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Facebook Live
Facebook livestream is an amazing way to connect with others and reach people for Jesus Christ! The goal of an online presence is to have a meaningful digital ministry. Facebook is currently the biggest social media platform, with more than two billion people using it every month.
When it comes to live streaming and digital discipleship, the secret is not having expensive equipment, it’s all about relationships and adding value to people's lives by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. One of the most effective ways to do that is by going Live from Facebook.
Digital discipleship is about the church getting to know and connect with people in our community. We want to focus on relationship building, rather than the polished production. Engaging followers starts with an audience-first mindset, and that points us to livestreaming.
Live vs. Prerecorded
Facebook Group vs Facebook Organization Page: Which One Should You Use?
How To Host A Facebook Live Session
Live vs. Prerecorded
There are benefits to both prerecording and livestreaming video. Livestreaming gives the viewer a connection to something as it’s happening. People want to join in the now. Livestream videos received up to 8 times more viewers than videos that are prerecorded. Also, when the virtual event host is able to connect with viewers it can 
increase interaction, comments, and likes which in turn increase the algorithms that Facebook uses to show your video to even more people. It is a social network. Prerecorded content requires more planning than live. Another option is to use the Facebook Premiere feature that allows you to upload and schedule pre-recorded videos to broadcast live on your Facebook page. This option has some of the benefits you get with a Facebook Live video, but with a prerecorded video instead. For Digital Discipleship networking to be successful, you may want to incorporate some of each method.
Click here to view UNY church worship times for live and prerecorded services.
Facebook Group vs Facebook Organization Page: Which One Should You Use?
The answer is both. A Facebook Organization Page is your public entity. Followers will engage by “liking” your page. Once they’ve liked your page, your posts will show up on their Facebook news feeds.
The purpose of this Organization page is for the church to inform and engage with the outer community. It is a way of reaching many people, but is not designed for closed group interaction such as fellowshipping, Bible studies, devotions, and prayer. You may share worship or devotions from the main page, but these will be targeted at the public, while the Group is for interacting with members of the church.
The Facebook Group is a place that connects the congregation with each other, to have discussions with each other. Anything shared from the Group can be seen by the others in the Group, but not by the public.
How To Host A Facebook Live Session
Watch How to Use Facebook Live Video: https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/facebook-live-guide
- Choose a non-distracting background with light (window light is great) or fill the frame with your face. Below are some examples: Avoid open large spaces above or around your head. Use a vertical position for one person and horizontal for more than one. If you are in the sanctuary, try not to show the empty room. It promotes disconnection. The camera should be at least eye level or slightly higher. Show hands on instruments for musicians.
- When on the Facebook Group or Facebook Organization Page, all you have to do is click the "Live Video" button in the box to post it.
- For your church organization’s Facebook Organization Page, you will need to be designated as an administrator or editor on the page.
Once you are logged onto the page you want to stream from, press the LIVE button. You will see a preview of yourself. Then when you are ready, press Go LIVE now.
Information on this page was provided by Lori Jagow, Pendleton Center UMC Online Minister. You can email Lori at lorijagow@pcumc.org.