Necessary Tools for Virtual Ministry
COVID-19 has caused the majority of our churches to close based on social distancing. Based on the novelty of the virus, pastors and ministry leaders are subjected to proclaiming the gospel from their homes. I thoroughly believe the tools for an online presence are now as vital as the tools used to preach and/or minister. The expectation is for services to be at its best technologicaly. I am giving my simple and humble advice for the preacher to look and sound as professional as possible.
Laptop computer:
A laptop is the best type of computer to use based on its mobility. There are times you may have to move around for comfort and quietness. The computer must be able to connect to wifi. The best option is to connect directly to the router with a RJ45 cable. Wifi can be spotty. It is unforgiving to lose connectivity during a service.
Webcam:
Many laptops have cameras built into the covers of the laptop. Though it is useful, the onboard camera can colorshift and become unstable with your movement. I recommend logitechs 900 series cameras on Amazon.
Microphones/Headphones:
These can be tricky. The best sounding microphones are ones that require 48V power to run. There are USB microphones which can connect directly to the computer. Good, but I recommend an audio interface which allows for maximum control of your voice. The headphones should not be seen. They should be in ear monitors long enough to run out of site to the audio interface.
Check out the Smartmic. Bluetooth for on the go. I have at my desk the MXL under $100. The microphone stand suspension boom is handy also… under $30.
updated list*
Shure MV7 which allows me to connect to usb without the interface. It has a companion software that can boost the signal… Sounds great and looks great.
There is also the Shure SM7. Beast.
I like the Pastor Paul Anslem look. My camera is an DSLR camera with a 15-50 lens. ( NewYorker…I bought it off the street for $100)
Lighting for the ministries that prefer preachers to stand up. Very affordable.
Ecamm
Streamdeck 15. Streamdeck 32
ATEM Pro
UPDATE: THE RODE CASTER PRO $599.00
You wont regret this monster. Great for podcasting and an interface which will store your music for intro and outros. I love it.
Lighting:
Lighting makes the difference. A soft bulb in front of your face will never do the trick. Invest in The Circular light for quick setups and the Cowboy lighting kit which includes the green screen. If you wish to take it up a notch, go with the LED lighting. Even when COVID is under control you will still benefit from these semi-professional items.
Green Screen:
The Green Screen is your ticket to versatility. Here you have the option in Zoom, StreamYard and Wirecast to change your background. Green screens give you the comfort of changing settings and breaking the monotony of your every service setting. The average church-goer is not impressed with your library.
Software:
Conferencing:
Zoom, Adobe Connect, Google, Microsoft Teams, Webex, Ring Central, Streamyard, Wirecast
Editing Video:
Mac: Final Cut, Adobe Premier, Imovie, Screenflow.
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