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 and allows you to add and switch between multiple camera angles. 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 turns your DSLR camera into a high-quality live webcam. Use an HDMI cord to connect your DSLR camera directly to your computer, and remember to add the Cam Link as a device in your broadcasting software (OBS).

Note: For both of these 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 software to create a high-quality stream.

Higher Budget

If you have a higher budget and multiple crew members available, you can create a high-end production with multiple camera angles.

For this camera setup, you'll need:

Broadcasting Software

• OBS: Free
  • This software is perfect for general live streaming and video mixing, allowing you to add and switch between multiple camera angles.
  • A simple option for smaller productions.‍
• ‍vMix: Up to $1200 (Pro Lifetime License)
  • vMix is a powerful live video production and streaming software for Windows. It allows users to mix, switch, record, and live-stream video content from multiple sources.
  • This is a cost-effective alternative with a higher capacity for multiple cameras, inputs, and outputs.

Equipment/Gear

• Tablet, iPad: $350
  • vMix includes a built-in web interface that lets you control switching, overlays, audio, and playback remotely from a browser on any device (iPad, Android tablet, etc.)
  • OBS does not have a web interface, so you'll need a third-party solution like Stream Control or OBS Blade to control the production remotely.‍
  • Note: Consider purchasing a physical switcher in case your PC crashes or there is a delay when switching between camera feeds.

• 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.

Crew Members

• Switcher
  • They will use the tablet or switcher to switch between camera angles.
• Broadcasting Software Operator
  • They will transition the different shots in OBS or vMix.
• 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.