Considerations for Online Streaming of Church Services and Events
In recent days, the news media and true-life crime stories have involved criminal activities related to church leaders and criminal decisions that have been acted out, leading up to sexual assault, abuse, and suicide and even murder charges. Many of these cases have been judged and dealt with using multiple instances of cyber stalking and questionable texting between both the perpetrators and the victims. Although these activities involved individuals within the church congregation, there is a rising trend that creates a legitimate concern for churches who engage in online streaming.
One recent case involving cyberstalking after accessing a church’s online streaming portal occurred in when a Macomb, MI man was banned from a church in New York he attended during his time as a student in that state. He was barred from the church after sending a series of explicit and disturbing emails. His behavior became increasingly threatening and eventually led to criminal charges. He continued to make contact and follow church members through online services and was eventually arrested for threats of violence against the church. (Ministry Watch, 2026; www.ministrywatch.com)
This is just one instance of increased violence against the church, so understanding the risks and how to mitigate against online media exposures becomes more critical moving forward. Between the years of 2018 and 2024, the Family Research Group tracked violent incidents against churches and found an alarming 1,384 acts of hostile action (Ministry Watch, 2026; www.ministrywatch.com).
Since 2020 when COVID mandates became a reality and many churches were closed, online church services have become a popular option for most churches. There are defined positive results with churches being capable of enlarging congregation numbers and meeting the needs of those unable to attend services in person. These factors create more opportunities for greater reach from the ministry perspective. With that in mind, churches should address and follow some basic risk management recommendations to assess vulnerability before disseminating the services through a media platform.
Risk Management considerations include:
1) Privacy & Safety
Does the church have signs posted both at the facilities and as warnings online about live streaming?
Are there clearly defined areas within the church designated for those in the congregation who do not wish to be on camera?
Do children’s ministries secure written permission from every parent before including children in the recording?
Do the camera operators disable and cut off the feed during sensitive church service times such as a business meeting or private prayer service?
2) Copyright & Licenses
For most churches, song lyrics and graphics used during services are not exempt from Copyright infringement laws and licensing. Has the church secured these required licenses and permissions before broadcasting?
3) Cybersecurity & Data
Has the church secured updated firewalls and current systems to safeguard against ransomware and data theft?
4) Relational Disconnect
Livestreaming creates another risk and that involves the lack of fellowship when church members no longer engage with the local church to form relationships. According to a Barna Group study 62% of online church members feel disconnected from the church community compared to 23% of in-person attendees.
5) Technical & Operational Failure
Have the church personnel who run the online platform invested time and knowledge in gaining experience to share the broadcast without a breakdown in connection, such as internet crashes, dropped streams, or black screens? Most individuals who utilize online streaming will be aware of the expertise or lack of it.
Be Safe, Not Sorry When Live Streaming Your Worship Service) https://anchor-insurance.com/be-safe-not-sorry-when-live-streaming-your-worship-services/
While all these considerations look at the risk and exposure for online streaming, the positive outcomes and opportunities for ministry growth increases exponentially from year to year. In fact, streaming services have grown overall with Broadcast television declining by 21% and Cable television trending down by 39%, streaming services have grown by 71% from May 2021 to May 2025 (Nielsen Study). Online streaming is the trend of the future in ministry.
According to Paul Clifford, who is an Educator in Risk Management, “You just have to be intentional and minimize risk to make sure that your livestream helps people while not hurting or revealing those who are vulnerable.” (www.churchproduction.com, 2026; Paul Clifford)
Where online services are offered, please consider those individuals that may face risks and be certain you have done your part in protecting your congregation.
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