live streaming. Here’s why.


1. It’s Primarily for Your Guests

Live streaming absolutely serves your members — those traveling, homebound, recovering, or studying away at college. But its greatest impact is on your guests.

Before visiting, people check your website, scroll your social channels, and browse YouTube. And they’re watching your worship service — especially the archive — to get a feel for your church.

In fact, at my own church, we often have five times more people watch the service online in the first week than actually attend in person.


2. It Reduces Fear of the Unknown

Visiting a new church can be intimidating. People want to know:

  • What do they believe?
  • Will I fit in?
  • Is this going to be weird?

Watching a service online gives them a safe, no-pressure way to explore. No awkward greetings, no need to dress a certain way. Just a front-row seat to see what your church is all about.

And it works. A study in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion found that familiarity with a worship service builds emotional engagement. That’s why online access helps people feel connected — before they ever step foot inside.


3. It’s Linked to Church Growth

While working on my PhD, I studied seven features of church websites to see which ones were linked to actual growth. Only three had a statistically significant connection — and one of them was offering a worship service archive.

It wasn’t about slick production. It was about access. Churches that made it easy for guests to watch a past service were more likely to grow.

Your livestream archive isn’t just tech — it’s a welcome mat that says, “You belong here.”


4. It’s Your Church’s Digital Front Porch

Think of your livestream as the front porch of your church. It’s where people peek inside before knocking. If what they see is real, Christ-centered, and warm, many will take that next step and visit in person.

But if there’s nothing to see? They’ll simply move on to a church that shows up online.

People expect digital access. Let’s meet them there — and show them Jesus.


If You’re Starting Somewhere, Start Here

Yes, post short videos, sermon clips, and devotionals on social media. But if you’re wondering where to begin, begin with live streaming.

Archive it. Make it easy to find. Because that one service might be what helps someone move from curiosity to connection — and eventually to commitment.

Live streaming is not just for your congregation. It’s for your community.

So press on, pastor. You’re doing good work. And God is using you in ways far beyond what you can see.

Need some encouragement or inspiration? Check out our last episode of Ministry Insights, where I share how keeping a promise to my son turned into one of the most meaningful moments of my ministry.