Exeter church sees a soar in people exploring church via its livestream
An Exeter church has experienced a soar in the number of people attending its services via its livestream.
Rediscover Church based in Northernhay Street, Exeter broadcasts its 11.30am service live online every Sunday to a local and international audience.
People from across Devon tune in via their laptops and mobile phones and are from a broad range of backgrounds including those who have never attended church before and exploring what its like, to those who are unwell and housebound, to others who for a variety of reasons cannot attend in person.
The church say that they are finding an increasing number of people are deciding to watch online before coming in person as it’s an opportunity for them to ‘try church’ before stepping foot through the door.
The church team are now increasingly using the livestream as a digital welcome mat and place emphasis in giving their online viewers a warm welcome, just like someone would experience if they would come to their services in person.
As well as giving the opportunity to watch the service online, the website includes an online chatroom where viewers are invited to contribute and join in interactive discussions throughout the whole service.
Online Pastors are available and active on the chatroom engaging with those tuning in. This includes being available for people to ask them questions about the church and faith, and if anyone would like prayer the team are happy to offer support in this way.
The church also has Online Presenters offering an opportunity for the team to connect with the online viewers in a friendly and personal way.
Now, the church is inviting even more people to tune into its weekly livestream services and explore church for themselves.
Jess Parsons leads the team of Online Pastors and said,
“The online pastors are there to provide a friendly and warm welcome to all the online viewers and make sure that those people watching online have the opportunity to connect and feel part of the Rediscover church family. The online pastors are passionate about supporting people and creating a sense of community amongst our online viewers. They are always so ready and willing to chat to people and offer encouragement. As a church we believe in the power of prayer and the online pastors love to pray for people. Online viewers have the opportunity each week to ask for private prayer at any point during the service. It is always an honour and privilege to be able to stand with people in prayer for all sorts of needs and situations.”
The weekly 11.30am Sunday livestream services can be found at http://live.rediscoverchurch.com or people can tune in via their Facebook Page www.facebook.com/rediscoverchurchexeter
