“The Modern Family” style worship service - A few folks have commented on using Zoom to let people lead worship from various places a lot like that cool episode from “Modern Family”. If you don’t use Zoom as a tool for connecting your online community, I’d highly encourage you to do so. Link is here
Credit: Tim D., he’s the first person I heard come up with this idea, though others have mentioned it too.
20 second clips of people - Have folks send in 20 second clips of them to use as a way of engaging throughout the week and it’s a great way to diversify the service. One of the challenges of moving a community of people accustomed to seeing one another and being seen is that this age of social isolation provides the opposite affect. Most people have a phone with a camera, ask them to take a video in landscape mode that and watch how people will be excited to “see one another”. Diversity would be great to lift up in choosing which videos to show as well. If you are like us, your services are a bit shorter than usual, it’s likely you have enough time to incorporate several videos.
Credit: Michelle R.
Paper plate face people - One clergy had his church members set up paper plates with smiley faces in the pews so the pastor doesn’t feel alone while leading worship. Bonus points if you add regular attendees in spots!
Credit Joey R.
Where’s Waldo - Do a version of “where’s Waldo” where the children, very similar to a low key “flat Stanley”, have a version of Where’s Waldo (or maybe Where’s Wanda) show up during your service for a short amount of time and encourage your people to post in your video comments where they found Waldo/Wanda.
Experts galore - One clergy had Dr’s share how they are doing and what they are doing in light of the uncovering situation. Ric had a great idea, but I’m guessing Dr’s are a little busy right now.
Credit Ric S.
Record ahead to diversify - Ask different church leaders to record ahead of your online worship. For example, have some people write and read the prayers of the people, call to worship or Scripture reading. While people have more time on their hands, you can show off the many gifts and skills of your people while mixing up worship. Let’s face it, you are awesome, but 6 weeks of just you…
Children’s focused lessons - Many church leaders agonize over how to provide a children’s time while still keeping the moment authentic, about the kids and not just a show for older adults to ohh and ahh over. Try having Children’s time for kids with object lessons they can find from home to join in on your lesson. Even providing new and interesting songs about washing hands while talking about how the Bible addresses hand washing (Exodus 30, Psalm 51 etc)
Outfit changes - Have the worship leaders change outfits between parts of the worship to keep the folks on their toes.
Credit Evangeline
Bedtime stories - One clergy will be reading bedtime stories with the Pastor online to be used during bed time or nap time.
Credit Christy N.H
Q&A with the the Pastor - One clergy offered the idea of a Live Q&A style sermon with live streaming questions
Credit Cody S.
This is my list friends. Add more of your great ideas in the comment section below and vote for your favorite one by writing which number you like the best. If you decide to incorporate one of these ideas, please let us know, we would love to share your awesomeness!