No doubt the biggest way technology has influenced worship is not so much about what happens inside the worship center, but how churches stream their worship services to the world.

Streaming worship services has become a widespread practice, especially in recent years as churches have embraced technology to connect with their congregations beyond physical walls. What started as a necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic has now become a permanent fixture in how many churches operate, offering both opportunities and challenges.

The Reach of Streaming

As of 2023, approximately 92% of churches in the United States offer some form of online streaming for their worship services.

One in three Americans reports having watched an online church service in the past year, with some estimates indicating millions of viewers participate in streamed services weekly. Even more are looking for a digital worship experience:

Google Insights reports that every month, more than thirty thousand people search Google using the phrase “church online.” This means people are actively searching the internet to connect with a community of faith that doesn’t require getting into a car to drive to an address. Part of the reason so many brick-and-mortar retail stores have had to file for bankruptcy is because online sales have replaced an astronomical percentage of in-store purchases. Many retailers were unprepared for the transition, so they simply continued business as usual until business was too unusual to continue. One of the first retailers to fall was Blockbuster. Then Circuit City, with Sears and Toys “R” Us only limping along after bankruptcy, and on and on. These companies staked their future on the idea that the internet was a passing phase and that people would want to walk into a building and interact with their products before purchasing. They were wrong.[1]

Large platforms like YouTube and Facebook report tens of millions of streams for religious content every Sunday, highlighting the significant reach of online services.

Benefits of Streaming Worship Services

• Expanded Reach: Streaming allows churches to connect with members who can’t attend in person, such as the elderly, those with disabilities, or people traveling. It also offers a way to reach seekers or unchurched individuals who might feel more comfortable exploring faith online.
• Community Connection: For churches with members spread across multiple locations or even countries, streaming provides a unifying worship experience.
• Evangelism Tool: An online presence can introduce the gospel to new audiences who may stumble upon a live service while browsing social media.
• Archival Benefit: Churches can record streamed services, providing an accessible library of sermons and teachings for ongoing discipleship.

Drawbacks of Streaming

Reduced In-Person Attendance: One significant concern is that online streaming can lead to a decline in in-person participation. Many pastors worry that the convenience of watching from home might discourage people from attending church physically.

Lack of Personal Connection: Virtual services lack the relational warmth of face-to-face interactions, which are vital for discipleship and community building.

One of the primary drawbacks of streaming is the lack of personal interaction that’s essential to the life of the church. Church is meant to be more than just a show to attend—it’s a family to be a part of. Watching a service online may provide valuable teaching and worship, but it cannot replicate the encouragement and accountability that come from face-to-face interactions.

Attending in person allows for the spontaneous moments that make church life vibrant: a smile from a greeter, a prayer shared with a friend, or a heartfelt conversation over coffee after the service. These relational connections are a vital part of discipleship and the sense of belonging that church provides.

As Pastor Tim Keller once said, “The church is not an event to attend but a community to belong to.” Watching a service online is better than not engaging at all, but it’s not as enriching as being present in person and experiencing the fellowship of believers firsthand. The informal interactions before and after the service—catching up with friends, welcoming newcomers, or sharing burdens—are opportunities to embody the love and support of the church family.

Technology Challenges: Streaming requires a certain level of technical expertise and equipment. Poor audio or video quality can be a distraction and deter viewers from engaging.

Cost and Resources: High-quality streaming involves investments in cameras, sound equipment, and staff or volunteers who understand the technology. Smaller churches may find this a financial and logistical challenge.

Who Should NOT Stream Services?

Streaming isn’t for everyone, and churches should consider their resources and goals before committing to it.

Low-Quality Streaming Risks: If a church cannot achieve a basic level of quality—clear audio, stable video, and reliable internet—it might do more harm than good. Poor-quality streams can frustrate viewers and diminish the impact of the message.

Limited Resources: Churches without the budget or personnel to manage streaming effectively might benefit more from investing in other areas of ministry.

Mission Mismatch: If a church’s primary focus is deep local engagement, streaming might not align with its mission or priorities.

The Potential Danger: Watching vs. Attending

One growing concern among pastors and church leaders is that streaming services might inadvertently encourage passive engagement with faith.

The Risk of Isolation: Watching church from home can lead to a consumer mindset, where people view worship as entertainment rather than an opportunity to participate actively in a faith community.

Lack of Accountability: Without the structure of attending in person, individuals might struggle to build relationships, serve, or participate in other aspects of church life.

Pastoral Concerns: Pastor David Wilkerson of LifeWay Church notes, “Streaming is a wonderful tool, but it should supplement, not replace, the gathering of believers. There’s something irreplaceable about the church body coming together physically.”

Will online church replace in-person church? I don’t think so:

The fear that online church will replace in-person church is simply not rooted in data. Research doesn’t show that people aren’t attending church because they’re watching at home. It shows that people aren’t attending church because they don’t feel it’s relevant to their lives. Furthermore, the people who feel that way aren’t watching your livestream, so streaming your service won’t keep new people away or make members stop attending. What’s keeping new members away and making members stop attending is an experience that isn’t practical or connected to their day-to-day lives. When people are hungry, they tend to look for food, and many people order their food online. If you and your local church are not online, you are missing a vast sea of fish whom Jesus sent you out for. Right now three out of four Americans are on Facebook. If 75 percent of your community were located on one side of town, in one neighborhood, would you refuse to put a location there? I don’t think so.

People don’t want (or need) a rock concert or Starbucks; they want (and need) to be discipled.[2]

Finding the Balance

For churches choosing to stream, the key is balance. Streaming should be used as a tool to support and grow the congregation, not as a replacement for in-person worship. Clear communication about the purpose of online services—such as outreach or accessibility—can help set expectations and encourage in-person attendance when possible.

Streaming has opened incredible doors for ministry, but like any tool, it requires intentionality. Done well, it can expand the reach of the gospel, foster connection, and serve as a lifeline for those unable to attend in person. Done poorly, it can risk isolating believers and diminishing the importance of gathering together.