What are the best software tools for churches? Lots of different church software options aren’t made equal. You need effective tools that allow you to effectively provide excellent online church services. In this post you will discover church software solutions and resources you can implement today to get results.
Church Software can Include programs like Online Giving, Church management software, Church accounting software, Online order forms and payments, Online Registry or Giving Island, Online Storefronts or eCommerce Solutions, Event Registration and Registration Forms, Guest Books, Church Bulletin Boards and more.
Benefits of Church Streaming Services
Broadcasting a religious service offers many benefits for churches like yours. When you stream and broadcast a church service with a streaming platform, you can reach people who could otherwise not make it to worship with the community.
This could be people who are homebound due to an illness or injury, or people who are too old to drive themselves. People with disabilities also benefit from streaming church services. This is also particularly helpful during global crises, like COVID-19, which we’re currently experiencing.
Some other benefits of live streaming church services include:
- Allow members who are sick or injured, too old to make it in person, or have a disability that makes it difficult to travel to watch your service.
- Helps members who are traveling and want to continue to participate in their own faith community
- Extends your reach beyond your local community and help people to connect with one another
- Create a live stream of your sermon or broadcast a private event for members of your congregation who cannot attend
- Record your live streams and make them available as video on demand. This is also a great way to lock in the experience of each event forever. It allows people who missed the live event to watch it later on in their own time.
It is also common to live stream church’s Christmas programs and other special events. This allows the congregation to attend from home.
Church Live Streaming Statistics
In the past few years, churches and other places of worship have been turning to over-the-top (OTT) live streaming technology to make services and events available over the internet. Here are a few 2021 streaming statistics and trends for why churches are opting to live stream virtual services:
- Many churches are building online communities that could very well transition into in-person attendance, and 33% of churchgoers have found their current churches online.
- About 20% report that they have opted to view the service online rather than in-person, but they’ve only done this one or two times. 16% of these people say that they’ve opted for the online service three to five times, and about 14% have done it six or more times.
- Live streaming has allowed worshipers to simply turn on service on their phones, and 44% of people have said that they prefer to be alone while they pray and worship. This allows users to experience the structure of religious service from wherever they’re most comfortable, as opposed to in the traditional church setting.
- People feel more comfortable making payments online, and reports show that over $2.2 billion worth of donations have been made in a single year’s time.
- When it comes to live streaming vs in-person worshipping, 47% of people did not abandon in-person services for virtual alternatives
How to Live Stream A Church Service
We’ve created this step-by-step how-to guide on the live streaming of church services. While it may seem overwhelming to figure out how to get your Sunday service online quickly, we’re here to help you. Please follow this church services live streaming tutorial to set everything up correctly.
1. Make a Plan
Start with a road map of where you are now and where you want to be. Take note if you already have church live streaming equipment available and what type of new video equipment you’d like to invest in.
Consider where you want to stream your sermon. What sort of features do you need to make this happen? This will determine the platform you end up using to live stream the church service.
2. Choose a Church Streaming Service
A reliable church streaming service is essential for hosting a professional-grade live stream. You will likely want a church streaming service that includes the following features:
- White-label HTML5 video player
- Customizable and brandable
- Supports multi-destination streaming
- Advanced video analytics
- Powerful security tools
- Robust content management system
- Easy to use interface
In addition to checking all of these boxes, you’re going to want to choose a solution that fits your budget.
3. Prepare Your Setup
The success of a live stream starts with the setup. Choose a camera based on workflow requirements. Set up your camera with the view you want people tuning in to see.
Next, choose a video encoder. An encoder takes your video signal and converts it to a stream of data that can be sent over the internet. These are essential additions to live broadcast software for churches that you can use for encoding, but for the best quality, use dedicated encoding hardware.
Work on your lighting. When you work on your lighting within the church, your live stream will have a better quality picture for those watching. Use a separate mix for your audio live stream by using an Aux mix output. Then you can mix it remotely for a better audio feed.
4. Test Everything
Do a test run to make sure that your live streaming setup is ready to go. It is better to catch any snags in the system before you’re live in front of an audience.
Check your internet speed to make sure that it is fast enough to stream. It is recommended that your upload speed is double the speed that you plan to stream with.
At this stage, we also recommend ensuring that you have the licenses that allow you to stream the copyrighted music that you’re streaming.
5. Start Streaming
Once everything is set up and working smoothly, it is time to get started. Create the stream, get the cameras rolling, and start streaming.
For more information, check out our series of videos dedicated to live streaming your church services.
Live Streaming Solution for Churches
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular streaming services that ministers and pastors can utilize to stream religious or spiritual services. We’re basing our comparison of live streaming for churches on the features of each online streaming platform.
It’s a Solution, Not an Online Service.
It’s important to note that these platforms are not platforms where you can view live streams of church services. These platforms are hosting platforms for those looking for ways to stream their church’s service to their congregation remotely. Churches are currently facing the problem of not being able to have an in-person sermon. These platforms are the solution to that problem. This guide to solutions and platforms available will allow congregations to live stream their church services around the world during this time of need and after too.
Comparison of The 10 Best Church Streaming Services in 2021
With that information, it’s time to compare the best qualified live streaming platforms churches should consider streaming sermons online. First up, we’ll take a look at our own online video platform.
1. Dacast
Overview:
Dacast specializes in live streaming for churches with plans starting from $39 a month.
Set at a competitive price point, the Dacast streaming platform offers a feature-rich and comprehensive solution for small to larger congregations.
Smaller churches with smaller bandwidth needs may prefer the Starter Plan ($39/month). It includes the same great features as larger churches on the Event or Scale Plans. Please, note that not all online video platforms (OVPs) offer such a starting plan at lower rates.
Additionally, Dacast makes it easy to learn the ropes of broadcasting as you test, set up, and start streaming, which is helpful for first-time church broadcasters.
All Dacast plans include content delivery with top-tier CDNs. With the reliability of a content delivery network, your viewers can watch your stream from all over the world by connecting to a server closest to them.
Features:
Notable features include:
- Content delivery powered by top-tier CDNs
- Support for live streaming and video on demand (VoD) packages
- White label and branding control, with customization and marketing tools
- Compatible with social media platforms and mobile devices
- Zoom live streaming integration with all plans
- Multi-user access on Scale and Custom plans
- Immersive video galleries for displaying church service archives
- Privacy and security features
- Video analytics dashboard
- Live recording
- 24/7 customer support
Pricing:
- Starter Plan: $39/month (includes 1,000 GB of bandwidth & 50 GB of storage)
- Event Plan: $63/month (includes 6 TB of bandwidth upfront and 50 GB of storage)
- Scale Plan: $188/month (includes 24 TB of bandwidth per year and 1 TB of storage)
For more details, please visit our pricing page.
Want to access all of our features and see how our live video solution can help you reach your Church’s streaming needs? Try Dacast risk-free for 30 days with our free trial.
2. Streamingchurch.TV
Overview:
StreamingChurch.TV is a church streaming service designed for church-related streaming alone.
This platform offers many “church-specific” features, including sermon notes, a map of church attendees simulating a live service, and more.
The map feature shows everyone in attendance and also groups them into a moderated chat, where individuals can discuss aspects of the live stream church service sermon. The Integrated Sermon Notes let you follow along as the sermon takes place, ensuring you don’t miss a moment.
StreamingChurch.TV does offer both live and VOD streaming, but only on Premium plans and above. In addition, this OVP offers embedding options to stream live video.
One significant drawback for some congregations is that StreamingChurch.tv does not stream content over a CDN. This can lead to poor video quality when there is a large congregation of viewers watching your broadcast.
Features:
- Live streaming support
- Ad-free streaming
- Facebook and Twitter compatible
- Mobile device and Roku compatible
- Moderated Chat
- Interactive map of attendance
- Integrated sermon notes
Note that VOD, Ultra HD streaming, adaptive bitrate, and simulated live service features are available only on the Premium plan.
Pricing:
- Basic Unlimited Plan: $79/month
- Premium Unlimited Plan: $127/month
- Platinum Unlimited Plan: $179/month
After accessing the one-month free trial, all plans include a one-time $79 activation fee and unlimited bandwidth (except for 24/7 broadcast ministries).
3. BoxCast (Previously SundayStreams)
Overview:
BoxCast is a live streaming solution that was built upon SundayStreams, which was devoted to churches and sermons. SundayStreams was acquired by Boxcast, which expanded its set of features to include a fully adaptive player and Google Analytics integration to access real-time analytics.
BoxCast has a good reputation for responding within 24 hours of a customer reaching out for support via email. However, if you want the guarantee of 24/7 customer support, you’ll want to consider other live streaming platforms for live streaming of church services.
This option does offer a 90-day money-back guarantee, which you can learn more about here.
The greatest strength of BoxCast is its simplicity and ability to reach novice broadcasters.
Features:
- Ad-free streaming
- Easy embedding (stream from your website)
- Phone and email support
- Facebook and Twitter compatible
- Broadcast 24/7
- Mobile compatibility and customizable phone apps
- Analytics dashboards
Price:
- Essential Plan: $99/month
- Growth Plan: $149/month
- Experience Plan: $199/month
Please check out the BoxCast pricing page for an in-depth comparison of the plans.
4. ChristianWorldMedia
Overview:
ChristianWorldMedia offers affordable pricing and a lot of flexibility, making it a good option to consider for churches and congregations. With three different pricing options, even small religious communities can afford live streaming of church services with this platform. The online Bible integration feature can be very useful as well.
However, one setback of this platform is support for a limited number of viewers and abnormally low video quality. Before you commit to this platform, make sure that this won’t be an issue for your live stream church service.
Features:
- 24/7 streaming
- 50 simultaneous viewers per live event
- 2 re-streaming channels (minimum)
- Roku compatible
- Online Bible integration
- Social media integration
- Live Recording (Pro Plan only)
- Phone and email support (Pro Plan only)
- Unlimited archiving (Pro Plan only)
- Adaptive live transcoding (Pro Plan only)
Pricing:
- Basic plan: $35/month for 50 simultaneous viewers per live event and 2 re-streaming channels
- Basic+ plan: $59/month for 200 simultaneous viewers per live event and 3 re-streaming channels
- Pro plan: $89/month for 500 simultaneous viewers per live event and 4 re-streaming channels
Please check out the ChristianWorldMedia pricing page for additional information.
5. TruthCasting
Overview:
In terms of live streaming solutions for churches, TruthCasting offers many features for broadcasting all of your church-related events. The pricing stems from how many members you have on-site, rather than the features you need. No matter how many members, as long as you do not exceed your number limit, you have access to all of TruthCasting’s available features.
Unfortunately, TruthCasting only supports churches with less than 2000 members.
However, this OVP does offer good quality support. In addition, they host their services with Amazon’s Web Services. If you have questions about their CDN, check out our live streaming CDN comparison.
Features:
- Ad-free streaming
- Unlimited bandwidth and storage
- Embed code to stream live video on your website
- Reliable content delivery
- Phone support
- Live recording
- Compatible with all platforms, including iPhones and iPads
Pricing:
TruthCasting has a very simple all-inclusive pricing plan for $39.95 per month, which includes:
- Unlimited storage
- Unlimited viewers
- Phone and email support
- Unlimited streaming
There is an option to add Facebook Live or YouTube Live for $10 per month.
6. MyChurchWebsite.com
Overview:
In reality, MyChurchWebsite is a high-end website design company for churches. For example, one of their specialties is offering a full website design & setup based on whatever your needs may be. This is available for a one-time cost of $3,500.
This platform offers a separate live streaming solution for churches.
MyChurchWebsite does not offer any partnership with a top-tier CDN or 24/7 support. These are important factors to consider, as you’ll have no ability to reach out for support outside of business hours in the case of buffering or other issues.
Features:
- Ad-free
- Mobile compatibility
- Social network integration
- Live Recording
- Analytics
Pricing:
- First tier: $30/month paid annually or $36/month paid monthly; 100 GB of storage/bandwidth
- Second tier: $60/month paid annually or $75/month paid monthly; 300 GB of storage/bandwidth
- Third tier: $100/month paid annually or $140/month paid monthly; 700 GB storage/bandwidth
Each of these plans includes the same features. The primary difference between them is the amount of storage and bandwidth they come with. Additional fees apply for bandwidth overages.
7. Vimeo Premium
Overview:
Vimeo is another solution available to churches and other houses of worship. Only Vimeo’s Premium plan comes with live streaming capabilities, so that would be the most suitable plan for live streaming church services. However, Vimeo also offers more advanced plans through their subsidiary, Livestream, which would also be suitable for faith-based streams.
That said, Livestream targets those with larger budgets, offering high-end features and customization options for churches that are willing and able to pay. The price point and limited plan options, however, don’t make it ideal for most churches.
Vimeo does offer streaming over a CDN, which is important for large-scale broadcasts streaming around the world. A global CDN can provide quality live streaming for churches to large audiences viewing the broadcast simultaneously.
Features:
Vimeo’s Premium plan includes the following professional features:
- Player customization
- Privacy controls
- Social distribution
- Review and approval
- Private team projects
- Customizable Showcase sites
- Video creation with custom branding
- Calls-to-action and lead generation
- Google Analytics
- Unlimited live events
- Live stream to multiple destinations
- Live Q&A, graphics, and polls
- Audience chat
Pricing:
Vimeo offers basic video streaming pricing plans for broadcasters with different needs. These plans include:
- Basic plan: 30-day free trial
- Plus plan: $7 / month billed annually; 5 GB per week; 250 GB yearly; single user
- Pro plan: $20 / month billed annually; 20 GB per week; 1 TB yearly; 3 users
- Premium plan: $75 / month billed annually; unlimited live streaming 5 TB yearly; unlimited viewers
- Enterprise plan: adds dedicated support and security controls. Please reach out to Vimeo sales to get more information.
8. Muvi
Overview:
Muvi is a live streaming service that has a religion streaming solution geared towards live streaming church services. This platform supports both live and on-demand video hosting.
This platform is fully loaded with professional features, but the price tag is equally as massive. After subscription costs and additional fees, the lowest priced plan is about $800/month. This is a huge investment for churches, so unless you’re running a megachurch with an equally “mega” budget, this platform may be slightly out of reach.
Features:
- Live stream support
- VOD hosting
- Video monetization tools (SVOD, TVOD, AVOD)
- Global content delivery
- Multi-screen streaming
- White-label video player
- Easy embedding for streaming on your own site
Pricing:
Muvi prices its plans at the following five levels:
- Standard plan: $399/month (+ $299/month per app + infra fees), allows 2000 concurrent viewers, 1TB each of bandwidth and storage, and API access.
- Professional plan: at $1,499 per month (+ $499/month per app + infra fees) increases limits further and adds premium support.
- Enterprise plan: $3,900 per month (+ $499/month per app + infra fees) adds a dedicated server with auto-scaling.
- Ultimate plan: $8,900/month (+ $499/month per app + infra fees) doubles the bandwidth and storage of the enterprise plan and adds your own CDN and unlimited API calls.
- Black plan: this is a custom solution and includes everything in the Ultimate plan plus premium services and project management.
Each of these pleas is subject to additional monthly fees starting at $299.
9. SermonCast
Overview:
SermonCast has been serving the religious industry since 2006 as a live streaming solution. This platform offers support for both on-demand video hosting and live streaming. This is great for churches that create libraries of past sermons to share with their congregation.
SermonCast uses an HTML5 video player to reach members of the community on all different types of devices.
Features:
- Powerful analytics
- Live streaming and VOD
- Ad-free streaming
- All-device video player
- Easy video upload
Pricing:
SermonCast requires broadcasters to set up a demo before accessing pricing plans. However, their site lists the following:
- VOD plans start at $29/month
- Live streaming plans start at $49/month
10. ChurchStreaming.TV
Overview:
Not to be confused with StreamingChurch.TV that we reviewed earlier, ChurchStreaming.TV is another great live streaming solution for broadcasting liturgical services in real-time.
This platform is rich in features. It also comes with a complimentary setup without any heft activation fees.
Features:
- Easy embedding (on your website, app, and beyond)
- Reliable tech support
- Simulcasting to YouTube, Facebook, and more
- Support for Apple TV and Roku channels
- Auto-archiving
- Viewer analytics
Pricing:
- Basic: $79/month; 10 streaming hours/month and 100 GB of storage
- Standard: $99/month; 20 streaming hours/month and 200 GB of storage
- Premium: $139/month; unlimited streaming and 500 GB of storage
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of great options for live streaming for churches, and the 10 platforms we’ve discussed are the best ones to consider using for live streaming of your church service. Consider membership costs, equipment needed, technical support available to determine which platform offers a solution to your problem.
In addition, pay close attention to the live streaming CDN when making your OVP decision. A top-tier CDN helps to ensure the best live stream church service. Additionally, we recommend treating 24/7 customer support as a non-negotiable. This is key for live events during the weekend like your Sunday service and after business hours.
We recommend taking advantage of the free trials offered by most live streaming solutions.
Not sure where to start? Why not give Dacast a try? Try our platform risk-free for 30 days to test out all of our high-end features. Whatever your goals, we’re here to help you find the right plan for your church’s needs and budget.
Conclusion
Online church services have been on the rise in recent years. Many people are opting for online church services versus the traditional brick and mortar churches. The advantages of online church services are numerous, not to mention cost effective – no more building required! There are a lot of great options for host providers that provide online church services. If you want to provide online church services, here is a list of your affordable options.