We are fortunate to live in an age when so many great ministry tools are available to us.

One powerful ministry tool at our disposal is video preaching.

Whether you’re in a multi-site situation or simply a solo pastor preparing to be away for a Sunday, the ability to record a sermon on video and play it back during the service is one way to multiply your ministry.

Here are four tips to maximize the impact of your preaching video:

1) Be sure to look straight at the camera.

Don’t look at the actual audience in attendance. Remember that people will be watching the screen on Sunday.

If you’re not looking at the camera, you’re not looking at them. Their perception will be that you’re looking off in the distance.

2) Try to incorporate some simple engagement devices.

Tell them to take out their outline/message notes. Have them circle a word in a verse. Have them stand up, read a scripture verse aloud.

I know it might sound and feel odd, but you’ll be amazed at the feedback. People really enjoy it.

BTW – if you tell them to stand, pause and give them a moment to stand.

For example, you might have them read a verse out loud with you. And “interact” with them just as you would if you were live – stop and ask them to read the second half twice as loud.

3) Don’t make any apologies for being on video.

This is a BIG point.  Don’t imply in any way that because you’re not there in person, their life won’t be changed by the message.

Don’t treat this message any different or any less impactful as a live message

4) Preach like you would normally preach.

Once you start recording, commit to it. You wouldn’t stop mid-message on a Sunday morning and start over, so don’t do that on video either.

Commit to it and preach the Word with passion and purpose.

These four tips will increase the impact of your video preaching and allow you to multiply your ministry even when you can’t be there live.

Do you have any tips you’d like to add? Leave a comment below to share.

P.S. Looking for a way to increase the effectiveness of your preaching (live AND on video)?  

Check out my new e-book, “Double the Effectiveness of Your Preaching.”  It’s a FREE Download here.

© Nelson Searcy. All Rights Reserved.

About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.