Live streams are some of the most effective tools for decolonizing the church! TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook all have global audiences. TikTok alone has over 1.1 billiion users in over 160 coutnries; 17% of my own followers live in countries other than the U.S.
Watch some of the examples below to experience what you could discover on live streams or get inspiration for how to use live streaming in your own ministry!
This clip taken from March 14, 2023 shows @johnnysmusic1 singing worship songs with the digital community. How might you share your spiritual practices with a wider audience?
Is there a historical topic you just can't stop talking about? Live stream and tell people about it! This video features a 1-minute clip from a live stream where a Buddhist monk discusses Buddhist history and the life and teachings of the Buddha. The creator is @venerable_tri_dao on TikTok and it was captured on February 25, 2022.
This creator (@ch.salman.baryar) took us with him on his walk around the Kaaba in Mecca on February 1, 2024. Every Muslim who makes the hajj or ʿumrah pilgrimage is required to walk around the Kaaba counterclockwise seven times.
Does your brick-and-mortar church have a meaningful worship service that lifts people up and preaches a message of love and hope? Live stream your service so others can join! Many churches already stream their worship services on Zoom, Facebook, and YouTube. If you live stream your service on TikTok or Facebook, I do recommend you set up moderators ahead of time to limit inappropriate comments. I also strongly recommend you have someone manage the streaming device so they can answer audience questions. The video featuring Russian Orthodox worship was captured on February 26, 2022 from user @priest_sergios on TikTok.
CONTENT WARNING: Video includes loud noises, shouting, and profanity (in French). Some viewers may find this content disturbing.
Are you marching in the MLK Parade? Demonstrating for immigrant rights at the State House? Protesting Cop City in Atlanta? Live stream the experience so others can see what's going on in real-time. This video captures a live stream from a Paris protest that was largely ignored by legacy media. The live stream captured on March 15, 2023 from user @ilianetz on TikTok.
Do you struggle to get chores done? Studies show that for some people, having someone else in the room helps them complete tasks (see Medical News Today, "What is 'body doubling' for ADHD?" 26 Oct 2021). Whether you want to share the joy of cooking or make cooking a bit easier with a body-double, live streaming is a great option! This video was captured from the channel of @gerenciafit on TikTok on March 13, 2023.
Do you have a unique hobby? Do you like talking about it or sharing it with others? Consider sharing it with a wider audience! In this clip, Korean rock climber @j61124 on TikTok live streams while he works on a difficult climbing problem on March 14, 2023.
Are you doing a highway cleanup? Live stream it to draw attention to the need for environmental stewardship. This video was streamed by @saigan_xanh on TikTok on March 11, 2023.
On March 13, 2023, this creator, @hanhtan27 on TikTok, live-streamed his meditation, inviting others to meditate with him. How might you use a live stream to create a safe place for prayer or meditation?
Have you ever been in a place where you longed for joy? How might you bring joy to the digital audience? This video was done by @lovemmatters on February 25, 2022 and is also a reminder that older adults can have fun in digital spaces!
Scrolling through the "Live" side of TikTok can get a bit weird. Other than sending you live streams of people you already follow, the Live side of TiKTok is completely uncurated. You may get videos in any language, from any continent! Scroll through, break out those translate tools (many like Google Translate are available for free online!) and engage with someone from a different social location!
This video features @thewildamalia on TikTok, a polyglot Jewish woman who translates Buddhist texts in Tibet. She talks here about how language changes perception. Captured February 10, 2023.
This streamer, @RiverWillow_Neonbe is using something called "Mixed Reality" that allows viewers to see her as if she were playing with actual light sabers in her bedroom. Notice her dog on the floor! The game she's playing is called Beat Saber. She can interact with users, read the TikTok chat, and play her game at the same time! Extraordinary! You can read more from Microsoft about "Mixed Reality" here. This was captured on February 13, 2024 .
Be careful about giving away too much personal information online, but also consider showing viewers your home town. Remember your global audience - viewers may enjoy a tour of sites in your local community! This livestream from Lagos was captured on February 10, 2024 from a livestream by @dayo_30bg.
This live stream from @brianmorrisnjagi on February 5, 2024 shows an unexpected way to get in a workout! Whether you have a novel approach to a problem or want to watch others innovate, livestreams are a great place to explore!
Most streaming platforms let creators invite guests to their livestreams, which can allow you to talk live with people from different social locations about topics that matter to you. This stream from @austinfranklin on 3-18-24 discusses the women's NCAA Basketball Tournament bracket with Logan (@sportswithlogs) and Coach Jackie J (@jcubedhax).
Church of the Good Shepherd, UCC | Albuquerque, NM
Pacific School of Religion | Berkeley, CA
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