live streaming as decolonial praxis
Live streaming is a digital public-square ministry with some of the biggest potential to connect to diverse audiences, build community, and share a message of healing and liberation!
Even though all conversations in the compilation below are "live," there was often a significant amount of preparation beforehand. In my live streams, I often begin by discussing a particular topic: a recent Supreme Court case, the lectionary text for the week, a biblical character like Mary Magdalene, or a current event. Researching that topic ahead of time is important!
There is also an art to doing a livestream well! It takes practice to learn the correct pacing and how to balance talking with audience interaction, for example. In addition, live streams require careful thinking about location, sound, and lighting. They also benefit from the support of other people who are able to moderate the conversation and remove anyone participating in bullying or harassment.
On average, I livestream once a week. I therefore have hundreds of hours of recorded conversations. The video lower on this page is a representative sample.
You may notice I sometimes wear clergy garb and at other times I do not. Some of my wardrobe choices are weather-related; however, I also know that what I wear will attract a different audience. If I want to talk to my existing audience (progressive Christians, clergy, seekers, friends, interfaith colleagues), I tend to dress casually (often in a t-shirt that sparks conversation like the one that says "This is What Clergy Look Like"). Dressing casually also sends a message that church "officials" are human (and fallible). It lowers the intimidation factor and generates honest and authentic conversation. It also tends to draw fewer "You can't be a pastor because you're a woman" comments, which I occasionally do not have the energy to address.
At other times, I dress in a robe and stole. The robe does a few things - first, it allows people to project "the Church" onto me. For people hurt by the church, it can be particularly meaningful to hear a church representative say simply "I'm sorry." Beyond that, it gives the office of pastor queer and female representation.
AcamdeMic study on tiktok live as decolonial praxis
Please scroll down to read or download my paper on the potential to use TikTok Live as a tool for decolonization. The paper includes background on how TikTok, initially known for short-form videos, evolved into an educational and news platform with the potential to challenge traditional media narratives and offer subaltern perspectives. It also includes a test case highlighting the algorithmic mechanics that lead TikTok Live to produce a more diverse range of content for users. It notes the ways live streams have influenced large groups to take action on behalf of historically oppressed groups and concludes by suggesting future research on how user choice can facilitate intergroup engagement in situations where privileged groups resist decolonial work.
HOW CAN CHURCH LEADERS USE LIVE STREAMS FOR MINISTRY?
Live streaming is a public-square ministry - an opportunity to interact with new people, share your wisdom, and learn from theirs!
Whether you stream on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitch, or another platform, live streaming tools may empower you to share a message of hope, healing, and liberation!
Are you a clergyperson struggling with your sermon this week? Do you ever call a good friend to discuss the text? Live streaming gives you the opportunity to do that with a much wider (and likely more diverse) audience. When you go live to discuss your thoughts on scripture, you may be treated to guests from around the world. How might a farmer from Alabama hear the text differently? A priest from Cameroon? A teenager from San Francisco?
Live streaming is also a phenomenal opportunity to answer questions from people who are curious about Christianity but are not comfortable attending a church!
Churches can also use live streams to broadcast events. For example, I live-streamed our church marching in the Pride Parade in Albuquerque and received over 30K views! What an opportunity to share your work for justice and peace!
Several churches are also experimenting with live-streaming their services. If you want to go this direction, I strongly encourage you to have someone who is able to answer audience questions throughout. Audience engagement is the key to a great live stream!
Live streaming is also an opportunity to expose your congregation to current events as they're happening in real time. While most members of the church may not be on a live streaming platform, if you are, you can screen-record clips from live events you witness (as I did for the video at the top of the page) and share global perspectives as part of your worship service or educational programming.
Some Words of Caution
Live streams are some of the most effective tools for decolonizing the church; however, they come with some challenges.
Unlike short-form videos, live streams are not curated! Yes, you can prepare, choose which comments to address, and have good moderators who will block and delete inappropriate comments. Even with excellent preparation, just like on live television - unexpected things can happen, and you will have to adapt in the moment. Because live streams are shown to such a wide range of viewers, you will likely get viewers attending who come from places far outside your typical sphere of influence and comfort. Prepare to receive questions you've never heard before!
Also be mindful that events and conversations that happen during your live streams can be captured and replayed! Live streams can feel casual and intimate, but remember they are broadcast to a wide audience, not all of whom may be your fans. Be mindful of not sharing personal information you're not willing to share with the world. Also, consider who else might accidentally be captured on camera (especially minors!). If you are not filming in an already public space, make sure you have consent to film anyone who may appear in the stream.
Matthew
Highlights from the interview with Matthew: theology, jokes, vampires, and more!
