Below is a quick guide to help you get started with streaming your online church services, no matter your budget.

You can get started right now completely for free by leveraging what’s called “Simulated Live” services. Simulated Live services are prerecorded services you can stream just like you would a live broadcast.

• Film your service on the newest smartphone you have available.
• Trim the beginning and end of the video within your phone’s built-in app.
• Upload the video to your Vimeo or YouTube account—or to any other streaming provider you use.
• Connect the video to your Church Online Platform account.

If you want this “Simulated Live” experience on Facebook or YouTube, you’ll need to leverage broadcast software like OBS (Open Broadcast Software)—a free app that supports all your favorite streaming platforms. You can explore their Help Portal to help you get started.

Below, we outline several equipment options you can use while keeping your budget in mind:

Low Budget

If you have a smaller budget but still want a truly live experience, we can suggest some equipment to get you started.

For a higher quality USB-based live webcam:

• Logitech C920: $135
  • This is a USB-supported camera with features like Autofocus and Auto Noise Reduction.
• Elgato Cam Link: $130
  • This will turn your DSLR camera into a high-quality live webcam. Make sure to connect your DSLR camera to a high-quality webcam, you'll need an HDMI cable.

Note: For both options, you'll need to use the free software from OBS. Make sure to connect your front-of-house mix to the computer that is running the live service to ensure the audio is high-quality.

Medium Budget

If your budget allows for a new camera, start with a simple DSLR camera.

For an affordable but high-quality option:

• Sony A6600: $1600
  • This camera can double as a great video camera outside of the live service. By purchasing this camera with some additional gear, you’ll be able to produce other high-quality videos throughout the week.
  • Pair the Sony A6600 with the Elgato Cam Link and OBS for a quality recording.

Higher Budget

A larger budget will allow you to purchase equipment that can create multiple camera angles to switch between.

For this camera setup, you'll need:

• Sling Studio: $1900
  • This is a multi-camera broadcasting platform.
  • You’ll have two wireless transmitters.
  • Sling Studio has an app that will allow you to switch between your shots, use lower-third graphics, and cue prerecorded videos.

Note: You don’t have to use OBS to go live but it is recommended.

• iPad/Windows Surface, iPad: $350
  • Use a tablet to easily manage your live stream with the Sling Studio app.
• Cameras:
  • Use the same kind of camera for each angle. If you’re moving from the medium budget to this higher budget, the Sony A6600 is a good choice.
• Elgato Cam Link: $130
  • Sling Studio has an HDMI-out. Use an HDMI cord to the camlink connecting to your computer running OBS.

With this setup, you’ll need a few people to make this all happen:

• Switcher
  • They will use the iPad/Windows Surface to switch between camera angles
• OBS Operator
  • They will transition the different shots in OBS
• Producer/Showrunner
  • It’s best to have someone managing the production to communicate which shots are next and direct the flow of the service.

We know that starting online ministry can be a big job, but there are many ways to record quality services and still stay within your budget.

All of these options work seamlessly with the Life.Church tool, Church Online Platform. Download it today and start reaching people for Christ online—no matter where they are.