How To Improve Your Online Church Ministry with Life.Church

One of the glaring weaknesses with One of the glaring weaknesses with online church is that it's very easy for online church is that it's very easy for online church is that it's very easy for the person watching to feel the person watching to feel the person watching to feel disconnected. Because on its own, when disconnected. Because on its own, when disconnected. Because on its own, when someone watches your live stream or someone watches your live stream or someone watches your live stream or service recording, they're really just a service recording, they're really just a service recording, they're really just a fly on the wall. So, today we're fly on the wall. So, today we're fly on the wall. So, today we're chatting with the pioneers of online chatting with the pioneers of online chatting with the pioneers of online church, Life.Church, and we'll be aiming church, Life.Church, and we'll be aiming church, Life.Church, and we'll be aiming to solve this problem. How can we make to solve this problem. How can we make to solve this problem. How can we make online church less about programming and online church less about programming and online church less about programming and more about ministry? This is how to more about ministry? This is how to more about ministry? This is how to start an online church ministry with start an online church ministry with start an online church ministry with Life.Church. Life.Church. Life.Church. Well, Well, Well, hey there and welcome to the Pro Church hey there and welcome to the Pro Church hey there and welcome to the Pro Church Tools Show. We're here to help you and Tools Show. We're here to help you and Tools Show. We're here to help you and your church navigate the biggest your church navigate the biggest your church navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years. I'm communication shift in 500 years. I'm communication shift in 500 years. I'm Brady Shearer, your host. I'm joined as Brady Shearer, your host. I'm joined as Brady Shearer, your host. I'm joined as always by my co-host, it's Alexander always by my co-host, it's Alexander always by my co-host, it's Alexander Mills. Hello, hello. We're also joined Mills. Hello, hello. We're also joined Mills. Hello, hello. We're also joined by Christina Ross, online host team by Christina Ross, online host team by Christina Ross, online host team pastor at Life.Church. Christina, pastor at Life.Church. Christina, pastor at Life.Church. Christina, pleased to spend some time together pleased to spend some time together pleased to spend some time together today. today. today. I am thrilled to be here. Thanks for I am thrilled to be here. Thanks for I am thrilled to be here. Thanks for having me. having me. having me. So, let's start. Tell us a little bit So, let's start. Tell us a little bit So, let's start. Tell us a little bit about Life.Church's history with online about Life.Church's history with online about Life.Church's history with online church. Obviously, pioneers in that church. Obviously, pioneers in that church. Obviously, pioneers in that space in in so many ways. And then also space in in so many ways. And then also space in in so many ways. And then also your role specifically in that arena. your role specifically in that arena. your role specifically in that arena. Okay, sure. So, Okay, sure. So, Okay, sure. So, for us, we established our church online for us, we established our church online for us, we established our church online in 2006.

in 2006. in 2006. So, our mission as a church is to lead So, our mission as a church is to lead So, our mission as a church is to lead people to become fully devoted followers people to become fully devoted followers people to become fully devoted followers of Christ. And we had been doing that at of Christ. And we had been doing that at of Christ. And we had been doing that at physical campuses, but we wanted to physical campuses, but we wanted to physical campuses, but we wanted to actually extend that to really the actually extend that to really the actually extend that to really the world. And that was the catalyst for world. And that was the catalyst for world. And that was the catalyst for Life.Church online. So, that's when we Life.Church online. So, that's when we Life.Church online. So, that's when we onlined our self, if you could say that. onlined our self, if you could say that. onlined our self, if you could say that. And then what we did also was we created And then what we did also was we created And then what we did also was we created this church online platform where we this church online platform where we this church online platform where we could actually have church and there was could actually have church and there was could actually have church and there was a platform that made sense for church. a platform that made sense for church. a platform that made sense for church. Like it allowed for Bible verses to be Like it allowed for Bible verses to be Like it allowed for Bible verses to be added and message notes and way to added and message notes and way to added and message notes and way to interact with the public and have interact with the public and have interact with the public and have volunteers interact there. volunteers interact there. volunteers interact there. And then in 2010, And then in 2010, And then in 2010, we actually made that platform available we actually made that platform available we actually made that platform available to churches around the world, giving it to churches around the world, giving it to churches around the world, giving it away for free, which was so exciting away for free, which was so exciting away for free, which was so exciting because it made doing church online much because it made doing church online much because it made doing church online much more accessible for, you know, the more accessible for, you know, the more accessible for, you know, the average church. average church. average church. Okay, and so your role specifically is Okay, and so your role specifically is Okay, and so your role specifically is online host team pastor. So, what is a online host team pastor. So, what is a online host team pastor. So, what is a church online host for for Life.Church?

church online host for for Life.Church? church online host for for Life.Church? What are the responsibilities and and What are the responsibilities and and What are the responsibilities and and what role does like what does that what role does like what does that what role does like what does that actually look like? actually look like? actually look like? Sure. Okay. So, just for context, so um Sure. Okay. So, just for context, so um Sure. Okay. So, just for context, so um at our campuses, we would have a service at our campuses, we would have a service at our campuses, we would have a service on Saturday or Sunday. So, uh on Saturday or Sunday. So, uh on Saturday or Sunday. So, uh Life.Church online, we take that Life.Church online, we take that Life.Church online, we take that service, the message, we add worship, we service, the message, we add worship, we service, the message, we add worship, we add uh communicators that speak directly add uh communicators that speak directly add uh communicators that speak directly to the online community, and then we to the online community, and then we to the online community, and then we package that up into a service that runs package that up into a service that runs package that up into a service that runs a little bit more than an hour. And then a little bit more than an hour. And then a little bit more than an hour. And then that service, it kicks off on a that service, it kicks off on a that service, it kicks off on a Saturday, and then that runs 131 times Saturday, and then that runs 131 times Saturday, and then that runs 131 times throughout the week. So, that runs all throughout the week. So, that runs all throughout the week. So, that runs all time zones, um you know, completely time zones, um you know, completely time zones, um you know, completely throughout the week. So, um because it's throughout the week. So, um because it's throughout the week. So, um because it's all time zones, we want to be able to all time zones, we want to be able to all time zones, we want to be able to reach everybody. Um but the bulk of our reach everybody. Um but the bulk of our reach everybody. Um but the bulk of our volunteers, which we called host call volunteers, which we called host call volunteers, which we called host call host, are in the states, even though host, are in the states, even though host, are in the states, even though they are also globally. they are also globally. they are also globally. Um so, we have lots of those volunteers Um so, we have lots of those volunteers Um so, we have lots of those volunteers supporting those services during our supporting those services during our supporting those services during our week. So, I'm actually in upstate New week. So, I'm actually in upstate New week. So, I'm actually in upstate New York. So, when I think about Eastern York. So, when I think about Eastern York. So, when I think about Eastern time zone, um during the day, during the time zone, um during the day, during the time zone, um during the day, during the evening, on the weekends, we have evening, on the weekends, we have evening, on the weekends, we have services where if a guest actually services where if a guest actually services where if a guest actually attends, they're they'll be greeted by attends, they're they'll be greeted by attends, they're they'll be greeted by and supported by our volunteers, which and supported by our volunteers, which and supported by our volunteers, which we call host. So, that's kind of that's we call host. So, that's kind of that's we call host. So, that's kind of that's what our hosts do in part. Um and what our hosts do in part. Um and what our hosts do in part. Um and essentially, they are volunteers that at essentially, they are volunteers that at essentially, they are volunteers that at some point said, "Hey, I want to be a some point said, "Hey, I want to be a some point said, "Hey, I want to be a part of what God is doing through part of what God is doing through part of what God is doing through Life.Church online." They may have Life.Church online." They may have Life.Church online." They may have clicked a button during one of our

clicked a button during one of our clicked a button during one of our services to say, "I'm interested." Or services to say, "I'm interested." Or services to say, "I'm interested." Or some of our people are actually a part some of our people are actually a part some of our people are actually a part of campuses, but want to also be a part of campuses, but want to also be a part of campuses, but want to also be a part of um you know, this online community. of um you know, this online community. of um you know, this online community. And what they do is they commit maybe an And what they do is they commit maybe an And what they do is they commit maybe an hour or so a week to jumping on and hour or so a week to jumping on and hour or so a week to jumping on and praying for people, encouraging them, praying for people, encouraging them, praying for people, encouraging them, welcoming them to church. Some of our welcoming them to church. Some of our welcoming them to church. Some of our hosts actually respond to just email hosts actually respond to just email hosts actually respond to just email requests that have come through were for requests that have come through were for requests that have come through were for people that maybe have questions about people that maybe have questions about people that maybe have questions about Life.Church, questions about life, or Life.Church, questions about life, or Life.Church, questions about life, or specific prayer requests. And so our specific prayer requests. And so our specific prayer requests. And so our hosts are responding in love, hosts are responding in love, hosts are responding in love, encouraging them, praying with them, and encouraging them, praying with them, and encouraging them, praying with them, and then thinking through our mission to then thinking through our mission to then thinking through our mission to lead people to Jesus, but also to lead lead people to Jesus, but also to lead lead people to Jesus, but also to lead them closer to Jesus. So they might be them closer to Jesus. So they might be them closer to Jesus. So they might be sharing resources or support or helping sharing resources or support or helping sharing resources or support or helping them take their next step in their faith them take their next step in their faith them take their next step in their faith journey. journey. journey. So Christina, Life.Church and you So Christina, Life.Church and you So Christina, Life.Church and you alluded to it already like Life.Church alluded to it already like Life.Church alluded to it already like Life.Church has been so innovative in the digital has been so innovative in the digital has been so innovative in the digital space using digital means to share the space using digital means to share the space using digital means to share the message of Jesus. Like we're talking message of Jesus. Like we're talking message of Jesus. Like we're talking about doing online church in 2006. Like about doing online church in 2006. Like about doing online church in 2006. Like there maybe some of our listeners there maybe some of our listeners there maybe some of our listeners weren't even born in 2006. Surely I weren't even born in 2006. Surely I weren't even born in 2006. Surely I wasn't doing anything wasn't doing anything wasn't doing anything very very useful online in 2006. And very very useful online in 2006. And very very useful online in 2006. And equipping churches with this kind of equipping churches with this kind of equipping churches with this kind of technology in 2010. When you said that, technology in 2010. When you said that, technology in 2010. When you said that, I thought you may have misspoke. I I thought you may have misspoke. I I thought you may have misspoke. I thought you meant 2020 because a lot of thought you meant 2020 because a lot of thought you meant 2020 because a lot of churches were working through this for churches were working through this for churches were working through this for the very first time in 2020 when the the very first time in 2020 when the the very first time in 2020 when the entire world was navigating a pandemic entire world was navigating a pandemic entire world was navigating a pandemic for the first time. So Life.Church has for the first time. So Life.Church has for the first time. So Life.Church has this legacy of being innovative in this this legacy of being innovative in this this legacy of being innovative in this space. And I want to dig into space. And I want to dig into space. And I want to dig into the practicality of this live

the practicality of this live the practicality of this live interaction between online church hosts interaction between online church hosts interaction between online church hosts and folks who attend church. Because I'm and folks who attend church. Because I'm and folks who attend church. Because I'm a local pastor of a very small little a local pastor of a very small little a local pastor of a very small little local church. And so part of what I love local church. And so part of what I love local church. And so part of what I love about the local church is the about the local church is the about the local church is the incarnational nature of it and being incarnational nature of it and being incarnational nature of it and being embodied with with people in real time. embodied with with people in real time. embodied with with people in real time. Now, that being said, there are all Now, that being said, there are all Now, that being said, there are all sorts of good and valuable reasons to sorts of good and valuable reasons to sorts of good and valuable reasons to have church online because there are have church online because there are have church online because there are myriad of reasons why folks can't attend myriad of reasons why folks can't attend myriad of reasons why folks can't attend in person services. So the heart of my in person services. So the heart of my in person services. So the heart of my question is this. On a on a practical question is this. On a on a practical question is this. On a on a practical level, level, level, what does it look like for and and this what does it look like for and and this what does it look like for and and this This is I'm talking real practical here. This is I'm talking real practical here. This is I'm talking real practical here. Maybe for folks who haven't seen Maybe for folks who haven't seen Maybe for folks who haven't seen Life.Church online before, so they don't Life.Church online before, so they don't Life.Church online before, so they don't know what the interface looks like. Um know what the interface looks like. Um know what the interface looks like. Um what does it actually look like for a what does it actually look like for a what does it actually look like for a host to be host to be host to be interacting with folks incarnationally, interacting with folks incarnationally, interacting with folks incarnationally, albeit online, during a live service albeit online, during a live service albeit online, during a live service online? online? online? Okay. Okay. Okay. Um so so first of all, if you're Um so so first of all, if you're Um so so first of all, if you're listening and you want to go see kind of listening and you want to go see kind of listening and you want to go see kind of what it looks like, you can go to what it looks like, you can go to what it looks like, you can go to life.church/online. life.church/online. life.church/online. And you may um hit a service that that And you may um hit a service that that And you may um hit a service that that actually is going, or it may be hey, actually is going, or it may be hey, actually is going, or it may be hey, we're going to have service in a few we're going to have service in a few we're going to have service in a few minutes, but you'll still get to kind of minutes, but you'll still get to kind of minutes, but you'll still get to kind of see what it what it actually looks like.

see what it what it actually looks like. see what it what it actually looks like. So So So um okay, so I mentioned we have 131 um okay, so I mentioned we have 131 um okay, so I mentioned we have 131 services running throughout the week. So services running throughout the week. So services running throughout the week. So on a weekend, say Saturday and Sunday, on a weekend, say Saturday and Sunday, on a weekend, say Saturday and Sunday, that's our highest attended services. So that's our highest attended services. So that's our highest attended services. So um what we do is we utilize our Church um what we do is we utilize our Church um what we do is we utilize our Church Online platform in such a way that we Online platform in such a way that we Online platform in such a way that we open the public chat. So guests that open the public chat. So guests that open the public chat. So guests that attend those services can actually attend those services can actually attend those services can actually interact back and forth. Uh during the interact back and forth. Uh during the interact back and forth. Uh during the week, um what we do is we actually turn week, um what we do is we actually turn week, um what we do is we actually turn that public chat off, and all churches that public chat off, and all churches that public chat off, and all churches that use this platform can kind of that use this platform can kind of that use this platform can kind of manipulate the platform and kind of add manipulate the platform and kind of add manipulate the platform and kind of add and take away different features as they and take away different features as they and take away different features as they um see as needed. So then during the um see as needed. So then during the um see as needed. So then during the week, what we do is we don't have the week, what we do is we don't have the week, what we do is we don't have the public chat, but we um actually public chat, but we um actually public chat, but we um actually integrate an app called Front, where it integrate an app called Front, where it integrate an app called Front, where it gives us a blue chat button, which you gives us a blue chat button, which you gives us a blue chat button, which you would have seen, you know, when you go would have seen, you know, when you go would have seen, you know, when you go to your bank account or credit card or to your bank account or credit card or to your bank account or credit card or whatever, blue chat button. So if a whatever, blue chat button. So if a whatever, blue chat button. So if a guest comes and they're attending, so on guest comes and they're attending, so on guest comes and they're attending, so on one side they'll kind of see the message one side they'll kind of see the message one side they'll kind of see the message and the worship and everything, and in and the worship and everything, and in and the worship and everything, and in the bottom right corner, they'll see the bottom right corner, they'll see the bottom right corner, they'll see that blue chat button, and there's a that blue chat button, and there's a that blue chat button, and there's a little kind of conversation bubble that little kind of conversation bubble that little kind of conversation bubble that says, "Hey, we'd love to pray for you."

says, "Hey, we'd love to pray for you." says, "Hey, we'd love to pray for you." So if people click on that blue chat So if people click on that blue chat So if people click on that blue chat button, on the other side of that are button, on the other side of that are button, on the other side of that are our hosts um answering, saying, "Hey, our hosts um answering, saying, "Hey, our hosts um answering, saying, "Hey, I'm here. How can I help you?" That sort I'm here. How can I help you?" That sort I'm here. How can I help you?" That sort of thing. So they're kind of responding of thing. So they're kind of responding of thing. So they're kind of responding to that blue chat button. So I say that to that blue chat button. So I say that to that blue chat button. So I say that just so you have context that for us, just so you have context that for us, just so you have context that for us, when somebody goes to attend, it may when somebody goes to attend, it may when somebody goes to attend, it may look a little bit different depending on look a little bit different depending on look a little bit different depending on when they go. And part of that is, like when they go. And part of that is, like when they go. And part of that is, like you mentioned that kind of innovation, you mentioned that kind of innovation, you mentioned that kind of innovation, is we're always trying to see like is we're always trying to see like is we're always trying to see like what's what's going to work a little bit what's what's going to work a little bit what's what's going to work a little bit better. What's going to give us the most better. What's going to give us the most better. What's going to give us the most bang for our buck, be able to reach more bang for our buck, be able to reach more bang for our buck, be able to reach more people than before. Because initially, I people than before. Because initially, I people than before. Because initially, I would say about a year ago, all of the would say about a year ago, all of the would say about a year ago, all of the services that were supported by our host services that were supported by our host services that were supported by our host volunteers were those public chat, which volunteers were those public chat, which volunteers were those public chat, which was kind of interacting back and forth. was kind of interacting back and forth. was kind of interacting back and forth. And And what we found a little bit was And And what we found a little bit was And And what we found a little bit was you know, if if you're doing Church you know, if if you're doing Church you know, if if you're doing Church Online and there's a chat, or you've Online and there's a chat, or you've Online and there's a chat, or you've ever been on social media and see the ever been on social media and see the ever been on social media and see the chat, sometimes the chats get hairy, chat, sometimes the chats get hairy, chat, sometimes the chats get hairy, okay? okay? okay? Sometimes they're not all pretty and Sometimes they're not all pretty and Sometimes they're not all pretty and like everybody loves Jesus and all those like everybody loves Jesus and all those like everybody loves Jesus and all those things, you know. And that's okay, we things, you know. And that's okay, we things, you know. And that's okay, we love that, you know. And so what we did love that, you know. And so what we did love that, you know. And so what we did was we said, "Okay, let's let's try was we said, "Okay, let's let's try was we said, "Okay, let's let's try something a little bit different during something a little bit different during something a little bit different during the week. Let's close the public chat the week. Let's close the public chat the week. Let's close the public chat and let's see if people are more um and let's see if people are more um and let's see if people are more um more eager and and more likely to more eager and and more likely to more eager and and more likely to request prayer and engage with that kind request prayer and engage with that kind request prayer and engage with that kind of one-on-one environment. And we've of one-on-one environment. And we've of one-on-one environment. And we've actually seen more people reach out for actually seen more people reach out for actually seen more people reach out for help and support during the week help and support during the week help and support during the week than we had actually expected. So, than we had actually expected. So, than we had actually expected. So, Wow.

Wow. Wow. anyway, so we're we're constantly kind anyway, so we're we're constantly kind anyway, so we're we're constantly kind of looking at it, re-revisiting it. So, of looking at it, re-revisiting it. So, of looking at it, re-revisiting it. So, let me go back to your question. So, let me go back to your question. So, let me go back to your question. So, this is a really long answer for you this is a really long answer for you this is a really long answer for you know, your question. So, let's take kind know, your question. So, let's take kind know, your question. So, let's take kind of the weekend public chat. So, you're a of the weekend public chat. So, you're a of the weekend public chat. So, you're a guest, you log on to like that church / guest, you log on to like that church / guest, you log on to like that church / online and you're attending church. Um online and you're attending church. Um online and you're attending church. Um what you'll see is every single one of what you'll see is every single one of what you'll see is every single one of our hosts our hosts our hosts and you can when you kind of log on, you and you can when you kind of log on, you and you can when you kind of log on, you can choose a username. People may choose can choose a username. People may choose can choose a username. People may choose their name. Sometimes people don't their name. Sometimes people don't their name. Sometimes people don't choose anything and if that's the case, choose anything and if that's the case, choose anything and if that's the case, then they don't get to engage in the then they don't get to engage in the then they don't get to engage in the public chat, but they're choosing some public chat, but they're choosing some public chat, but they're choosing some sort of name. sort of name. sort of name. And a lot of times it'll be like, "I And a lot of times it'll be like, "I And a lot of times it'll be like, "I love flowers" or "I hate people" or you love flowers" or "I hate people" or you love flowers" or "I hate people" or you know, like any number of things. And you know, like any number of things. And you know, like any number of things. And you get a sense of, you know, who those get a sense of, you know, who those get a sense of, you know, who those guests are with their kind of usernames. guests are with their kind of usernames. guests are with their kind of usernames. So then our our host will have like a So then our our host will have like a So then our our host will have like a little um, little um, little um, like a badge next to their name that like a badge next to their name that like a badge next to their name that will say host. So, in the public chat, will say host. So, in the public chat, will say host. So, in the public chat, you'll know when a host is talking that you'll know when a host is talking that you'll know when a host is talking that it's one of our hosts. So, what we have it's one of our hosts. So, what we have it's one of our hosts. So, what we have our hosts do is one host is dedicated to our hosts do is one host is dedicated to our hosts do is one host is dedicated to just welcoming people. Just saying just welcoming people. Just saying just welcoming people. Just saying hello, asking people where they're hello, asking people where they're hello, asking people where they're coming from, responding to people that coming from, responding to people that coming from, responding to people that may be chatting in the public chat.

may be chatting in the public chat. may be chatting in the public chat. And then since our services are, you And then since our services are, you And then since our services are, you know, the same know, the same know, the same throughout the week, throughout the week, throughout the week, what we also do is we create a script what we also do is we create a script what we also do is we create a script based on that first service, a script based on that first service, a script based on that first service, a script of, you know, we'll know what worship of, you know, we'll know what worship of, you know, we'll know what worship songs there are, we'll have heard our songs there are, we'll have heard our songs there are, we'll have heard our senior pastor's message, and so we'll senior pastor's message, and so we'll senior pastor's message, and so we'll have a script for prompts that a host have a script for prompts that a host have a script for prompts that a host will then copy and paste into the chat. will then copy and paste into the chat. will then copy and paste into the chat. So, an example might be, So, an example might be, So, an example might be, let's worship God as we, what's a song? let's worship God as we, what's a song? let's worship God as we, what's a song? Gyra. As we as we remember that our God Gyra. As we as we remember that our God Gyra. As we as we remember that our God provides. Um, so it'll be relevant to provides. Um, so it'll be relevant to provides. Um, so it'll be relevant to the the actual content for that the the actual content for that the the actual content for that particular week. And that's just another particular week. And that's just another particular week. And that's just another way to kind of keep some engagement in way to kind of keep some engagement in way to kind of keep some engagement in the chat. Also, a way to redirect the chat. Also, a way to redirect the chat. Also, a way to redirect sometimes, you know, when people are sometimes, you know, when people are sometimes, you know, when people are like, you know, saying off-the-wall like, you know, saying off-the-wall like, you know, saying off-the-wall things. things. things. And it's like, hey, let's worship right And it's like, hey, let's worship right And it's like, hey, let's worship right now. now. now. So, that's kind of some of the things So, that's kind of some of the things So, that's kind of some of the things that our our hosts do. In addition, that our our hosts do. In addition, that our our hosts do. In addition, at any point a guest on that public chat at any point a guest on that public chat at any point a guest on that public chat can request prayer. So, once they click can request prayer. So, once they click can request prayer. So, once they click the button saying request prayer, that the button saying request prayer, that the button saying request prayer, that will send them into a one-on-one chat will send them into a one-on-one chat will send them into a one-on-one chat feature with one of our hosts. So, on feature with one of our hosts. So, on feature with one of our hosts. So, on the back end, our host will see a the back end, our host will see a the back end, our host will see a request come through and they'll get to request come through and they'll get to request come through and they'll get to accept that request from, you know, from accept that request from, you know, from accept that request from, you know, from upstate New York, this person that's upstate New York, this person that's upstate New York, this person that's requested prayer. It'll send them into requested prayer. It'll send them into requested prayer. It'll send them into that one-on-one chat and then our host that one-on-one chat and then our host that one-on-one chat and then our host will be able to interact, you know, ask will be able to interact, you know, ask will be able to interact, you know, ask folks how they need prayer, and then folks how they need prayer, and then folks how they need prayer, and then that chat will go on until that guest that chat will go on until that guest that chat will go on until that guest leaves the actual chat. So, that's for

leaves the actual chat. So, that's for leaves the actual chat. So, that's for that hour and change that, you know, our that hour and change that, you know, our that hour and change that, you know, our guests are there and not our guests, our guests are there and not our guests, our guests are there and not our guests, our hosts. Um they're taking prayer hosts. Um they're taking prayer hosts. Um they're taking prayer requests. They're getting to interact requests. They're getting to interact requests. They're getting to interact with each other. Um so they're getting with each other. Um so they're getting with each other. Um so they're getting to, you know, kind of process through, to, you know, kind of process through, to, you know, kind of process through, "Hey, this is what's happening in the "Hey, this is what's happening in the "Hey, this is what's happening in the public chat. Do we need to take any public chat. Do we need to take any public chat. Do we need to take any action? Do we need to mute somebody if action? Do we need to mute somebody if action? Do we need to mute somebody if there's something explicit?" So they're there's something explicit?" So they're there's something explicit?" So they're getting to build community. At the same getting to build community. At the same getting to build community. At the same time, they're getting to support all of time, they're getting to support all of time, they're getting to support all of the guests coming through and actually the guests coming through and actually the guests coming through and actually attending. attending. attending. So I think what's really fascinating to So I think what's really fascinating to So I think what's really fascinating to me is that you have like this this AB me is that you have like this this AB me is that you have like this this AB testing almost going on where you have testing almost going on where you have testing almost going on where you have the public chat on the weekends, you've the public chat on the weekends, you've the public chat on the weekends, you've got the the private chat on the got the the private chat on the got the the private chat on the weekdays, and you're sounds like trying weekdays, and you're sounds like trying weekdays, and you're sounds like trying to kind of like extract what what are to kind of like extract what what are to kind of like extract what what are the lessons and the pros and cons of the lessons and the pros and cons of the lessons and the pros and cons of each configuration. You know, because I each configuration. You know, because I each configuration. You know, because I think to me one of the benefits of a of think to me one of the benefits of a of think to me one of the benefits of a of a public chat is that, "Hey, like look a public chat is that, "Hey, like look a public chat is that, "Hey, like look at all this social proof in a sense. at all this social proof in a sense. at all this social proof in a sense. Look at all these people that are here. Look at all these people that are here. Look at all these people that are here. There's something happening here. It's There's something happening here. It's There's something happening here. It's not It's not just me like on a webpage not It's not just me like on a webpage not It's not just me like on a webpage all by myself. There are people all all by myself. There are people all all by myself. There are people all around the world or all around this around the world or all around this around the world or all around this specific community or region that are specific community or region that are specific community or region that are connecting." Perhaps the downside of connecting." Perhaps the downside of connecting." Perhaps the downside of that is is that distracting you're that is is that distracting you're that is is that distracting you're keeping an eye on the chat. When I think keeping an eye on the chat. When I think keeping an eye on the chat. When I think about like, you know, gaming and Twitch, about like, you know, gaming and Twitch, about like, you know, gaming and Twitch, like so much of what's happening is yes, like so much of what's happening is yes, like so much of what's happening is yes, you're watching the the game, but you're you're watching the the game, but you're you're watching the the game, but you're also watching the chat. And so if the also watching the chat. And so if the also watching the chat. And so if the chat is really active, does that chat is really active, does that chat is really active, does that distract or take away from the online distract or take away from the online distract or take away from the online service that maybe I'm supposed to be service that maybe I'm supposed to be service that maybe I'm supposed to be focused on? I I'd love to hear kind of focused on? I I'd love to hear kind of focused on? I I'd love to hear kind of your thoughts on on that.

your thoughts on on that. your thoughts on on that. Yeah, so it's a great question, but you Yeah, so it's a great question, but you Yeah, so it's a great question, but you know, it's like one of those qualitative know, it's like one of those qualitative know, it's like one of those qualitative things that it's like, is that the things that it's like, is that the things that it's like, is that the thing? It's hard to really pinpoint. The thing? It's hard to really pinpoint. The thing? It's hard to really pinpoint. The one thing that we do see with the public one thing that we do see with the public one thing that we do see with the public chat is um we see we have a lot of chat is um we see we have a lot of chat is um we see we have a lot of regulars. And you know, even though regulars. And you know, even though regulars. And you know, even though there may be, you know, some people that there may be, you know, some people that there may be, you know, some people that are a bit distracting, that's probably are a bit distracting, that's probably are a bit distracting, that's probably that's not the majority of it really if that's not the majority of it really if that's not the majority of it really if I'm being honest. Um for the most part, I'm being honest. Um for the most part, I'm being honest. Um for the most part, it's people that are excited to be it's people that are excited to be it's people that are excited to be there, interested to be there, and when there, interested to be there, and when there, interested to be there, and when it does get a little bit hairy, we do it does get a little bit hairy, we do it does get a little bit hairy, we do try to um try to um try to um you know, kind of take care of that by you know, kind of take care of that by you know, kind of take care of that by maybe direct messaging them and trying maybe direct messaging them and trying maybe direct messaging them and trying to take take that person offline, not to take take that person offline, not to take take that person offline, not offline, but in a more private offline, but in a more private offline, but in a more private conversation to start to hear, you know, conversation to start to hear, you know, conversation to start to hear, you know, what is it that that they're struggling what is it that that they're struggling what is it that that they're struggling with, why are they frustrated, you know, with, why are they frustrated, you know, with, why are they frustrated, you know, whatever that thing is. Um and so whatever that thing is. Um and so whatever that thing is. Um and so what's what's great is we see community what's what's great is we see community what's what's great is we see community building with those public chat building with those public chat building with those public chat services. So, for example, somebody that services. So, for example, somebody that services. So, for example, somebody that comes to mind is comes to mind is comes to mind is um they use the the username, it's um they use the the username, it's um they use the the username, it's something like Seals Cram or something something like Seals Cram or something something like Seals Cram or something it's something like that. It's it's a it's something like that. It's it's a it's something like that. It's it's a combination of some words. They're there combination of some words. They're there combination of some words. They're there frequently and when they jump on the frequently and when they jump on the frequently and when they jump on the public chat, they're so happy to be public chat, they're so happy to be public chat, they're so happy to be there. They know the host name and so there. They know the host name and so there. They know the host name and so they're like, "Oh my gosh, Christina, they're like, "Oh my gosh, Christina, they're like, "Oh my gosh, Christina, it's so nice to see you." You know, so it's so nice to see you." You know, so it's so nice to see you." You know, so and so there's so many positive things and so there's so many positive things and so there's so many positive things happening in those chats that it it happening in those chats that it it happening in those chats that it it wasn't as if um on balance, it was more wasn't as if um on balance, it was more wasn't as if um on balance, it was more negative than positive. It was more negative than positive. It was more negative than positive. It was more like, "All right, let's see if we can

like, "All right, let's see if we can like, "All right, let's see if we can engage more people by trying something a engage more people by trying something a engage more people by trying something a little bit different." little bit different." little bit different." Well, so I have I'm curious how you and Well, so I have I'm curious how you and Well, so I have I'm curious how you and I assume this is part of your role at I assume this is part of your role at I assume this is part of your role at the church and you can correct me if I'm the church and you can correct me if I'm the church and you can correct me if I'm wrong, but how do you build up hosts to wrong, but how do you build up hosts to wrong, but how do you build up hosts to be equipped to deal with the type of be equipped to deal with the type of be equipped to deal with the type of communication that they will encounter communication that they will encounter communication that they will encounter in a live chat online? Because we all in a live chat online? Because we all in a live chat online? Because we all know that when we get on the internet, know that when we get on the internet, know that when we get on the internet, we get behind a computer screen or we get behind a computer screen or we get behind a computer screen or behind a username like Seals Cram, you behind a username like Seals Cram, you behind a username like Seals Cram, you end up saying things and behaving in a end up saying things and behaving in a end up saying things and behaving in a way that you just would not in person. way that you just would not in person. way that you just would not in person. So, I'm sure you're encountering things So, I'm sure you're encountering things So, I'm sure you're encountering things in the live chat that you wouldn't in the live chat that you wouldn't in the live chat that you wouldn't encounter usually during a church encounter usually during a church encounter usually during a church service in person. And so, what is the service in person. And so, what is the service in person. And so, what is the process for building up your hosts process for building up your hosts process for building up your hosts as people and as leaders to be able to as people and as leaders to be able to as people and as leaders to be able to be equipped to navigate the situations be equipped to navigate the situations be equipped to navigate the situations as they're happening in real time? as they're happening in real time? as they're happening in real time? Yep, that's a great question. So, Yep, that's a great question. So, Yep, that's a great question. So, one of the things I started doing so one of the things I started doing so one of the things I started doing so I've I've been in this role I've been a I've I've been in this role I've been a I've I've been in this role I've been a pastor at Life Church for over 10 years, pastor at Life Church for over 10 years, pastor at Life Church for over 10 years, but I've been in this role just under a but I've been in this role just under a but I've been in this role just under a year. And so, one of the things I wanted year. And so, one of the things I wanted year. And so, one of the things I wanted to do immediately was was kind of to do immediately was was kind of to do immediately was was kind of overhaul the orientation process overhaul the orientation process overhaul the orientation process cuz I think cuz I think cuz I think you nailed it. It's so important to you nailed it. It's so important to you nailed it. It's so important to properly equip these people. Oh gosh, properly equip these people. Oh gosh, properly equip these people. Oh gosh, and I'm getting teary-eyed because I and I'm getting teary-eyed because I and I'm getting teary-eyed because I just get so excited about what we get to just get so excited about what we get to just get so excited about what we get to do. So one of the things I I did is I do. So one of the things I I did is I do. So one of the things I I did is I kind of just rewrote our mission on Host kind of just rewrote our mission on Host kind of just rewrote our mission on Host Team.

Team. Team. So I want to share with you my our So I want to share with you my our So I want to share with you my our mission. So it's to create an mission. So it's to create an mission. So it's to create an environment where we demonstrate the environment where we demonstrate the environment where we demonstrate the love of Jesus to our guests and lead love of Jesus to our guests and lead love of Jesus to our guests and lead them to become fully devoted followers them to become fully devoted followers them to become fully devoted followers of Christ. Dang it, I'm getting so of Christ. Dang it, I'm getting so of Christ. Dang it, I'm getting so emotional. So just for a little bit more emotional. So just for a little bit more emotional. So just for a little bit more context, I'm from Upstate New York and context, I'm from Upstate New York and context, I'm from Upstate New York and nobody knows Jesus in Upstate New York. nobody knows Jesus in Upstate New York. nobody knows Jesus in Upstate New York. In fact, for the longest time Albany, In fact, for the longest time Albany, In fact, for the longest time Albany, New York was the number one most New York was the number one most New York was the number one most post-Christian city in the nation. And post-Christian city in the nation. And post-Christian city in the nation. And it's like that's the worst list that you it's like that's the worst list that you it's like that's the worst list that you could possibly be on and yet over the could possibly be on and yet over the could possibly be on and yet over the last few years, over the last like 10 or last few years, over the last like 10 or last few years, over the last like 10 or so years, we've crept down on that list so years, we've crept down on that list so years, we've crept down on that list because more people are finding Jesus. because more people are finding Jesus. because more people are finding Jesus. And that's in part to our you know, our And that's in part to our you know, our And that's in part to our you know, our church being there, but it's but it's church being there, but it's but it's church being there, but it's but it's all of our churches collectively. It's all of our churches collectively. It's all of our churches collectively. It's what God is doing in the local church, what God is doing in the local church, what God is doing in the local church, the hope of the world and he's changing the hope of the world and he's changing the hope of the world and he's changing that that dynamic in our community. that that dynamic in our community. that that dynamic in our community. So then when they invited me to be a So then when they invited me to be a So then when they invited me to be a part of this online community, I'm like, part of this online community, I'm like, part of this online community, I'm like, "Oh my gosh, nobody knows Jesus in the "Oh my gosh, nobody knows Jesus in the "Oh my gosh, nobody knows Jesus in the world." Not nobody, you know, but man, world." Not nobody, you know, but man, world." Not nobody, you know, but man, the opportunity is massive. And so I'm the opportunity is massive. And so I'm the opportunity is massive. And so I'm like, "Yes, like how crazy that I could like, "Yes, like how crazy that I could like, "Yes, like how crazy that I could be a part of reaching people in Guam, be a part of reaching people in Guam, be a part of reaching people in Guam, you know?" So okay, so so back to my you know?" So okay, so so back to my you know?" So okay, so so back to my team.

team. team. So I get fired up when I start talking So I get fired up when I start talking So I get fired up when I start talking to new volunteers because A, to new volunteers because A, to new volunteers because A, I love that you know, they're being I love that you know, they're being I love that you know, they're being obedient in using their gifts and obedient in using their gifts and obedient in using their gifts and talents for the kingdom of God, you talents for the kingdom of God, you talents for the kingdom of God, you know, they're they're they're doing what know, they're they're they're doing what know, they're they're they're doing what God wants us to do by serving. But what God wants us to do by serving. But what God wants us to do by serving. But what they get in in they get in in they get in in response is so blessed when they get to response is so blessed when they get to response is so blessed when they get to see that God will use them to love see that God will use them to love see that God will use them to love people, to help them feel welcome, to people, to help them feel welcome, to people, to help them feel welcome, to help them feel accepted, but also to not help them feel accepted, but also to not help them feel accepted, but also to not leave them where they're at, to bring leave them where they're at, to bring leave them where they're at, to bring them to this new place. So, so just in them to this new place. So, so just in them to this new place. So, so just in terms of equipping our hosts, the first terms of equipping our hosts, the first terms of equipping our hosts, the first thing I want to do is help them thing I want to do is help them thing I want to do is help them understand what they're about to be a understand what they're about to be a understand what they're about to be a part of, that it's huge. And and whether part of, that it's huge. And and whether part of, that it's huge. And and whether they their job is just to welcome people they their job is just to welcome people they their job is just to welcome people in the chat, awesome. That could be the in the chat, awesome. That could be the in the chat, awesome. That could be the thing that turns somebody's life around. thing that turns somebody's life around. thing that turns somebody's life around. In fact, we had a gal, Tracy. In fact, we had a gal, Tracy. In fact, we had a gal, Tracy. Tracy was relatively new to faith. She Tracy was relatively new to faith. She Tracy was relatively new to faith. She had checked out Life Church Online, I had checked out Life Church Online, I had checked out Life Church Online, I don't know, maybe it was a month ago or don't know, maybe it was a month ago or don't know, maybe it was a month ago or whatever, and she's in the public chat, whatever, and she's in the public chat, whatever, and she's in the public chat, and she talked a little bit. Well, she and she talked a little bit. Well, she and she talked a little bit. Well, she came back the next week cuz she, you came back the next week cuz she, you came back the next week cuz she, you know, she liked the message, and one of know, she liked the message, and one of know, she liked the message, and one of her hosts remembered her name. And it her hosts remembered her name. And it her hosts remembered her name. And it wasn't because it was her username, but wasn't because it was her username, but wasn't because it was her username, but they remembered her name, and she was they remembered her name, and she was they remembered her name, and she was blown away. And it made her feel so blown away. And it made her feel so blown away. And it made her feel so special that in a sea of, you know, special that in a sea of, you know, special that in a sea of, you know, hundreds of people, somebody would know hundreds of people, somebody would know hundreds of people, somebody would know her. Well, guess what? She's a host now her. Well, guess what? She's a host now her. Well, guess what? She's a host now because she was so inspired, and she because she was so inspired, and she because she was so inspired, and she wants to be that for other people. So,

wants to be that for other people. So, wants to be that for other people. So, it's important that that our hosts know it's important that that our hosts know it's important that that our hosts know the the impact and the import of what the the impact and the import of what the the impact and the import of what they're saying yes to. Um okay, so they're saying yes to. Um okay, so they're saying yes to. Um okay, so here's the other part. here's the other part. here's the other part. So, I can see your faces now. It's very So, I can see your faces now. It's very So, I can see your faces now. It's very personal, even though we're on a personal, even though we're on a personal, even though we're on a computer. Um seeing somebody's face computer. Um seeing somebody's face computer. Um seeing somebody's face immediately makes it personal, but in immediately makes it personal, but in immediately makes it personal, but in our environment, we never see their our environment, we never see their our environment, we never see their face. And so, here's what I tell my face. And so, here's what I tell my face. And so, here's what I tell my hosts is I know every single person I'm hosts is I know every single person I'm hosts is I know every single person I'm orienting, if I walked into their house, orienting, if I walked into their house, orienting, if I walked into their house, they would treat me amazingly. They they would treat me amazingly. They they would treat me amazingly. They would offer me a drink, they would offer would offer me a drink, they would offer would offer me a drink, they would offer me the best seat in the house, maybe me the best seat in the house, maybe me the best seat in the house, maybe something to eat, they would introduce something to eat, they would introduce something to eat, they would introduce me to their family. Uh because, of me to their family. Uh because, of me to their family. Uh because, of course, anybody we're we're um inviting course, anybody we're we're um inviting course, anybody we're we're um inviting into our house, our guest, we're going into our house, our guest, we're going into our house, our guest, we're going to treat really, really well. That's to treat really, really well. That's to treat really, really well. That's exactly the filter through which I want exactly the filter through which I want exactly the filter through which I want our hosts to see every single guest they our hosts to see every single guest they our hosts to see every single guest they interact with because we don't know if interact with because we don't know if interact with because we don't know if if we're going to get one chance with if we're going to get one chance with if we're going to get one chance with that person or if they're going to be a that person or if they're going to be a that person or if they're going to be a regular. And so I want them to see even regular. And so I want them to see even regular. And so I want them to see even if the handle is I love space, I want if the handle is I love space, I want if the handle is I love space, I want them to see I love space as my guest, them to see I love space as my guest, them to see I love space as my guest, not some generic guest but as my guest not some generic guest but as my guest not some generic guest but as my guest and in that moment, how can I make I and in that moment, how can I make I and in that moment, how can I make I love space feel like a million bucks, love space feel like a million bucks, love space feel like a million bucks, feel like not only do I care about them feel like not only do I care about them feel like not only do I care about them but I'm an extension of God and God but I'm an extension of God and God but I'm an extension of God and God loves them so much and wants so much for loves them so much and wants so much for loves them so much and wants so much for that individual. And so that's the the that individual. And so that's the the that individual. And so that's the the filter through which and that's that's filter through which and that's that's filter through which and that's that's part of my mission state our mission part of my mission state our mission part of my mission state our mission statement is

statement is statement is we want to create this environment where we want to create this environment where we want to create this environment where we demonstrate the love of Jesus and we we demonstrate the love of Jesus and we we demonstrate the love of Jesus and we know Jesus he accepted people, he met know Jesus he accepted people, he met know Jesus he accepted people, he met them where they were at but he didn't them where they were at but he didn't them where they were at but he didn't leave them there. And that's what what I leave them there. And that's what what I leave them there. And that's what what I want our hosts to be able to do with our want our hosts to be able to do with our want our hosts to be able to do with our guest. Now it's it's easy for me to say guest. Now it's it's easy for me to say guest. Now it's it's easy for me to say that on an orientation but it is so that on an orientation but it is so that on an orientation but it is so important that I I keep that in front of important that I I keep that in front of important that I I keep that in front of my hosts all the time. So one of the my hosts all the time. So one of the my hosts all the time. So one of the things I do so I have a team of about things I do so I have a team of about things I do so I have a team of about 400 people. 400 people. 400 people. I send videos every single week kind of I send videos every single week kind of I send videos every single week kind of vision videos to you know maybe share a vision videos to you know maybe share a vision videos to you know maybe share a story of what God is doing or just just story of what God is doing or just just story of what God is doing or just just to keep that that personal feeling in to keep that that personal feeling in to keep that that personal feeling in front of that because it can get it can front of that because it can get it can front of that because it can get it can feel impersonal when again you're just feel impersonal when again you're just feel impersonal when again you're just seeing words you're just seeing you know seeing words you're just seeing you know seeing words you're just seeing you know the platform and usernames. And so it's the platform and usernames. And so it's the platform and usernames. And so it's important that I continue important that I continue important that I continue to push on that side of it so that I'm to push on that side of it so that I'm to push on that side of it so that I'm always reminding my volunteers and what always reminding my volunteers and what always reminding my volunteers and what they do makes a difference. they do makes a difference. they do makes a difference. See you mentioned 131 services See you mentioned 131 services See you mentioned 131 services throughout the week and they're not on throughout the week and they're not on throughout the week and they're not on demand because there are live hosts that demand because there are live hosts that demand because there are live hosts that are on most if not all of those. I are on most if not all of those. I are on most if not all of those. I wanted to dig more into like the actual wanted to dig more into like the actual wanted to dig more into like the actual like online church programming. You like online church programming. You like online church programming. You mentioned that there is a recording that mentioned that there is a recording that mentioned that there is a recording that goes on. So, I'm I'm presuming that the goes on. So, I'm I'm presuming that the goes on. So, I'm I'm presuming that the same service plays 131 times. It's same service plays 131 times. It's same service plays 131 times. It's Pastor Craig or the main speaker and the Pastor Craig or the main speaker and the Pastor Craig or the main speaker and the worship at the beginning. That's worship at the beginning. That's worship at the beginning. That's correct?

correct? correct? Yep. Yep. Yep. Okay. And so then, what other elements Okay. And so then, what other elements Okay. And so then, what other elements are part of like this online church are part of like this online church are part of like this online church program that runs for roughly an hour? program that runs for roughly an hour? program that runs for roughly an hour? Are there people at the beginning? Are Are there people at the beginning? Are Are there people at the beginning? Are there other elements beyond worship and there other elements beyond worship and there other elements beyond worship and the actual message? How does it all tie the actual message? How does it all tie the actual message? How does it all tie together? together? together? Yes. So, So, if you're at one of our Yes. So, So, if you're at one of our Yes. So, So, if you're at one of our campuses, campuses, campuses, the framework is the same no matter the framework is the same no matter the framework is the same no matter which campus, no matter you know which which campus, no matter you know which which campus, no matter you know which service you go to. So, it's service you go to. So, it's service you go to. So, it's the service opens with worship. There's the service opens with worship. There's the service opens with worship. There's the local campus pastor or maybe just the local campus pastor or maybe just the local campus pastor or maybe just kind of a fill-in communicator that kind kind of a fill-in communicator that kind kind of a fill-in communicator that kind of bridges the gap between worship and of bridges the gap between worship and of bridges the gap between worship and the message. They'll be a time for the message. They'll be a time for the message. They'll be a time for giving and so that communicator is kind giving and so that communicator is kind giving and so that communicator is kind of talking through that. of talking through that. of talking through that. And then, every single message ends with And then, every single message ends with And then, every single message ends with a call to Christ. So, an opportunity for a call to Christ. So, an opportunity for a call to Christ. So, an opportunity for people to commit their lives to Christ. people to commit their lives to Christ. people to commit their lives to Christ. Typically, that's our senior pastor Typically, that's our senior pastor Typically, that's our senior pastor that's leading through that. that's leading through that. that's leading through that. But then, on the heels of that in in But then, on the heels of that in in But then, on the heels of that in in person, that communicator that campus person, that communicator that campus person, that communicator that campus pastor is going to come up and then pastor is going to come up and then pastor is going to come up and then invite people if they want to make that invite people if they want to make that invite people if they want to make that commitment to raise their hands. And commitment to raise their hands. And commitment to raise their hands. And then, they'll kind of conclude, you then, they'll kind of conclude, you then, they'll kind of conclude, you know, pray with people, conclude, and know, pray with people, conclude, and know, pray with people, conclude, and then then then kind of dismiss. So, in our online kind of dismiss. So, in our online kind of dismiss. So, in our online environment, it's the exact same environment, it's the exact same environment, it's the exact same framework only it's just different framework only it's just different framework only it's just different communicator. It's our online communicator. It's our online communicator. It's our online communicator team that's kind of communicator team that's kind of communicator team that's kind of bridging those two gaps. So, the second bridging those two gaps. So, the second bridging those two gaps. So, the second service starts. Sometimes we we may have service starts. Sometimes we we may have service starts. Sometimes we we may have like a kind of a buffer video on the like a kind of a buffer video on the like a kind of a buffer video on the front end. But typically, there'll be front end. But typically, there'll be front end. But typically, there'll be like a a looping video that says service

like a a looping video that says service like a a looping video that says service starts soon. And then, once 11:00 hits, starts soon. And then, once 11:00 hits, starts soon. And then, once 11:00 hits, you're we're opening with you're we're opening with you're we're opening with the Actually, now that I say that, I do the Actually, now that I say that, I do the Actually, now that I say that, I do think sometimes we'll have a one of our think sometimes we'll have a one of our think sometimes we'll have a one of our online communicators intro it, just a online communicators intro it, just a online communicators intro it, just a short intro. And then it's into worship, short intro. And then it's into worship, short intro. And then it's into worship, followed by our online communicator followed by our online communicator followed by our online communicator speaking directly to our online com- uh speaking directly to our online com- uh speaking directly to our online com- uh community. community. community. Uh and the value there is um Uh and the value there is um Uh and the value there is um we're we're helping our people take next we're we're helping our people take next we're we're helping our people take next steps that are going to be appropriate steps that are going to be appropriate steps that are going to be appropriate for our online community. And that's for our online community. And that's for our online community. And that's even though we have next steps that even though we have next steps that even though we have next steps that mirror the in-campus, mirror the in-campus, mirror the in-campus, um still might be a little bit different um still might be a little bit different um still might be a little bit different kind of the method for them taking those kind of the method for them taking those kind of the method for them taking those next steps. So, next steps. So, next steps. So, that online communicator would also talk that online communicator would also talk that online communicator would also talk through giving and encourage people to through giving and encourage people to through giving and encourage people to take that next step. Um and then open it take that next step. Um and then open it take that next step. Um and then open it up to the message, which is the same for up to the message, which is the same for up to the message, which is the same for folks in campus. And then same thing on folks in campus. And then same thing on folks in campus. And then same thing on the back end is um while Pastor Craig is the back end is um while Pastor Craig is the back end is um while Pastor Craig is doing that kind of call to Christ, then doing that kind of call to Christ, then doing that kind of call to Christ, then our online communicators come on the our online communicators come on the our online communicators come on the back end of that. And uh so, sorry, let back end of that. And uh so, sorry, let back end of that. And uh so, sorry, let me take a uh step back for a moment. So, me take a uh step back for a moment. So, me take a uh step back for a moment. So, one of the features that I hadn't one of the features that I hadn't one of the features that I hadn't mentioned in when the service is playing mentioned in when the service is playing mentioned in when the service is playing online, we also have what we call online, we also have what we call online, we also have what we call moments that we are scheduling into um moments that we are scheduling into um moments that we are scheduling into um the actual service. So, those moments, the actual service. So, those moments, the actual service. So, those moments, there's not a ton of them, but it'll be there's not a ton of them, but it'll be there's not a ton of them, but it'll be like a welcome. It'll be like a welcome. It'll be like a welcome. It'll be um in line with what the communicator is um in line with what the communicator is um in line with what the communicator is talking about. Like let's say they're

talking about. Like let's say they're talking about. Like let's say they're talking about uh serving, or they're talking about uh serving, or they're talking about uh serving, or they're talking about finding what we call life talking about finding what we call life talking about finding what we call life groups, groups of people that get groups, groups of people that get groups, groups of people that get together with God at the center. So, together with God at the center. So, together with God at the center. So, then there'll be a moment that happens then there'll be a moment that happens then there'll be a moment that happens at the same time that um a guest can at the same time that um a guest can at the same time that um a guest can click on to take that next step. So, click on to take that next step. So, click on to take that next step. So, same thing when it comes to the same thing when it comes to the same thing when it comes to the salvation bit, um when the communicator salvation bit, um when the communicator salvation bit, um when the communicator is kind of picking up on our senior is kind of picking up on our senior is kind of picking up on our senior pastor inviting people to make a pastor inviting people to make a pastor inviting people to make a decision to follow Jesus, there's a decision to follow Jesus, there's a decision to follow Jesus, there's a moment, a button that says, "I want to moment, a button that says, "I want to moment, a button that says, "I want to give my life to Christ." When they click give my life to Christ." When they click give my life to Christ." When they click that, it says, it basically will tally that, it says, it basically will tally that, it says, it basically will tally the number of hands, um and which is is the number of hands, um and which is is the number of hands, um and which is is so exciting, especially for our hosts, so exciting, especially for our hosts, so exciting, especially for our hosts, to see that towards the end of that to see that towards the end of that to see that towards the end of that message, um people are actually making message, um people are actually making message, um people are actually making that decision to follow Jesus. That's that decision to follow Jesus. That's that decision to follow Jesus. That's part of our heart and our mission. part of our heart and our mission. part of our heart and our mission. Um and so Um and so Um and so then that communicator will be kind of then that communicator will be kind of then that communicator will be kind of talking through celebrating people that talking through celebrating people that talking through celebrating people that have made that decision, praying with have made that decision, praying with have made that decision, praying with people, people, people, um and then just like in campus, kind of um and then just like in campus, kind of um and then just like in campus, kind of uh sharing any next steps, and then uh sharing any next steps, and then uh sharing any next steps, and then dismissing people from that particular dismissing people from that particular dismissing people from that particular service.

service. service. Excellent. Okay, I want to I want to ask Excellent. Okay, I want to I want to ask Excellent. Okay, I want to I want to ask more now about these online more now about these online more now about these online communicators. What are some of the cues communicators. What are some of the cues communicators. What are some of the cues or even just like the the the points or even just like the the the points or even just like the the the points that they're wanting to hit each week in that they're wanting to hit each week in that they're wanting to hit each week in that intro, in the in-between element, that intro, in the in-between element, that intro, in the in-between element, and at the end? And you mentioned next and at the end? And you mentioned next and at the end? And you mentioned next steps, that's something that's very steps, that's something that's very steps, that's something that's very important to us uh here at our company. important to us uh here at our company. important to us uh here at our company. What next steps specifically on online What next steps specifically on online What next steps specifically on online church, you said maybe sometimes they're church, you said maybe sometimes they're church, you said maybe sometimes they're a bit different, are you continually a bit different, are you continually a bit different, are you continually emphasizing? emphasizing? emphasizing? Sure. Sure. Sure. Um okay, so let me think. Um so I say Um okay, so let me think. Um so I say Um okay, so let me think. Um so I say all that, and we have occasionally made all that, and we have occasionally made all that, and we have occasionally made some adjustments for things like Easter some adjustments for things like Easter some adjustments for things like Easter or that sort of thing. So uh when it or that sort of thing. So uh when it or that sort of thing. So uh when it comes to the online communicators, comes to the online communicators, comes to the online communicators, um we have we have a team of them. um we have we have a team of them. um we have we have a team of them. They're at different places, They're at different places, They're at different places, um and so sometimes what those um and so sometimes what those um and so sometimes what those communicators are doing may be communicators are doing may be communicators are doing may be highlighting what's happening in a highlighting what's happening in a highlighting what's happening in a particular location that they're filming particular location that they're filming particular location that they're filming at. Um so for example, I'm trying to at. Um so for example, I'm trying to at. Um so for example, I'm trying to think. So for Easter this past year, think. So for Easter this past year, think. So for Easter this past year, um we we did something a little bit um we we did something a little bit um we we did something a little bit different where we filmed it live. Now different where we filmed it live. Now different where we filmed it live. Now typically, we're not filming those live.

typically, we're not filming those live. typically, we're not filming those live. Um Um Um may uh maybe it's 50/50, maybe 70/30, uh may uh maybe it's 50/50, maybe 70/30, uh may uh maybe it's 50/50, maybe 70/30, uh where like 30% of it is live. So um where like 30% of it is live. So um where like 30% of it is live. So um typically, they're they're filming it a typically, they're they're filming it a typically, they're they're filming it a little bit earlier, kind of knowing what little bit earlier, kind of knowing what little bit earlier, kind of knowing what direction we're going in with the direction we're going in with the direction we're going in with the weekend service, cuz we'll know the weekend service, cuz we'll know the weekend service, cuz we'll know the series and we'll know kind of the topic, series and we'll know kind of the topic, series and we'll know kind of the topic, and so we we have some indication of and so we we have some indication of and so we we have some indication of what's going to happen on the weekend. what's going to happen on the weekend. what's going to happen on the weekend. Um so uh with Easter, they filmed at a Um so uh with Easter, they filmed at a Um so uh with Easter, they filmed at a few different locations, and in that few different locations, and in that few different locations, and in that moment, what our communicators tried to moment, what our communicators tried to moment, what our communicators tried to do is help the online community actually do is help the online community actually do is help the online community actually feel like they are part of the whole. feel like they are part of the whole. feel like they are part of the whole. So, help them feel a little bit more So, help them feel a little bit more So, help them feel a little bit more like it's not just online and then in like it's not just online and then in like it's not just online and then in person, but try to person, but try to person, but try to blend the two maybe a little bit. blend the two maybe a little bit. blend the two maybe a little bit. Um, so that was uh Um, so that was uh Um, so that was uh specific and intentional there. Um, I specific and intentional there. Um, I specific and intentional there. Um, I would say there isn't anything would say there isn't anything would say there isn't anything necessarily beyond just helping people necessarily beyond just helping people necessarily beyond just helping people feel welcome, helping people feel feel welcome, helping people feel feel welcome, helping people feel connected, feel like this is their home, connected, feel like this is their home, connected, feel like this is their home, this is their church. Because for us, this is their church. Because for us, this is their church. Because for us, most of the people that are attending most of the people that are attending most of the people that are attending online aren't also a part of a campus, online aren't also a part of a campus, online aren't also a part of a campus, you know? I mean, certainly, we have you know? I mean, certainly, we have you know? I mean, certainly, we have people at campuses that they go on people at campuses that they go on people at campuses that they go on vacation, and so they attend online, you vacation, and so they attend online, you vacation, and so they attend online, you know, as kind of like a replacement. For know, as kind of like a replacement. For know, as kind of like a replacement. For the most part, the people that are the most part, the people that are the most part, the people that are attending online that are regulars, like attending online that are regulars, like attending online that are regulars, like this is their home.

this is their home. this is their home. Um, and so the our communicators are Um, and so the our communicators are Um, and so the our communicators are communicating to those people as if, communicating to those people as if, communicating to those people as if, hey, we know this is your home, we want hey, we know this is your home, we want hey, we know this is your home, we want to help you grow in your faith. And so, to help you grow in your faith. And so, to help you grow in your faith. And so, we're our communicators are constantly we're our communicators are constantly we're our communicators are constantly leading towards whatever that next step leading towards whatever that next step leading towards whatever that next step is. So, is. So, is. So, when I think about next steps on a when I think about next steps on a when I think about next steps on a campus, uh which is what you mentioned, campus, uh which is what you mentioned, campus, uh which is what you mentioned, it's it's it's uh for us, it's we keep it simple. It's uh for us, it's we keep it simple. It's uh for us, it's we keep it simple. It's um, you know, we want people to attend um, you know, we want people to attend um, you know, we want people to attend church regularly, you know, that's it's church regularly, you know, that's it's church regularly, you know, that's it's a part of, you know, don't forsake the a part of, you know, don't forsake the a part of, you know, don't forsake the assembling of the brethren. Uh, and that assembling of the brethren. Uh, and that assembling of the brethren. Uh, and that is stoking, James. So, is stoking, James. So, is stoking, James. So, um, and so, I know one of the tips for um, and so, I know one of the tips for um, and so, I know one of the tips for host communicating online is don't be host communicating online is don't be host communicating online is don't be churchy, which is what I just did, okay? churchy, which is what I just did, okay? churchy, which is what I just did, okay? So, don't do what I just did. So, don't do what I just did. So, don't do what I just did. Uh, okay, so, you you don't typically Uh, okay, so, you you don't typically Uh, okay, so, you you don't typically use the word brethren in day-to-day use the word brethren in day-to-day use the word brethren in day-to-day conversation. conversation. conversation. No, I don't. I can't even believe I said No, I don't. I can't even believe I said No, I don't. I can't even believe I said that. I wanted to stop myself, but I that. I wanted to stop myself, but I that. I wanted to stop myself, but I just couldn't. just couldn't. just couldn't. No, it's good. It's It's hidden in there No, it's good. It's It's hidden in there No, it's good. It's It's hidden in there in your heart. It can't help but get in your heart. It can't help but get in your heart. It can't help but get out. out. out. It is. It's so entrenched. Oh my gosh. It is. It's so entrenched. Oh my gosh. It is. It's so entrenched. Oh my gosh. Um, okay, so, next steps is, you know, Um, okay, so, next steps is, you know, Um, okay, so, next steps is, you know, attending church regularly. So, that's attending church regularly. So, that's attending church regularly. So, that's certainly something that we we would certainly something that we we would certainly something that we we would talk about online as a communicator.

talk about online as a communicator. talk about online as a communicator. Um, but it's serving, it's finding godly Um, but it's serving, it's finding godly Um, but it's serving, it's finding godly community. And so just to go back to community. And so just to go back to community. And so just to go back to serving, serving on a campus is pretty serving, serving on a campus is pretty serving, serving on a campus is pretty simple, you know, it's serving with the simple, you know, it's serving with the simple, you know, it's serving with the kids or it's opening doors or making kids or it's opening doors or making kids or it's opening doors or making coffee. In our environment, serving coffee. In our environment, serving coffee. In our environment, serving looks like being a part of the host looks like being a part of the host looks like being a part of the host team, which is what I lead. Um, it also team, which is what I lead. Um, it also team, which is what I lead. Um, it also could be uh, we have a whole kind of could be uh, we have a whole kind of could be uh, we have a whole kind of different segment with social media. And different segment with social media. And different segment with social media. And so people can serve with our social so people can serve with our social so people can serve with our social media team. Um, and then uh, also they media team. Um, and then uh, also they media team. Um, and then uh, also they can serve by being a life group leader. can serve by being a life group leader. can serve by being a life group leader. So we encourage godly community through So we encourage godly community through So we encourage godly community through what we call life groups. Life groups what we call life groups. Life groups what we call life groups. Life groups are groups of people that get together are groups of people that get together are groups of people that get together with God at the center. They're all a with God at the center. They're all a with God at the center. They're all a little bit different, maybe a little bit little bit different, maybe a little bit little bit different, maybe a little bit of little different focus, but for us we of little different focus, but for us we of little different focus, but for us we have about 600 life groups. And so at have about 600 life groups. And so at have about 600 life groups. And so at any point we encourage our folks to any point we encourage our folks to any point we encourage our folks to search through our database of life search through our database of life search through our database of life groups, um, and we have short links to groups, um, and we have short links to groups, um, and we have short links to get people there. And those life groups, get people there. And those life groups, get people there. And those life groups, some of them meet online. I mean, the some of them meet online. I mean, the some of them meet online. I mean, the majority of them meet online, but majority of them meet online, but majority of them meet online, but something we've been doing this last something we've been doing this last something we've been doing this last year is encouraging people to start what year is encouraging people to start what year is encouraging people to start what we call watch parties. So it's in your we call watch parties. So it's in your we call watch parties. So it's in your community, opening your home or going to community, opening your home or going to community, opening your home or going to a coffee shop, and actually watching a coffee shop, and actually watching a coffee shop, and actually watching service together. So that's something service together. So that's something service together. So that's something that when people go and search for a that when people go and search for a that when people go and search for a life group, they'll be able to search by life group, they'll be able to search by life group, they'll be able to search by location and find that, you know, in the location and find that, you know, in the location and find that, you know, in the Philippines there's a watch group taking Philippines there's a watch group taking Philippines there's a watch group taking place in this particular area. Um, so place in this particular area. Um, so place in this particular area. Um, so it's cool because we have we have uh, it's cool because we have we have uh, it's cool because we have we have uh, life groups in I want to say 55 life groups in I want to say 55 life groups in I want to say 55 different countries, but then again also

different countries, but then again also different countries, but then again also online. And so there's something for online. And so there's something for online. And so there's something for everybody. And we want to continue to everybody. And we want to continue to everybody. And we want to continue to encourage people not just to find encourage people not just to find encourage people not just to find community that way, but to continue community that way, but to continue community that way, but to continue starting those groups. Um, so we starting those groups. Um, so we starting those groups. Um, so we continue to to match the need cuz tons continue to to match the need cuz tons continue to to match the need cuz tons of people are looking for that of people are looking for that of people are looking for that community. community. community. Another next step, um, and this one was Another next step, um, and this one was Another next step, um, and this one was interesting. I was excited to hear about interesting. I was excited to hear about interesting. I was excited to hear about this when I joined this particular team. this when I joined this particular team. this when I joined this particular team. Um, in person, we do baptisms, um, you Um, in person, we do baptisms, um, you Um, in person, we do baptisms, um, you know, once a quarter at a campus. Well, know, once a quarter at a campus. Well, know, once a quarter at a campus. Well, we also facilitate baptisms online. And we also facilitate baptisms online. And we also facilitate baptisms online. And it's been so exciting to watch those it's been so exciting to watch those it's been so exciting to watch those actually happen. So, what we do, if actually happen. So, what we do, if actually happen. So, what we do, if somebody's interested in getting somebody's interested in getting somebody's interested in getting baptized, you know, they we send them a baptized, you know, they we send them a baptized, you know, they we send them a link, they fill out a form, they tell us link, they fill out a form, they tell us link, they fill out a form, they tell us a little bit about their story. So, then a little bit about their story. So, then a little bit about their story. So, then what we do is we set up a Zoom call what we do is we set up a Zoom call what we do is we set up a Zoom call where we as a pastor will talk through where we as a pastor will talk through where we as a pastor will talk through the baptism and and baptize them kind of the baptism and and baptize them kind of the baptism and and baptize them kind of verbally, but then on their end, they verbally, but then on their end, they verbally, but then on their end, they need to arrange for a body of water and need to arrange for a body of water and need to arrange for a body of water and a friend or family member that's a a friend or family member that's a a friend or family member that's a believer to actually dunk them. And it believer to actually dunk them. And it believer to actually dunk them. And it is so cool. Uh, Gabby, Gabby is actually is so cool. Uh, Gabby, Gabby is actually is so cool. Uh, Gabby, Gabby is actually one of my volunteers. Uh, she lives in one of my volunteers. Uh, she lives in one of my volunteers. Uh, she lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and she was so Buenos Aires, Argentina, and she was so Buenos Aires, Argentina, and she was so excited to get baptized. So, she she's excited to get baptized. So, she she's excited to get baptized. So, she she's got an in-ground pool in the back, and got an in-ground pool in the back, and got an in-ground pool in the back, and she, along with, uh, tons of family and she, along with, uh, tons of family and she, along with, uh, tons of family and friends on Zoom all around the world, friends on Zoom all around the world, friends on Zoom all around the world, watched her get baptized. And it was so watched her get baptized. And it was so watched her get baptized. And it was so cool because all of these people that cool because all of these people that cool because all of these people that wouldn't have been able to physically wouldn't have been able to physically wouldn't have been able to physically attend her baptism got to be there and attend her baptism got to be there and attend her baptism got to be there and got to celebrate the second she came in

got to celebrate the second she came in got to celebrate the second she came in out of that water. Like, it was madness. out of that water. Like, it was madness. out of that water. Like, it was madness. People screaming and cheering. And it People screaming and cheering. And it People screaming and cheering. And it was so special that even though she was so special that even though she was so special that even though she isn't physically a part of one of our isn't physically a part of one of our isn't physically a part of one of our campuses, that didn't limit her ability campuses, that didn't limit her ability campuses, that didn't limit her ability to take what was the most important next to take what was the most important next to take what was the most important next step for her. step for her. step for her. I'm so thankful that you're sharing I'm so thankful that you're sharing I'm so thankful that you're sharing these stories with us because, you know, these stories with us because, you know, these stories with us because, you know, we mentioned the innovation of of Life we mentioned the innovation of of Life we mentioned the innovation of of Life Church, um, but I could not have Church, um, but I could not have Church, um, but I could not have imagined that we would get to this point imagined that we would get to this point imagined that we would get to this point in this conversation where I, hearing in this conversation where I, hearing in this conversation where I, hearing you tell the story about how you have you tell the story about how you have you tell the story about how you have innovated and facilitated really innovated and facilitated really innovated and facilitated really meaningful, um, spiritual practice to meaningful, um, spiritual practice to meaningful, um, spiritual practice to the point of of the point of of the point of of of hosting online baptisms in what of hosting online baptisms in what of hosting online baptisms in what sounds to me, as a as a Christian and as sounds to me, as a as a Christian and as sounds to me, as a as a Christian and as a pastor, as like a a pretty meaningful a pastor, as like a a pretty meaningful a pastor, as like a a pretty meaningful way of of doing that from a distance, way of of doing that from a distance, way of of doing that from a distance, you know, um during the aforementioned you know, um during the aforementioned you know, um during the aforementioned pandemic, um pandemic, um pandemic, um there was a a couple in our church who there was a a couple in our church who there was a a couple in our church who had a baby and it was really important had a baby and it was really important had a baby and it was really important to them because we didn't know when that to them because we didn't know when that to them because we didn't know when that the end was not in sight and so we the end was not in sight and so we the end was not in sight and so we didn't know when we were going to be didn't know when we were going to be didn't know when we were going to be able to gather in person again and and able to gather in person again and and able to gather in person again and and it was important to them to dedicate it was important to them to dedicate it was important to them to dedicate their baby. That's a a practice we do in their baby. That's a a practice we do in their baby. That's a a practice we do in our church. And so we had I facilitated our church. And so we had I facilitated our church. And so we had I facilitated an an online dedication of of their baby an an online dedication of of their baby an an online dedication of of their baby uh through Zoom, of course. And it uh through Zoom, of course. And it uh through Zoom, of course. And it really was there was a benefit to that really was there was a benefit to that really was there was a benefit to that in the sense that there were folks and in the sense that there were folks and in the sense that there were folks and family members from all over the family members from all over the family members from all over the continent that were able to attend that continent that were able to attend that continent that were able to attend that um event because we held it online who um event because we held it online who um event because we held it online who would not have been able to attend in would not have been able to attend in would not have been able to attend in person. So there is there is something person. So there is there is something person. So there is there is something to that and and what I'm hearing in to that and and what I'm hearing in to that and and what I'm hearing in everything that you're saying, everything that you're saying, everything that you're saying, Christina, is that you are paying such Christina, is that you are paying such Christina, is that you are paying such particular attention to the fact that

particular attention to the fact that particular attention to the fact that online church cannot be a carbon copy of online church cannot be a carbon copy of online church cannot be a carbon copy of in-person services. It it requires um in-person services. It it requires um in-person services. It it requires um a certain measure of of catering to the a certain measure of of catering to the a certain measure of of catering to the nature of doing it at a distance to the nature of doing it at a distance to the nature of doing it at a distance to the online platform. You are You are are online platform. You are You are are online platform. You are You are are making making all sorts of um making making all sorts of um making making all sorts of um changes and choices to to cater to the changes and choices to to cater to the changes and choices to to cater to the folks who are meeting online who will folks who are meeting online who will folks who are meeting online who will not meet in person and enabling them to not meet in person and enabling them to not meet in person and enabling them to take these next steps and take them well take these next steps and take them well take these next steps and take them well uh from a distance. And so I'm going to uh from a distance. And so I'm going to uh from a distance. And so I'm going to ask you a question on behalf of all of ask you a question on behalf of all of ask you a question on behalf of all of our listeners who I know are wanting to our listeners who I know are wanting to our listeners who I know are wanting to know because you mentioned and we know know because you mentioned and we know know because you mentioned and we know this of Life Church. Uh every service this of Life Church. Uh every service this of Life Church. Uh every service ends in this salvation moment. That's a ends in this salvation moment. That's a ends in this salvation moment. That's a really good value to you. And so I'd really good value to you. And so I'd really good value to you. And so I'd like you to tell us about how you are like you to tell us about how you are like you to tell us about how you are facilitating that next step online. When facilitating that next step online. When facilitating that next step online. When somebody um during that moment clicks somebody um during that moment clicks somebody um during that moment clicks the button and says, "I want to give um the button and says, "I want to give um the button and says, "I want to give um my heart to the Lord." or whatever verb my heart to the Lord." or whatever verb my heart to the Lord." or whatever verb you use at Life Church, how are you you use at Life Church, how are you you use at Life Church, how are you leading them into taking that next step leading them into taking that next step leading them into taking that next step and then following up with them uh from and then following up with them uh from and then following up with them uh from a distance in in what could be defined a distance in in what could be defined a distance in in what could be defined as, you know, one of the most important as, you know, one of the most important as, you know, one of the most important decisions of their life? decisions of their life? decisions of their life? Um it it's so interesting. So like I Um it it's so interesting. So like I Um it it's so interesting. So like I said, I I had Oh, dang it, the tears are said, I I had Oh, dang it, the tears are said, I I had Oh, dang it, the tears are coming again.

coming again. coming again. YOU CAN'T STOP IT. So um been a part of YOU CAN'T STOP IT. So um been a part of YOU CAN'T STOP IT. So um been a part of a campus, you know, forever and a campus, you know, forever and a campus, you know, forever and what's what is so crazy to me so in what's what is so crazy to me so in what's what is so crazy to me so in person you assume, you know, it is person you assume, you know, it is person you assume, you know, it is personal, you know, you get to see personal, you know, you get to see personal, you know, you get to see people, you get to see people's hands go people, you get to see people's hands go people, you get to see people's hands go up and everything. But it it's so funny up and everything. But it it's so funny up and everything. But it it's so funny because every week I would see people's because every week I would see people's because every week I would see people's hands go up and in in our at our hands go up and in in our at our hands go up and in in our at our campuses, what we would do is we don't campuses, what we would do is we don't campuses, what we would do is we don't we don't pursue people in this way, you we don't pursue people in this way, you we don't pursue people in this way, you know, we we say we kind of tell them, know, we we say we kind of tell them, know, we we say we kind of tell them, hey, this is what's available. If you're hey, this is what's available. If you're hey, this is what's available. If you're ready, you come talk to us, you know, ready, you come talk to us, you know, ready, you come talk to us, you know, because and and I don't know where you because and and I don't know where you because and and I don't know where you guys are from but Upstate New York like guys are from but Upstate New York like guys are from but Upstate New York like people are super closed off. So you people are super closed off. So you people are super closed off. So you know, you got to give them a little bit know, you got to give them a little bit know, you got to give them a little bit of space to be able to if they feel good of space to be able to if they feel good of space to be able to if they feel good and they want to open up to be able to and they want to open up to be able to and they want to open up to be able to share some of those things, you know, so share some of those things, you know, so share some of those things, you know, so in at the campus, you know, we would we in at the campus, you know, we would we in at the campus, you know, we would we might say, hey, if you made that might say, hey, if you made that might say, hey, if you made that decision decision decision we've got a few pastors that would love we've got a few pastors that would love we've got a few pastors that would love to talk to you more about it. You know, to talk to you more about it. You know, to talk to you more about it. You know, we've got a maybe a group to kind of we've got a maybe a group to kind of we've got a maybe a group to kind of walk you through what it means to be a walk you through what it means to be a walk you through what it means to be a follower of God from your resources, all follower of God from your resources, all follower of God from your resources, all these sorts of things, you know.

these sorts of things, you know. these sorts of things, you know. Um, so the second I joined um, this the Um, so the second I joined um, this the Um, so the second I joined um, this the online team, I like, you know, I mean, I online team, I like, you know, I mean, I online team, I like, you know, I mean, I had some assumptions, you know, and you had some assumptions, you know, and you had some assumptions, you know, and you know, until you do online, you just you know, until you do online, you just you know, until you do online, you just you just don't know, you know, and I was just don't know, you know, and I was just don't know, you know, and I was judging a little bit even though, you judging a little bit even though, you judging a little bit even though, you know, they actually hired me. So I I know, they actually hired me. So I I know, they actually hired me. So I I thought it was going to be a little bit thought it was going to be a little bit thought it was going to be a little bit more impersonal. But it blows my mind more impersonal. But it blows my mind more impersonal. But it blows my mind how much more open people are in this how much more open people are in this how much more open people are in this online environment, you know, it's it's online environment, you know, it's it's online environment, you know, it's it's they're not closed up. I mean, certainly they're not closed up. I mean, certainly they're not closed up. I mean, certainly some people may not engage with us. But some people may not engage with us. But some people may not engage with us. But because there is such a strong level of because there is such a strong level of because there is such a strong level of anonymity when they're online, they can anonymity when they're online, they can anonymity when they're online, they can air their dirty laundry with no fear of, air their dirty laundry with no fear of, air their dirty laundry with no fear of, you know, I'm going to be embarrassed you know, I'm going to be embarrassed you know, I'm going to be embarrassed or, you know, or, you know, or, you know, I'm I may never see them, you know, and I'm I may never see them, you know, and I'm I may never see them, you know, and so it's just they're more apt to be open so it's just they're more apt to be open so it's just they're more apt to be open and to kind of share what's going on. So and to kind of share what's going on. So and to kind of share what's going on. So um, so it so it makes it really great to um, so it so it makes it really great to um, so it so it makes it really great to be able to pray with people. I have be able to pray with people. I have be able to pray with people. I have prayed with more people online than I prayed with more people online than I prayed with more people online than I ever did at a campus and part of that is ever did at a campus and part of that is ever did at a campus and part of that is just, you know, people are just a little just, you know, people are just a little just, you know, people are just a little bit more apprehensive to share. Okay, so bit more apprehensive to share. Okay, so bit more apprehensive to share. Okay, so to your actual question to your actual question to your actual question um when it comes to salvation um when it comes to salvation um when it comes to salvation it's it's very similar in that, you it's it's very similar in that, you it's it's very similar in that, you know, so our senior pastor will share know, so our senior pastor will share know, so our senior pastor will share the gospel message, you know, they'll the gospel message, you know, they'll the gospel message, you know, they'll get an opportunity to to click that get an opportunity to to click that get an opportunity to to click that button and what's cool is that it's just button and what's cool is that it's just button and what's cool is that it's just that's just such a um a concrete step.

that's just such a um a concrete step. that's just such a um a concrete step. You know, it's not the button, you know, You know, it's not the button, you know, You know, it's not the button, you know, it it's it's their decision to, you it it's it's their decision to, you it it's it's their decision to, you know, commit their lives to Christ. Dang know, commit their lives to Christ. Dang know, commit their lives to Christ. Dang it, it's so exciting to see that darn it, it's so exciting to see that darn it, it's so exciting to see that darn number go up though, you know. number go up though, you know. number go up though, you know. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Um and sometimes people will say it in Um and sometimes people will say it in Um and sometimes people will say it in the chat, you know, they'll raise their the chat, you know, they'll raise their the chat, you know, they'll raise their hand or, you know, drop the hand emoji hand or, you know, drop the hand emoji hand or, you know, drop the hand emoji or whatever. And so what we do in those or whatever. And so what we do in those or whatever. And so what we do in those moments moments moments it's similar to the campus thing is it's similar to the campus thing is it's similar to the campus thing is we'll we'll uh give them a link or we'll we'll we'll uh give them a link or we'll we'll we'll uh give them a link or we'll say, "Okay, this is your next step. Now, say, "Okay, this is your next step. Now, say, "Okay, this is your next step. Now, what you need to do." So it's still what you need to do." So it's still what you need to do." So it's still we're asking them to take the next step we're asking them to take the next step we're asking them to take the next step instead of kind of us saying, "Okay, now instead of kind of us saying, "Okay, now instead of kind of us saying, "Okay, now we're going to direct message you and we're going to direct message you and we're going to direct message you and talk you through everything you need to talk you through everything you need to talk you through everything you need to know." Is we're saying, "Okay, you need know." Is we're saying, "Okay, you need know." Is we're saying, "Okay, you need to now take this next step." And so what to now take this next step." And so what to now take this next step." And so what we do is we lead them to kind of this we do is we lead them to kind of this we do is we lead them to kind of this landing page where it's got everything landing page where it's got everything landing page where it's got everything that they need to know about what it that they need to know about what it that they need to know about what it means to be a follower of Christ. But means to be a follower of Christ. But means to be a follower of Christ. But what's awesome is that those a lot of what's awesome is that those a lot of what's awesome is that those a lot of those people that made that decision, those people that made that decision, those people that made that decision, they'll click the um one-on-one chat. they'll click the um one-on-one chat. they'll click the um one-on-one chat. And we'll in the moment get to talk with And we'll in the moment get to talk with And we'll in the moment get to talk with them and just celebrate with them and them and just celebrate with them and them and just celebrate with them and say, "Man, it is awesome. Don't you know say, "Man, it is awesome. Don't you know say, "Man, it is awesome. Don't you know all of heaven is celebrating with you all of heaven is celebrating with you all of heaven is celebrating with you right now because you clicked that right now because you clicked that right now because you clicked that little hand button, you know." Um and little hand button, you know." Um and little hand button, you know." Um and it's just so cool to be able to to spend it's just so cool to be able to to spend it's just so cool to be able to to spend some time with them in that moment, but some time with them in that moment, but some time with them in that moment, but that kind of conversation is not the that kind of conversation is not the that kind of conversation is not the end-all. What we want them to do is to end-all. What we want them to do is to end-all. What we want them to do is to take those next next steps to let us take those next next steps to let us take those next next steps to let us know that they made that decision by know that they made that decision by know that they made that decision by filling out the particular form and then filling out the particular form and then filling out the particular form and then that landing page, it talks about you

that landing page, it talks about you that landing page, it talks about you know, how man, talking to God that you know, how man, talking to God that you know, how man, talking to God that you actually have access to talk to your actually have access to talk to your actually have access to talk to your creator. So, it talks about what it creator. So, it talks about what it creator. So, it talks about what it means to pray, it talks about what it means to pray, it talks about what it means to pray, it talks about what it means to read God's word, and just, you means to read God's word, and just, you means to read God's word, and just, you know, kind of just some of the basics of know, kind of just some of the basics of know, kind of just some of the basics of of what it's going to take for them to of what it's going to take for them to of what it's going to take for them to continue in this journey of faith. continue in this journey of faith. continue in this journey of faith. Yeah, that's outstanding. So, I think to Yeah, that's outstanding. So, I think to Yeah, that's outstanding. So, I think to me, one of the weaknesses that I've me, one of the weaknesses that I've me, one of the weaknesses that I've always perceived in a live stream or in always perceived in a live stream or in always perceived in a live stream or in simply rebroadcasting a message that was simply rebroadcasting a message that was simply rebroadcasting a message that was previously recorded, is that it can previously recorded, is that it can previously recorded, is that it can create this kind of like fly on the wall create this kind of like fly on the wall create this kind of like fly on the wall POV for folks that are coming across POV for folks that are coming across POV for folks that are coming across that stream or that video, where they're that stream or that video, where they're that stream or that video, where they're like, "Hey, there was something like, "Hey, there was something like, "Hey, there was something happening in person, and it would have happening in person, and it would have happening in person, and it would have been really cool to be there. I'm not, been really cool to be there. I'm not, been really cool to be there. I'm not, and I'm just kind of like watching as and I'm just kind of like watching as and I'm just kind of like watching as this like, you know, fly on the wall this like, you know, fly on the wall this like, you know, fly on the wall from afar." And one of the through from afar." And one of the through from afar." And one of the through lines, if I was to draw any through this lines, if I was to draw any through this lines, if I was to draw any through this conversation, that I think is applicable conversation, that I think is applicable conversation, that I think is applicable to everyone listening, is that all of to everyone listening, is that all of to everyone listening, is that all of your efforts are in a way, your efforts are in a way, your efforts are in a way, there to make the online attendee feel there to make the online attendee feel there to make the online attendee feel like, "Oh, I'm actually part of this. like, "Oh, I'm actually part of this. like, "Oh, I'm actually part of this. There are people that have considered There are people that have considered There are people that have considered me. There are people that are here to me. There are people that are here to me. There are people that are here to interact with right now, live, even interact with right now, live, even interact with right now, live, even though I'm not in person." And that though I'm not in person." And that though I'm not in person." And that does, I think, have a dramatic effect.

does, I think, have a dramatic effect. does, I think, have a dramatic effect. With that being said, With that being said, With that being said, like, these online hosts, like, you're like, these online hosts, like, you're like, these online hosts, like, you're entrusting this really important process entrusting this really important process entrusting this really important process to volunteers, which, you know, there to volunteers, which, you know, there to volunteers, which, you know, there are 400 of them, it sounds like. Uh are 400 of them, it sounds like. Uh are 400 of them, it sounds like. Uh that that that that's a lot of that that that that's a lot of that that that that's a lot of volunteers, and perhaps, uh volunteers, and perhaps, uh volunteers, and perhaps, uh logistically, that's what's, you know, logistically, that's what's, you know, logistically, that's what's, you know, realistic rather than staff. But, have realistic rather than staff. But, have realistic rather than staff. But, have have ever been any like reservations have ever been any like reservations have ever been any like reservations like, "Oh, we're we're just trusting like, "Oh, we're we're just trusting like, "Oh, we're we're just trusting this to a volunteer, you know, a person this to a volunteer, you know, a person this to a volunteer, you know, a person that is in in a way, the front line that is in in a way, the front line that is in in a way, the front line standing in for our church?" standing in for our church?" standing in for our church?" Yeah, that is a great question. So, Yeah, that is a great question. So, Yeah, that is a great question. So, uh let me go back to our orientation. uh let me go back to our orientation. uh let me go back to our orientation. So, the orientation process is and and I So, the orientation process is and and I So, the orientation process is and and I do every single orientation that I can, do every single orientation that I can, do every single orientation that I can, because I want to get eyes on those because I want to get eyes on those because I want to get eyes on those people for exactly what you mentioned, people for exactly what you mentioned, people for exactly what you mentioned, you know. Cuz we've got all sorts of you know. Cuz we've got all sorts of you know. Cuz we've got all sorts of different people um signing up and different people um signing up and different people um signing up and there's a background check that they there's a background check that they there's a background check that they have to get through, but there's a hey, have to get through, but there's a hey, have to get through, but there's a hey, how does this person actually how does this person actually how does this person actually communicate? And so, when the the what communicate? And so, when the the what communicate? And so, when the the what we're doing is we're doing a Zoom we're doing is we're doing a Zoom we're doing is we're doing a Zoom orientation. So, I'm getting an orientation. So, I'm getting an orientation. So, I'm getting an opportunity to hear their story a little opportunity to hear their story a little opportunity to hear their story a little bit, you know, to see, you know, what is bit, you know, to see, you know, what is bit, you know, to see, you know, what is where where they at in their faith, you where where they at in their faith, you where where they at in their faith, you know. Not not that we require everybody know. Not not that we require everybody know. Not not that we require everybody to be, you know, like seasoned believe to be, you know, like seasoned believe to be, you know, like seasoned believe we're all at a different place in our we're all at a different place in our we're all at a different place in our journey and God can use all of us. But journey and God can use all of us. But journey and God can use all of us. But there is a a a there is a a a there is a a a a threshold for who is going to work in a threshold for who is going to work in a threshold for who is going to work in our online environment. So, our online environment. So, our online environment. So, some of it is just the that kind of some of it is just the that kind of some of it is just the that kind of nuanced as I meet them, I may just have nuanced as I meet them, I may just have nuanced as I meet them, I may just have a thing where maybe there's a check and a thing where maybe there's a check and a thing where maybe there's a check and I and I think, you know, what? I'm not I and I think, you know, what? I'm not I and I think, you know, what? I'm not sure host team is right for you, but

sure host team is right for you, but sure host team is right for you, but we'll find a spot for you, you know, we'll find a spot for you, you know, we'll find a spot for you, you know, there's going to be somewhere where you there's going to be somewhere where you there's going to be somewhere where you can use your gifts and talents. Um there can use your gifts and talents. Um there can use your gifts and talents. Um there have there have certainly been and look have there have certainly been and look have there have certainly been and look it, we are not immune to making stupid it, we are not immune to making stupid it, we are not immune to making stupid decisions and to you know, making decisions and to you know, making decisions and to you know, making mistakes and having to correct it. Um mistakes and having to correct it. Um mistakes and having to correct it. Um so there there was this one uh uh so there there was this one uh uh so there there was this one uh uh host that I had, you know, and I I had a host that I had, you know, and I I had a host that I had, you know, and I I had a little bit of a check about I didn't little bit of a check about I didn't little bit of a check about I didn't think that she was going to work as a think that she was going to work as a think that she was going to work as a host, but host, but host, but I don't know. Um you know, I was like, I don't know. Um you know, I was like, I don't know. Um you know, I was like, you know what? I'm going to err on the you know what? I'm going to err on the you know what? I'm going to err on the side of let's give it a whirl. And man, side of let's give it a whirl. And man, side of let's give it a whirl. And man, did it backfire, okay? And she was not did it backfire, okay? And she was not did it backfire, okay? And she was not the right fit, you know, lovely young the right fit, you know, lovely young the right fit, you know, lovely young lady. She would have done very well at a lady. She would have done very well at a lady. She would have done very well at a campus. And so, where we ended is campus. And so, where we ended is campus. And so, where we ended is listen, you have gifts and talents that listen, you have gifts and talents that listen, you have gifts and talents that can and should be used in the kingdom, can and should be used in the kingdom, can and should be used in the kingdom, but this is just not the right place for but this is just not the right place for but this is just not the right place for you because just like you said, our you because just like you said, our you because just like you said, our environment is a very high trust environment is a very high trust environment is a very high trust environment. So, if I can't trust hosts environment. So, if I can't trust hosts environment. So, if I can't trust hosts to follow simple directions, to follow to follow simple directions, to follow to follow simple directions, to follow our guidelines and if you're going Rambo our guidelines and if you're going Rambo our guidelines and if you're going Rambo and you're doing all kinds of crazy and you're doing all kinds of crazy and you're doing all kinds of crazy stuff, this is not the right place for stuff, this is not the right place for stuff, this is not the right place for you. So, um okay, so then in the you. So, um okay, so then in the you. So, um okay, so then in the orientation, orientation, orientation, go through a lot of things. I talk go through a lot of things. I talk go through a lot of things. I talk vision, I talk details, and then one of vision, I talk details, and then one of vision, I talk details, and then one of the last things I do is I talk about how the last things I do is I talk about how the last things I do is I talk about how to pray for people. Uh because that's to pray for people. Uh because that's to pray for people. Uh because that's I mean every single host is going to be I mean every single host is going to be I mean every single host is going to be praying with a guest, and not everybody praying with a guest, and not everybody praying with a guest, and not everybody feels equipped or knows how to do that, feels equipped or knows how to do that, feels equipped or knows how to do that, you know? And so you know? And so you know? And so that's I spend a lot of time on that that's I spend a lot of time on that that's I spend a lot of time on that training helping people understand the

training helping people understand the training helping people understand the importance of it that we take it very importance of it that we take it very importance of it that we take it very seriously. That the fact that we get to seriously. That the fact that we get to seriously. That the fact that we get to go to the creator of the universe on go to the creator of the universe on go to the creator of the universe on behalf of people is a big deal, and we behalf of people is a big deal, and we behalf of people is a big deal, and we like that's something that we need to like that's something that we need to like that's something that we need to steward well, you know? So I talk steward well, you know? So I talk steward well, you know? So I talk through the process, you know, at length through the process, you know, at length through the process, you know, at length and the why and the how. We give them and the why and the how. We give them and the why and the how. We give them lots of resources, but guess what? lots of resources, but guess what? lots of resources, but guess what? There's a test. There's a test. There's a test. So they cannot pass into actually So they cannot pass into actually So they cannot pass into actually serving on a host team until they take serving on a host team until they take serving on a host team until they take that test. And the test it's simple, but that test. And the test it's simple, but that test. And the test it's simple, but what we will ask them to do is actually what we will ask them to do is actually what we will ask them to do is actually respond to a few like prayer requests. respond to a few like prayer requests. respond to a few like prayer requests. Um and they'll actually have to type Um and they'll actually have to type Um and they'll actually have to type into a field, and then that test gets into a field, and then that test gets into a field, and then that test gets submitted to a few of our admin team submitted to a few of our admin team submitted to a few of our admin team members host, and then they'll evaluate members host, and then they'll evaluate members host, and then they'll evaluate it, and they'll provide some feedback, it, and they'll provide some feedback, it, and they'll provide some feedback, or they may say, "Hey, listen, this or they may say, "Hey, listen, this or they may say, "Hey, listen, this person" and sometimes it's as simple as person" and sometimes it's as simple as person" and sometimes it's as simple as um um um you know, we we interact with people in you know, we we interact with people in you know, we we interact with people in English. And so sometimes it may simply English. And so sometimes it may simply English. And so sometimes it may simply be that somebody is unable to interact be that somebody is unable to interact be that somebody is unable to interact effectively in English. Um and and effectively in English. Um and and effectively in English. Um and and that's okay, you know, again, we'll we that's okay, you know, again, we'll we that's okay, you know, again, we'll we can make space for them. Um there are can make space for them. Um there are can make space for them. Um there are tools that we encourage people to use, tools that we encourage people to use, tools that we encourage people to use, but if for whatever reason they're not but if for whatever reason they're not but if for whatever reason they're not able to utilize those tools effectively, able to utilize those tools effectively, able to utilize those tools effectively, um then that may be a reason that host um then that may be a reason that host um then that may be a reason that host team is not going to be the right fit.

team is not going to be the right fit. team is not going to be the right fit. But that's kind of like that um you But that's kind of like that um you But that's kind of like that um you know, hey, before we actually get you on know, hey, before we actually get you on know, hey, before we actually get you on the field, um we need you to pass this. the field, um we need you to pass this. the field, um we need you to pass this. And then And then And then um so we have 400 volunteers, but we um so we have 400 volunteers, but we um so we have 400 volunteers, but we have a hierarchy of leadership. So every have a hierarchy of leadership. So every have a hierarchy of leadership. So every single service that I mentioned that has single service that I mentioned that has single service that I mentioned that has volunteers assigned to them, they have volunteers assigned to them, they have volunteers assigned to them, they have what we call a host team leader that what we call a host team leader that what we call a host team leader that oversees that team. So, they're the ones oversees that team. So, they're the ones oversees that team. So, they're the ones that are really accountable for leading that are really accountable for leading that are really accountable for leading an effective service. And then, uh so I an effective service. And then, uh so I an effective service. And then, uh so I think essentially it's maybe 90 of our think essentially it's maybe 90 of our think essentially it's maybe 90 of our services that have teams assigned to services that have teams assigned to services that have teams assigned to them. So, then of those teams, we have them. So, then of those teams, we have them. So, then of those teams, we have community leaders that then oversee community leaders that then oversee community leaders that then oversee groups of our host team leaders. And groups of our host team leaders. And groups of our host team leaders. And then we have five coaches that oversee then we have five coaches that oversee then we have five coaches that oversee groups of community leaders. So, there's groups of community leaders. So, there's groups of community leaders. So, there's a lot of support, there's a lot of um a lot of support, there's a lot of um a lot of support, there's a lot of um kind of pastors and shepherds of all of kind of pastors and shepherds of all of kind of pastors and shepherds of all of our 400 people because for sure me our 400 people because for sure me our 400 people because for sure me leading 400 people it sounds impossible, leading 400 people it sounds impossible, leading 400 people it sounds impossible, but it is possible with those trusted but it is possible with those trusted but it is possible with those trusted high-capacity leaders that have done it, high-capacity leaders that have done it, high-capacity leaders that have done it, they have served faithfully, and now they have served faithfully, and now they have served faithfully, and now they know how to lead other volunteers.

they know how to lead other volunteers. they know how to lead other volunteers. I think what you're demonstrating here I think what you're demonstrating here I think what you're demonstrating here is something every church can can put is something every church can can put is something every church can can put into place, which is when you want into place, which is when you want into place, which is when you want someone to serve in a position, you have someone to serve in a position, you have someone to serve in a position, you have to give them the ability to pick up the to give them the ability to pick up the to give them the ability to pick up the skills and demonstrate those skills. I skills and demonstrate those skills. I skills and demonstrate those skills. I think it takes a lot of time up front, think it takes a lot of time up front, think it takes a lot of time up front, right? Anytime you are uh resourcing right? Anytime you are uh resourcing right? Anytime you are uh resourcing someone to step into a role, you have to someone to step into a role, you have to someone to step into a role, you have to do a bunch of upfront work to then like do a bunch of upfront work to then like do a bunch of upfront work to then like save time on the back end. So, you work save time on the back end. So, you work save time on the back end. So, you work harder now to prepare these resources to harder now to prepare these resources to harder now to prepare these resources to equip them so that then they can run equip them so that then they can run equip them so that then they can run with that role and in that position. And with that role and in that position. And with that role and in that position. And I think because there's that difficulty, I think because there's that difficulty, I think because there's that difficulty, often we just default to figure it out often we just default to figure it out often we just default to figure it out on the go. Then, people aren't able to on the go. Then, people aren't able to on the go. Then, people aren't able to like pick up the skills you want, like pick up the skills you want, like pick up the skills you want, they're not demonstrating what you'd they're not demonstrating what you'd they're not demonstrating what you'd hope because they're not just hope because they're not just hope because they're not just intuitively intuitively intuitively figuring everything out as if you were figuring everything out as if you were figuring everything out as if you were doing it yourself, and then we assign, doing it yourself, and then we assign, doing it yourself, and then we assign, you know, fault to that person. They you know, fault to that person. They you know, fault to that person. They weren't able to pick this up, they just weren't able to pick this up, they just weren't able to pick this up, they just didn't have what it takes. You have didn't have what it takes. You have didn't have what it takes. You have standard operating procedures, guides, standard operating procedures, guides, standard operating procedures, guides, orientation, whatever verbage you want orientation, whatever verbage you want orientation, whatever verbage you want to use for that, then you're actually to use for that, then you're actually to use for that, then you're actually providing opportunity for them to providing opportunity for them to providing opportunity for them to demonstrate those skills in those demonstrate those skills in those demonstrate those skills in those evaluations, like in those tests evaluations, like in those tests evaluations, like in those tests beforehand so that when they're finally beforehand so that when they're finally beforehand so that when they're finally in those positions, they know that in those positions, they know that in those positions, they know that they're able to they're able to they're able to do what needs to be done and you're do what needs to be done and you're do what needs to be done and you're confident that they are able to do it as confident that they are able to do it as confident that they are able to do it as well. But there's a nitty-gritty well. But there's a nitty-gritty well. But there's a nitty-gritty question that I still have, Christina, question that I still have, Christina, question that I still have, Christina, which is simply this: emojis in the chat which is simply this: emojis in the chat which is simply this: emojis in the chat from the hosts, yay or nay?

from the hosts, yay or nay? from the hosts, yay or nay? Yay. Yay. One of the things I I tell and Yay. Yay. One of the things I I tell and Yay. Yay. One of the things I I tell and it's in my orientation is it's in my orientation is it's in my orientation is in the do's and don'ts is do have a in the do's and don'ts is do have a in the do's and don'ts is do have a personality. Okay, in our environment personality. Okay, in our environment personality. Okay, in our environment when people see a blue chat button, when people see a blue chat button, when people see a blue chat button, they're assuming on the other side is a they're assuming on the other side is a they're assuming on the other side is a bot. Don't be a bot. bot. Don't be a bot. bot. Don't be a bot. True. That's true. True. That's true. True. That's true. Be a person that's fun and funny and Be a person that's fun and funny and Be a person that's fun and funny and emoji. Now, don't blow it up with emoji. Now, don't blow it up with emoji. Now, don't blow it up with emojis, you know, this is not like emojis, you know, this is not like emojis, you know, this is not like hieroglyphs, you know, it can get hieroglyphs, you know, it can get hieroglyphs, you know, it can get ridiculous. But that's an easy way to be ridiculous. But that's an easy way to be ridiculous. But that's an easy way to be able to show people that, you know, able to show people that, you know, able to show people that, you know, you're you're a real person. you're you're a real person. you're you're a real person. Okay, so so, you know, dovetailing off Okay, so so, you know, dovetailing off Okay, so so, you know, dovetailing off of that question, different generations of that question, different generations of that question, different generations use different emojis in different So So Certainly there are some emojis that are Certainly there are some emojis that are Certainly there are some emojis that are just off limits. just off limits. just off limits. Well, what I'm saying is some emojis you Well, what I'm saying is some emojis you Well, what I'm saying is some emojis you think this is a fine emoji and then think this is a fine emoji and then think this is a fine emoji and then you're like, wait, that means WHAT TO you're like, wait, that means WHAT TO you're like, wait, that means WHAT TO YOU? YOU? YOU? OKAY, I WANT TO THANK YOU. I want to OKAY, I WANT TO THANK YOU. I want to OKAY, I WANT TO THANK YOU. I want to thank you right now because I just thank you right now because I just thank you right now because I just realized what I have missed in my do's realized what I have missed in my do's realized what I have missed in my do's and don'ts of my orientation. I need to and don'ts of my orientation. I need to and don'ts of my orientation. I need to add emojis not to use, so thank you for add emojis not to use, so thank you for add emojis not to use, so thank you for that.

that. that. or vegetables, they're not safe. There's or vegetables, they're not safe. There's or vegetables, they're not safe. There's no reason to ever use this emoji, just no reason to ever use this emoji, just no reason to ever use this emoji, just stay away. stay away. stay away. And don't say and don't say brethren And don't say and don't say brethren And don't say and don't say brethren either. either. either. Yeah, right. And brethren, right, that's Yeah, right. And brethren, right, that's Yeah, right. And brethren, right, that's the slang. We don't need to use the the slang. We don't need to use the the slang. We don't need to use the insider language. Like we're all we're insider language. Like we're all we're insider language. Like we're all we're all progressive. We're all people in all progressive. We're all people in all progressive. We're all people in process moving forward. process moving forward. process moving forward. Okay, Okay, Okay, sticky situations in the chat, we've sticky situations in the chat, we've sticky situations in the chat, we've touched on that briefly. I think there touched on that briefly. I think there touched on that briefly. I think there are some obvious ones. You know, are some obvious ones. You know, are some obvious ones. You know, sometimes we use the term like if sometimes we use the term like if sometimes we use the term like if someone is vandalizing the chat, right? someone is vandalizing the chat, right? someone is vandalizing the chat, right? Like there's there's no reason to keep Like there's there's no reason to keep Like there's there's no reason to keep that up and entertain it. If someone's that up and entertain it. If someone's that up and entertain it. If someone's vandalizing real property, we remove the vandalizing real property, we remove the vandalizing real property, we remove the vandalism. If someone's vandalizing the vandalism. If someone's vandalizing the vandalism. If someone's vandalizing the digital property, we remove it. But then digital property, we remove it. But then digital property, we remove it. But then there are the in-between kind of really there are the in-between kind of really there are the in-between kind of really tricky situations. Someone might come to tricky situations. Someone might come to tricky situations. Someone might come to you in crisis. you in crisis. you in crisis. Someone might come to you and ask like, Someone might come to you and ask like, Someone might come to you and ask like, "Hey, what does Life Church believe "Hey, what does Life Church believe "Hey, what does Life Church believe about this polarizing issue?" In those about this polarizing issue?" In those about this polarizing issue?" In those two instances, someone's in crisis, you two instances, someone's in crisis, you two instances, someone's in crisis, you know, perhaps they're mentioning, you know, perhaps they're mentioning, you know, perhaps they're mentioning, you know, threats to themselves or others, know, threats to themselves or others, know, threats to themselves or others, or, you know, mental health crisis, or, you know, mental health crisis, or, you know, mental health crisis, or in like tricky theological questions, or in like tricky theological questions, or in like tricky theological questions, what are the directives for the the team what are the directives for the the team what are the directives for the the team hosts?

hosts? hosts? That's a great question. Um so, That's a great question. Um so, That's a great question. Um so, uh service is an hour, you know, we uh service is an hour, you know, we uh service is an hour, you know, we don't have time to unpack, you know, why don't have time to unpack, you know, why don't have time to unpack, you know, why does God allow evil in the world? You does God allow evil in the world? You does God allow evil in the world? You know, so, when it comes to some of those know, so, when it comes to some of those know, so, when it comes to some of those things, um what's cool about our Church things, um what's cool about our Church things, um what's cool about our Church Online platform is it does allow for if Online platform is it does allow for if Online platform is it does allow for if we see somebody in the chat, we can we see somebody in the chat, we can we see somebody in the chat, we can direct message them. So, we just click, direct message them. So, we just click, direct message them. So, we just click, it's kind of like a three-dot, right it's kind of like a three-dot, right it's kind of like a three-dot, right click, that sort of thing, um and take click, that sort of thing, um and take click, that sort of thing, um and take them into a one-on-one. them into a one-on-one. them into a one-on-one. Um and when people are asking some of Um and when people are asking some of Um and when people are asking some of those heavy-hitting questions, those heavy-hitting questions, those heavy-hitting questions, um it's really it's not for I have no um it's really it's not for I have no um it's really it's not for I have no expectation that my hosts are fielding expectation that my hosts are fielding expectation that my hosts are fielding those. So, one of the things we do have those. So, one of the things we do have those. So, one of the things we do have is is is we have this link to Calendly. I don't we have this link to Calendly. I don't we have this link to Calendly. I don't know if you guys have heard of Calendly. know if you guys have heard of Calendly. know if you guys have heard of Calendly. It's basically it syncs with our Okay, It's basically it syncs with our Okay, It's basically it syncs with our Okay, so our pastors, and so we have a way for so our pastors, and so we have a way for so our pastors, and so we have a way for our guests to actually schedule time to our guests to actually schedule time to our guests to actually schedule time to meet with a pastor. And so, in fact, meet with a pastor. And so, in fact, meet with a pastor. And so, in fact, today, after I get off this call, I have today, after I get off this call, I have today, after I get off this call, I have I think four meet with a pastors. And I think four meet with a pastors. And I think four meet with a pastors. And so, that's just randomly people across so, that's just randomly people across so, that's just randomly people across the world wanting to reach out because the world wanting to reach out because the world wanting to reach out because maybe they have tough questions, or maybe they have tough questions, or maybe they have tough questions, or maybe they just need somebody to talk maybe they just need somebody to talk maybe they just need somebody to talk to. And so, we encourage our hosts to to. And so, we encourage our hosts to to. And so, we encourage our hosts to offer that to them. And I think that's offer that to them. And I think that's offer that to them. And I think that's that's for them is makes it easy because that's for them is makes it easy because that's for them is makes it easy because they don't feel like they have to know they don't feel like they have to know they don't feel like they have to know every single thing about the Bible or every single thing about the Bible or every single thing about the Bible or whatever it is, whatever it is, whatever it is, but then also it makes the but then also it makes the but then also it makes the the guest feel like, "Oh, so I don't see the guest feel like, "Oh, so I don't see the guest feel like, "Oh, so I don't see a pastor on here, but there's somebody a pastor on here, but there's somebody a pastor on here, but there's somebody that's actually available to me.

that's actually available to me. that's actually available to me. Um Um Um the other to your other point, I So, I the other to your other point, I So, I the other to your other point, I So, I just have to share this one thing. just have to share this one thing. just have to share this one thing. Um so, sticky situations in the chat, um Um so, sticky situations in the chat, um Um so, sticky situations in the chat, um we you know, we get all sorts of people we you know, we get all sorts of people we you know, we get all sorts of people that are attending, you know? And And that are attending, you know? And And that are attending, you know? And And actually, I don't know if I I don't actually, I don't know if I I don't actually, I don't know if I I don't think I mentioned this, but one of the think I mentioned this, but one of the think I mentioned this, but one of the things we do is our our heart is things we do is our our heart is things we do is our our heart is evangelism. We want to reach more evangelism. We want to reach more evangelism. We want to reach more people. And so, what we do is we go people. And so, what we do is we go people. And so, what we do is we go where people are. So, when people are where people are. So, when people are where people are. So, when people are searching for they're struggling with searching for they're struggling with searching for they're struggling with anxiety or they're stressed or they're anxiety or they're stressed or they're anxiety or they're stressed or they're depressed, um we will actually put ads depressed, um we will actually put ads depressed, um we will actually put ads in those spaces online that say, "Hey, in those spaces online that say, "Hey, in those spaces online that say, "Hey, it looks like you're having a hard time. it looks like you're having a hard time. it looks like you're having a hard time. Why don't you try church?" So, I think Why don't you try church?" So, I think Why don't you try church?" So, I think it's like 70% of the people that are it's like 70% of the people that are it's like 70% of the people that are actually coming to church are people actually coming to church are people actually coming to church are people that have clicked on our ads because that have clicked on our ads because that have clicked on our ads because they had some sort of felt need. they had some sort of felt need. they had some sort of felt need. 80%? 80%? 80%? What? What? What? It's insane. It is insane. Now, you know It's insane. It is insane. Now, you know It's insane. It is insane. Now, you know what? what? what? those ads. This is those ads. This is those ads. This is be lying. I may now have to service be lying. I may now have to service be lying. I may now have to service because because because Even more than 50 is crazy, so. Even more than 50 is crazy, so. Even more than 50 is crazy, so. No, it And it's for sure more than 50.

No, it And it's for sure more than 50. No, it And it's for sure more than 50. So, it's crazy. Um So, it's crazy. Um So, it's crazy. Um that so many people will will come there that so many people will will come there that so many people will will come there and uh so, and uh so, and uh so, I say that because when I orient our I say that because when I orient our I say that because when I orient our hosts, I'm telling them, "Listen, we hosts, I'm telling them, "Listen, we hosts, I'm telling them, "Listen, we have no idea what people are going have no idea what people are going have no idea what people are going through. We have no idea. The people through. We have no idea. The people through. We have no idea. The people that are engaging in church during your that are engaging in church during your that are engaging in church during your time may be a regular, maybe people that time may be a regular, maybe people that time may be a regular, maybe people that love Jesus, maybe a person that's never love Jesus, maybe a person that's never love Jesus, maybe a person that's never heard the name Jesus before except their heard the name Jesus before except their heard the name Jesus before except their cousin Jesus around the corner, you cousin Jesus around the corner, you cousin Jesus around the corner, you know? So, like it is so brand new for know? So, like it is so brand new for know? So, like it is so brand new for them." And And that's the filter through them." And And that's the filter through them." And And that's the filter through which when I talked about that's our which when I talked about that's our which when I talked about that's our guest. Let's steward that really well guest. Let's steward that really well guest. Let's steward that really well because we don't know if we're going to because we don't know if we're going to because we don't know if we're going to have another chance with them. have another chance with them. have another chance with them. Dang it, here come the tears again. So, Dang it, here come the tears again. So, Dang it, here come the tears again. So, I have to tell I have to tell you really I have to tell I have to tell you really I have to tell I have to tell you really quick about Mary. quick about Mary. quick about Mary. So, Mary um came to Life.Church Online So, Mary um came to Life.Church Online So, Mary um came to Life.Church Online and I don't I don't know if it was and I don't I don't know if it was and I don't I don't know if it was through an ad or whatever it was, but through an ad or whatever it was, but through an ad or whatever it was, but this woman was broken. And so, when she this woman was broken. And so, when she this woman was broken. And so, when she logged on for the very first time, her logged on for the very first time, her logged on for the very first time, her username was something like unlovable. username was something like unlovable. username was something like unlovable. And let me tell you, in the chat, she And let me tell you, in the chat, she And let me tell you, in the chat, she was a beast. Okay? So, was a beast. Okay? So, was a beast. Okay? So, she didn't I just identify as unlovable.

she didn't I just identify as unlovable. she didn't I just identify as unlovable. She made herself so clearly unlovable. She made herself so clearly unlovable. She made herself so clearly unlovable. But, she was there, you know? And But, she was there, you know? And But, she was there, you know? And one of the hosts during that service was one of the hosts during that service was one of the hosts during that service was Sharon. So, the thing is that Sharon, Sharon. So, the thing is that Sharon, Sharon. So, the thing is that Sharon, the second she saw Mary in that chat, the second she saw Mary in that chat, the second she saw Mary in that chat, Sharon saw herself in this woman because Sharon saw herself in this woman because Sharon saw herself in this woman because she used to be that person. she used to be that person. she used to be that person. Dang it. And so, even though sometimes Dang it. And so, even though sometimes Dang it. And so, even though sometimes it can feel like, "Oh my gosh, why is it can feel like, "Oh my gosh, why is it can feel like, "Oh my gosh, why is this person so frustrating in the chat this person so frustrating in the chat this person so frustrating in the chat and they're being such a pain?" and they're being such a pain?" and they're being such a pain?" Sharon went to lengths and lengths to Sharon went to lengths and lengths to Sharon went to lengths and lengths to just show Mary that she was loved, that just show Mary that she was loved, that just show Mary that she was loved, that God loved her. And even though she was God loved her. And even though she was God loved her. And even though she was prickly and, you know, they got into prickly and, you know, they got into prickly and, you know, they got into kind of one-on-one chats. kind of one-on-one chats. kind of one-on-one chats. Um she was so difficult, but but Sharon Um she was so difficult, but but Sharon Um she was so difficult, but but Sharon was like, "I don't care. This girl's not was like, "I don't care. This girl's not was like, "I don't care. This girl's not going to scare me away." And she loved going to scare me away." And she loved going to scare me away." And she loved her, loved her, loved her. Well, Mary her, loved her, loved her. Well, Mary her, loved her, loved her. Well, Mary kept coming back and week after week, kept coming back and week after week, kept coming back and week after week, Sharon would get so excited because it Sharon would get so excited because it Sharon would get so excited because it was like this is her mission to just was like this is her mission to just was like this is her mission to just break through these these walls and break through these these walls and break through these these walls and these barriers of hopelessness and these barriers of hopelessness and these barriers of hopelessness and depression and and all these sorts of depression and and all these sorts of depression and and all these sorts of things.

things. things. And you know what? God used Sharon. And you know what? God used Sharon. And you know what? God used Sharon. Mary, as as is no surprise because our Mary, as as is no surprise because our Mary, as as is no surprise because our God is amazing, broke down those walls God is amazing, broke down those walls God is amazing, broke down those walls and Mary made a decision after weeks and and Mary made a decision after weeks and and Mary made a decision after weeks and weeks and to actually follow Jesus. And weeks and to actually follow Jesus. And weeks and to actually follow Jesus. And and Mary actually decided, "You know and Mary actually decided, "You know and Mary actually decided, "You know what? I want to serve." And so, now Mary what? I want to serve." And so, now Mary what? I want to serve." And so, now Mary has now been on our team for years. She has now been on our team for years. She has now been on our team for years. She is not prickly. She's delightful. But, is not prickly. She's delightful. But, is not prickly. She's delightful. But, now she's on that chat and she looks for now she's on that chat and she looks for now she's on that chat and she looks for those people that are difficult because those people that are difficult because those people that are difficult because she knows what it felt like to be that she knows what it felt like to be that she knows what it felt like to be that person. And so, she wants to do whatever person. And so, she wants to do whatever person. And so, she wants to do whatever it takes to demonstrate the love of it takes to demonstrate the love of it takes to demonstrate the love of Jesus to our guests and lead them to Jesus to our guests and lead them to Jesus to our guests and lead them to become fully devoted followers of become fully devoted followers of become fully devoted followers of Christ. So, we've seen it. We've seen Christ. So, we've seen it. We've seen Christ. So, we've seen it. We've seen that transformation and that gives us that transformation and that gives us that transformation and that gives us hope that that next difficult person, we hope that that next difficult person, we hope that that next difficult person, we don't want to just silence them, you don't want to just silence them, you don't want to just silence them, you know, and just kind of push them by the know, and just kind of push them by the know, and just kind of push them by the wayside. We we want to remember that we wayside. We we want to remember that we wayside. We we want to remember that we love because he loved us. And so, we love because he loved us. And so, we love because he loved us. And so, we need to suck it up, okay? So, a little need to suck it up, okay? So, a little need to suck it up, okay? So, a little bit more patience and empathy and care bit more patience and empathy and care bit more patience and empathy and care and just treat that person as as if and just treat that person as as if and just treat that person as as if they're a miracle just waiting to they're a miracle just waiting to they're a miracle just waiting to happen.

happen. happen. You know what, Christina? There are You know what, Christina? There are You know what, Christina? There are plenty of folks and certainly some folks plenty of folks and certainly some folks plenty of folks and certainly some folks listening to the show today that are listening to the show today that are listening to the show today that are apprehensive of online church apprehensive of online church apprehensive of online church um at the risk of it being like a um at the risk of it being like a um at the risk of it being like a disembodied version of the body. disembodied version of the body. disembodied version of the body. Um but what you've done today if if Um but what you've done today if if Um but what you've done today if if anyone listened got to this point in the anyone listened got to this point in the anyone listened got to this point in the show and has heard anything you've had show and has heard anything you've had show and has heard anything you've had to say, to say, to say, the stories you've shared and the the stories you've shared and the the stories you've shared and the emotion that you've personally brought emotion that you've personally brought emotion that you've personally brought to the table, which thank you for that. to the table, which thank you for that. to the table, which thank you for that. Thanks for being having the courage to Thanks for being having the courage to Thanks for being having the courage to be vulnerable and and honest about that, be vulnerable and and honest about that, be vulnerable and and honest about that, is proof enough that like you're calling is proof enough that like you're calling is proof enough that like you're calling these people by name and you're telling these people by name and you're telling these people by name and you're telling their real story. That's proof enough their real story. That's proof enough their real story. That's proof enough that like this can be an embodied that like this can be an embodied that like this can be an embodied incarnational expression of church. We incarnational expression of church. We incarnational expression of church. We can accomplish this online. It takes can accomplish this online. It takes can accomplish this online. It takes work and you've done such a great job of work and you've done such a great job of work and you've done such a great job of of bringing us into that and and pulling of bringing us into that and and pulling of bringing us into that and and pulling the curtain back and showing us like how the curtain back and showing us like how the curtain back and showing us like how much work actually goes into being much work actually goes into being much work actually goes into being intentional about this, but it can be intentional about this, but it can be intentional about this, but it can be done. There are There is real life done. There are There is real life done. There are There is real life change going on with real people with change going on with real people with change going on with real people with real names who are not just being real names who are not just being real names who are not just being entertained or not just consuming entertained or not just consuming entertained or not just consuming something that's been pre-recorded, but something that's been pre-recorded, but something that's been pre-recorded, but are becoming active participants in the are becoming active participants in the are becoming active participants in the life of faith, in a community online, in life of faith, in a community online, in life of faith, in a community online, in a community in person, and and in their a community in person, and and in their a community in person, and and in their own heart. They're working out their own own heart. They're working out their own own heart. They're working out their own salvation. And so, I just wanted to salvation. And so, I just wanted to salvation. And so, I just wanted to thank you for for bringing that uh to thank you for for bringing that uh to thank you for for bringing that uh to the table today and sharing all those the table today and sharing all those the table today and sharing all those stories and and yeah, bringing yourself stories and and yeah, bringing yourself stories and and yeah, bringing yourself and and all your emotions to prove to us and and all your emotions to prove to us and and all your emotions to prove to us that like this is this is really that like this is this is really that like this is this is really happening.

happening. happening. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. Thank you. That means a lot to me. Thank you. That means a lot to me. Thank you. That means a lot to me. Um Um Um that Yeah, that's all great. I need to that Yeah, that's all great. I need to that Yeah, that's all great. I need to ask about how ask about how ask about how 80% of people are coming from ads. Like 80% of people are coming from ads. Like 80% of people are coming from ads. Like that that If there's there's anything that that If there's there's anything that that If there's there's anything I'm taking away from this Okay, okay, I'm taking away from this Okay, okay, I'm taking away from this Okay, okay, let's be clear, okay? let's be clear, okay? let's be clear, okay? Life.Church You're on You're on a show Life.Church You're on You're on a show Life.Church You're on You're on a show with a pastor and a pragmatist. So, you with a pastor and a pragmatist. So, you with a pastor and a pragmatist. So, you you got the pastor. He just did the you got the pastor. He just did the you got the pastor. He just did the pastor now. pastor now. pastor now. Mr. Pragmatist is stepping in. Okay, so Mr. Pragmatist is stepping in. Okay, so Mr. Pragmatist is stepping in. Okay, so like Life.Church we know like biggest like Life.Church we know like biggest like Life.Church we know like biggest church in the world, like close to it, church in the world, like close to it, church in the world, like close to it, like however you want to quantify that. like however you want to quantify that. like however you want to quantify that. So, so what you're saying is most people So, so what you're saying is most people So, so what you're saying is most people whether it's 50 or 80, most people whether it's 50 or 80, most people whether it's 50 or 80, most people showing up for online church every week showing up for online church every week showing up for online church every week are not under the church influence of are not under the church influence of are not under the church influence of like wow, look at this biggest church in like wow, look at this biggest church in like wow, look at this biggest church in the world like I it's people that are the world like I it's people that are the world like I it's people that are searching in Google Are we talking searching in Google Are we talking searching in Google Are we talking AdSense? Like that AdSense? Like that AdSense? Like that Where are these ads showing up? Where are these ads showing up? Where are these ads showing up? Okay, so this is going to blow your Okay, so this is going to blow your Okay, so this is going to blow your eyes. So, this is going to eyes. So, this is going to eyes. So, this is going to already blown, so please continue. already blown, so please continue. already blown, so please continue. Okay, and when I heard it, my mind was Okay, and when I heard it, my mind was Okay, and when I heard it, my mind was also blown because I didn't I didn't also blown because I didn't I didn't also blown because I didn't I didn't realize that that's But that's our heart realize that that's But that's our heart realize that that's But that's our heart is to reach people for Jesus. So, we is to reach people for Jesus. So, we is to reach people for Jesus. So, we have to go where people are. So, I have to go where people are. So, I have to go where people are. So, I mentioned anxiety, mentioned anxiety, mentioned anxiety, you know, depression, suicide, explicit you know, depression, suicide, explicit you know, depression, suicide, explicit content. Okay? If people are going to content. Okay? If people are going to content. Okay? If people are going to search This this actually was when we search This this actually was when we search This this actually was when we first started this kind of idea of All first started this kind of idea of All first started this kind of idea of All right, let's maybe let's invest some right, let's maybe let's invest some right, let's maybe let's invest some finances in ads. It actually was if finances in ads. It actually was if finances in ads. It actually was if people are looking for porn, they're people are looking for porn, they're people are looking for porn, they're going to find an ad for Life.Church.

going to find an ad for Life.Church. going to find an ad for Life.Church. We're not posting porn, but it would be We're not posting porn, but it would be We're not posting porn, but it would be like, "Hey, I I see, you know, you're I like, "Hey, I I see, you know, you're I like, "Hey, I I see, you know, you're I don't even know what it would say, but don't even know what it would say, but don't even know what it would say, but it's like, "Hey, why don't you try it's like, "Hey, why don't you try it's like, "Hey, why don't you try church instead?" church instead?" church instead?" Wait, put some emojis in the chat that I Wait, put some emojis in the chat that I Wait, put some emojis in the chat that I don't KNOW ABOUT YET. don't KNOW ABOUT YET. don't KNOW ABOUT YET. WELL, and we learned we don't do that WELL, and we learned we don't do that WELL, and we learned we don't do that anymore. Um so so that's kind of where anymore. Um so so that's kind of where anymore. Um so so that's kind of where it started, but then it evolved into All it started, but then it evolved into All it started, but then it evolved into All right, where what is the felt need? What right, where what is the felt need? What right, where what is the felt need? What are people struggling with today? So, we are people struggling with today? So, we are people struggling with today? So, we still do that, but I think the still do that, but I think the still do that, but I think the percentage is much less, but it's like percentage is much less, but it's like percentage is much less, but it's like if somebody looks if somebody looks if somebody looks suicide, something about suicide, then suicide, something about suicide, then suicide, something about suicide, then they may see in the top right corner, they may see in the top right corner, they may see in the top right corner, "Hey, why don't you try church instead?" "Hey, why don't you try church instead?" "Hey, why don't you try church instead?" So, literally, we have a person a gal So, literally, we have a person a gal So, literally, we have a person a gal who is our director of marketing. Her who is our director of marketing. Her who is our director of marketing. Her part of her role is to invest in these part of her role is to invest in these part of her role is to invest in these ads. And so, we're literally paying ads. And so, we're literally paying ads. And so, we're literally paying money to get to the people that are money to get to the people that are money to get to the people that are hurting so that we can tell them, "Hey, hurting so that we can tell them, "Hey, hurting so that we can tell them, "Hey, there's a better way, and his name is there's a better way, and his name is there's a better way, and his name is Jesus." Jesus." Jesus." And on next week's episode, we have And on next week's episode, we have And on next week's episode, we have Christina from Life Church talking about Christina from Life Church talking about Christina from Life Church talking about the the the uh ad strategy of Life Church.

uh ad strategy of Life Church. uh ad strategy of Life Church. Honestly, though, the the reason I think Honestly, though, the the reason I think Honestly, though, the the reason I think this is so important is because people this is so important is because people this is so important is because people will look at the title of this episode. will look at the title of this episode. will look at the title of this episode. People will like you know, anytime we do People will like you know, anytime we do People will like you know, anytime we do a a podcast or a video with a highly a a podcast or a video with a highly a a podcast or a video with a highly affluent church, the notion that people affluent church, the notion that people affluent church, the notion that people bring into the conversation, and I don't bring into the conversation, and I don't bring into the conversation, and I don't even blame them for this, is so much of even blame them for this, is so much of even blame them for this, is so much of what they're doing is because their what they're doing is because their what they're doing is because their pastor is so well known. Like, "Oh, pastor is so well known. Like, "Oh, pastor is so well known. Like, "Oh, people are searching for this pastor. people are searching for this pastor. people are searching for this pastor. People are searching for this church People are searching for this church People are searching for this church because they are affluent." No. because they are affluent." No. because they are affluent." No. What What What we have just learned is that the vast we have just learned is that the vast we have just learned is that the vast majority of people that are attending majority of people that are attending majority of people that are attending these have no idea likely who Pastor these have no idea likely who Pastor these have no idea likely who Pastor Craig Groeschel is. Have no idea about Craig Groeschel is. Have no idea about Craig Groeschel is. Have no idea about YouVersion and Church Online Platform YouVersion and Church Online Platform YouVersion and Church Online Platform and Life Church and the fact that and Life Church and the fact that and Life Church and the fact that there's, you know, 178 campuses or there's, you know, 178 campuses or there's, you know, 178 campuses or whatever the number is today. It's just whatever the number is today. It's just whatever the number is today. It's just people that are hurting, people that are hurting, people that are hurting, Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. searching for purpose, searching for searching for purpose, searching for searching for purpose, searching for anything, and Life Church is the church anything, and Life Church is the church anything, and Life Church is the church that's saying, "Yeah, you know what? that's saying, "Yeah, you know what? that's saying, "Yeah, you know what? We're going to take our considerable We're going to take our considerable We're going to take our considerable considerable resources and invest them considerable resources and invest them considerable resources and invest them in this way because we know we can meet in this way because we know we can meet in this way because we know we can meet a hurting and dying world where they're a hurting and dying world where they're a hurting and dying world where they're at." I think one of the best ways that at." I think one of the best ways that at." I think one of the best ways that we can kind of wind down this we can kind of wind down this we can kind of wind down this conversation, conversation, conversation, uh Christina, is that admittedly, when uh Christina, is that admittedly, when uh Christina, is that admittedly, when we hear numbers like 600 small groups, we hear numbers like 600 small groups, we hear numbers like 600 small groups, 400 people on staff, 131 services, 400 people on staff, 131 services, 400 people on staff, 131 services, people can immediately be like, "Okay, I people can immediately be like, "Okay, I people can immediately be like, "Okay, I am part of the, you know, 90-plus am part of the, you know, 90-plus am part of the, you know, 90-plus percent of churches that are 300 people percent of churches that are 300 people percent of churches that are 300 people or fewer in the states. This is not or fewer in the states. This is not or fewer in the states. This is not applicable to me." I think I would applicable to me." I think I would applicable to me." I think I would broadly disagree with that, that the big broadly disagree with that, that the big broadly disagree with that, that the big principles here are applicable, but if principles here are applicable, but if principles here are applicable, but if you were going to speak to the the you were going to speak to the the you were going to speak to the the typical church who it is doing some form typical church who it is doing some form typical church who it is doing some form of online church, you know, and and I've

of online church, you know, and and I've of online church, you know, and and I've been a big critic of just live streaming been a big critic of just live streaming been a big critic of just live streaming and nothing else for many, many years and nothing else for many, many years and nothing else for many, many years pre-pandemic because it was devoid of pre-pandemic because it was devoid of pre-pandemic because it was devoid of opportunities for next steps, because it opportunities for next steps, because it opportunities for next steps, because it was devoid of intentionality where we're was devoid of intentionality where we're was devoid of intentionality where we're meeting people there and we're just meeting people there and we're just meeting people there and we're just like, "Hey, watch what we're doing here. like, "Hey, watch what we're doing here. like, "Hey, watch what we're doing here. You're not a part of it, but just watch You're not a part of it, but just watch You're not a part of it, but just watch what we're doing." what we're doing." what we're doing." So, all that to say, what would you say So, all that to say, what would you say So, all that to say, what would you say to the small church pastor, the medium, to the small church pastor, the medium, to the small church pastor, the medium, mid-size church pastor that's like, mid-size church pastor that's like, mid-size church pastor that's like, "What What are the biggest lessons that "What What are the biggest lessons that "What What are the biggest lessons that I can enact in my own church?" I can enact in my own church?" I can enact in my own church?" Mhm. Yep, that's a great question. So, I Mhm. Yep, that's a great question. So, I Mhm. Yep, that's a great question. So, I mentioned I'm from Upstate New York mentioned I'm from Upstate New York mentioned I'm from Upstate New York and it has been, ooh, and it has been, ooh, and it has been, ooh, heartbreaking to see small churches heartbreaking to see small churches heartbreaking to see small churches closing. You know, I mean, there's closing. You know, I mean, there's closing. You know, I mean, there's you know, lots of states where there's you know, lots of states where there's you know, lots of states where there's churches on every corner. That's not the churches on every corner. That's not the churches on every corner. That's not the case here. case here. case here. So, I remember when we, you know, when So, I remember when we, you know, when So, I remember when we, you know, when life kind of shut down through life kind of shut down through life kind of shut down through quarantine and stuff, one of the things quarantine and stuff, one of the things quarantine and stuff, one of the things I did was I messaged every single church I did was I messaged every single church I did was I messaged every single church in the area to say, "Hey, this is free. in the area to say, "Hey, this is free. in the area to say, "Hey, this is free. I'm not trying to sell you something, I'm not trying to sell you something, I'm not trying to sell you something, but if you need a way to do church but if you need a way to do church but if you need a way to do church online, take this. Take this church online, take this. Take this church online, take this. Take this church online platform." You know, but again, online platform." You know, but again, online platform." You know, but again, in New York, everybody thinks you're in New York, everybody thinks you're in New York, everybody thinks you're selling something. So, mostly nobody selling something. So, mostly nobody selling something. So, mostly nobody responded, you know, cuz they're like, responded, you know, cuz they're like, responded, you know, cuz they're like, "Who is this crazy woman?"

"Who is this crazy woman?" "Who is this crazy woman?" Hey, we're we're Canadian. Niagara Falls Hey, we're we're Canadian. Niagara Falls Hey, we're we're Canadian. Niagara Falls is just up just up the road, so we're is just up just up the road, so we're is just up just up the road, so we're serving in a serving in a serving in a similar context. similar context. similar context. So, um So, um So, um so so here here is my here's kind of my so so here here is my here's kind of my so so here here is my here's kind of my thought, um is for us, we had to start thought, um is for us, we had to start thought, um is for us, we had to start somewhere. You know, we didn't start somewhere. You know, we didn't start somewhere. You know, we didn't start with 600 life groups. We didn't start with 600 life groups. We didn't start with 600 life groups. We didn't start with, you know, the campus that I was a with, you know, the campus that I was a with, you know, the campus that I was a part of or still am a part of in Upstate part of or still am a part of in Upstate part of or still am a part of in Upstate New York, um when our campus opened, we New York, um when our campus opened, we New York, um when our campus opened, we had 70 people. You know, so like you had 70 people. You know, so like you had 70 people. You know, so like you have to start somewhere, you know, you have to start somewhere, you know, you have to start somewhere, you know, you can't just see the the where people are can't just see the the where people are can't just see the the where people are at now and think it did not take blood, at now and think it did not take blood, at now and think it did not take blood, sweat, and tears because, my brother, it sweat, and tears because, my brother, it sweat, and tears because, my brother, it did. Um and so, I I when I think about, did. Um and so, I I when I think about, did. Um and so, I I when I think about, um you know, just my local church you um you know, just my local church you um you know, just my local church you know that that maybe they're not doing know that that maybe they're not doing know that that maybe they're not doing online yet. My thought is when I think online yet. My thought is when I think online yet. My thought is when I think about the the people that don't know about the the people that don't know about the the people that don't know Jesus Jesus Jesus Oh my gosh I have so many answers. So Oh my gosh I have so many answers. So Oh my gosh I have so many answers. So sorry let me finish this one answer. My sorry let me finish this one answer. My sorry let me finish this one answer. My thought is thought is thought is just start doing it because A at the just start doing it because A at the just start doing it because A at the very least you want to take care of your very least you want to take care of your very least you want to take care of your flock. You know you've got this group of flock. You know you've got this group of flock. You know you've got this group of sheep and sometimes those sheep don't sheep and sometimes those sheep don't sheep and sometimes those sheep don't show up you know. So show up you know. So show up you know. So for one if you at least eliminate the for one if you at least eliminate the for one if you at least eliminate the the reason for them not to attend church the reason for them not to attend church the reason for them not to attend church like I'm sick today and you're like like I'm sick today and you're like like I'm sick today and you're like you're sick but you could have watched you're sick but you could have watched you're sick but you could have watched online you know. I mean at the very online you know. I mean at the very online you know. I mean at the very least you can that's that's one way to least you can that's that's one way to least you can that's that's one way to continue taking care of your flock. And continue taking care of your flock. And continue taking care of your flock. And the whole online thing the church on

the whole online thing the church on the whole online thing the church on it's actually easier than you think but it's actually easier than you think but it's actually easier than you think but I get it until you've done it you don't I get it until you've done it you don't I get it until you've done it you don't know but there's so much support even know but there's so much support even know but there's so much support even within our within our within our staff and Life Church to be able to staff and Life Church to be able to staff and Life Church to be able to utilize those resources. So I would say utilize those resources. So I would say utilize those resources. So I would say just rip the band-aid off and just do it just rip the band-aid off and just do it just rip the band-aid off and just do it because what you're going to find is it because what you're going to find is it because what you're going to find is it gets easier and one of the gals I think gets easier and one of the gals I think gets easier and one of the gals I think I mentioned Tracy earlier I mentioned Tracy earlier I mentioned Tracy earlier that that that she was the one that came back to she was the one that came back to she was the one that came back to church. Well I actually asked her when I church. Well I actually asked her when I church. Well I actually asked her when I was chatting with her during orientation was chatting with her during orientation was chatting with her during orientation I said hey do you have a local church I said hey do you have a local church I said hey do you have a local church that you're going to? And she said no that you're going to? And she said no that you're going to? And she said no and here's why. And I you know like if and here's why. And I you know like if and here's why. And I you know like if I want people to go to a local church I want people to go to a local church I want people to go to a local church and support what's happening locally you and support what's happening locally you and support what's happening locally you know but not not everybody does that and know but not not everybody does that and know but not not everybody does that and that's totally fine. So I asked her why that's totally fine. So I asked her why that's totally fine. So I asked her why and she said because I'm the only and she said because I'm the only and she said because I'm the only believer in my family. She said my believer in my family. She said my believer in my family. She said my husband and my son they don't know husband and my son they don't know husband and my son they don't know Jesus. She had only found Jesus two Jesus. She had only found Jesus two Jesus. She had only found Jesus two years prior. So she says she watches years prior. So she says she watches years prior. So she says she watches Life Church online and she cranks it up Life Church online and she cranks it up Life Church online and she cranks it up because that means now she is because that means now she is because that means now she is inadvertently making her family attend inadvertently making her family attend inadvertently making her family attend church. So back to you local church church. So back to you local church church. So back to you local church pastor, okay? You have no idea the pastor, okay? You have no idea the pastor, okay? You have no idea the impact that you will have. It will be impact that you will have. It will be impact that you will have. It will be beyond what you see. You'll be able to beyond what you see. You'll be able to beyond what you see. You'll be able to reach more people for Jesus simply by reach more people for Jesus simply by reach more people for Jesus simply by being online. Simply by having the other being online. Simply by having the other being online. Simply by having the other household members listen to the word household members listen to the word household members listen to the word that you're bringing that day. Listen to that you're bringing that day. Listen to that you're bringing that day. Listen to the to the worship that you're doing.

the to the worship that you're doing. the to the worship that you're doing. So, I say go for it because you have no So, I say go for it because you have no So, I say go for it because you have no idea how God is going to use it. And idea how God is going to use it. And idea how God is going to use it. And here's the second thing. You've got here's the second thing. You've got here's the second thing. You've got young people in your church that have young people in your church that have young people in your church that have these skills. So, your fear and these skills. So, your fear and these skills. So, your fear and apprehension comes from the fact that apprehension comes from the fact that apprehension comes from the fact that you're old like me, you know, you're old like me, you know, you're old like me, you know, and aren't as tech savvy. So, I know for and aren't as tech savvy. So, I know for and aren't as tech savvy. So, I know for me I've had to learn from the younger me I've had to learn from the younger me I've had to learn from the younger generation and a lot of the people I've generation and a lot of the people I've generation and a lot of the people I've been empowering over the course of the been empowering over the course of the been empowering over the course of the last 6 months to do some of the tech last 6 months to do some of the tech last 6 months to do some of the tech aspects online are younger and it's easy aspects online are younger and it's easy aspects online are younger and it's easy for them and they're excited to do it. for them and they're excited to do it. for them and they're excited to do it. So, now by me actually continuing this So, now by me actually continuing this So, now by me actually continuing this whole thing, I'm able to connect some of whole thing, I'm able to connect some of whole thing, I'm able to connect some of these volunteers with their God-given these volunteers with their God-given these volunteers with their God-given mission. So, you got to just find the mission. So, you got to just find the mission. So, you got to just find the right people, put them to work, make right people, put them to work, make right people, put them to work, make them do do the heavy lifting cuz it them do do the heavy lifting cuz it them do do the heavy lifting cuz it won't be nearly as heavy for them as it won't be nearly as heavy for them as it won't be nearly as heavy for them as it will be for you. will be for you. will be for you. Well, and Life Church is always so Well, and Life Church is always so Well, and Life Church is always so generous with their own resources. You generous with their own resources. You generous with their own resources. You mentioned Church Online Platform, the mentioned Church Online Platform, the mentioned Church Online Platform, the software where you can host online software where you can host online software where you can host online church that they give away for free. And church that they give away for free. And church that they give away for free. And then also you have a guide, Church then also you have a guide, Church then also you have a guide, Church Online Hosts, the complete guide. So, I Online Hosts, the complete guide. So, I Online Hosts, the complete guide. So, I think a lot of the things that we've think a lot of the things that we've think a lot of the things that we've talked about in this conversation are talked about in this conversation are talked about in this conversation are condensed into that PDF. That's hosted condensed into that PDF. That's hosted condensed into that PDF. That's hosted on open.church. If you just Google on open.church. If you just Google on open.church. If you just Google Church Online Hosts Life Church, I'm Church Online Hosts Life Church, I'm Church Online Hosts Life Church, I'm sure the PDF will come up there and sure the PDF will come up there and sure the PDF will come up there and we're going to link it in the show notes we're going to link it in the show notes we're going to link it in the show notes either way. Christina, can't thank you either way. Christina, can't thank you either way. Christina, can't thank you enough for the time and your again enough for the time and your again enough for the time and your again vulnerability, generosity with your time vulnerability, generosity with your time vulnerability, generosity with your time and spirit. Great to meet you and and and spirit. Great to meet you and and and spirit. Great to meet you and and talk about online church.

talk about online church. talk about online church. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. If you drop any explosives, I'll I'll If you drop any explosives, I'll I'll If you drop any explosives, I'll I'll beep them out as well, so you're safe. beep them out as well, so you're safe. beep them out as well, so you're safe. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. And we'll probably have to take at least And we'll probably have to take at least And we'll probably have to take at least four runs at this intro with me saying four runs at this intro with me saying four runs at this intro with me saying different variations on the emphases of different variations on the emphases of different variations on the emphases of the title. So,