It takes more than one person to run an online ministry. In fact, the Online Ministry Team consists of many different people doing a variety of different things so that people can hear about Jesus. Each volunteer role is valuable, and each area of the online ministry requires a different set of skills and gifts. There are both technical and relational roles as there are plenty of ways people can serve in an online ministry.
So, what are the roles in an Online Ministry Team? Some of them are:
- Online Ministry Lead. Every Ministry needs a team lead or POC (point of contact). The lead will help oversee the live stream team and help with online ministry opportunities. This person can be a staff or volunteer position.
- Chat Host. A Chat Host sets the tone for the experience live stream experience. They in the Chat Room for each service.. They relate to and welcomes all attendees, responds to questions, and provides resources and help attendees take next steps of faith. Chat Hosts should report directly to the Online Minister or Online Ministry Team Lead.
- Live Stream Director. This person works closely with the Creative and Worship Arts Team to capture the intended vision for the service, directing and guiding the Live Stream Team to achieve the desired results. This person directs the camera operators and Switcher Operator throughout the service.
- Camera Operator. This person(s) takes cues from the Director about what shots to take for the worship service during the live stream. Depending on how many cameras and services you have will determine how many Camera Operators you need each Sunday.
- Sound Board Operator. This person is responsible for operating the audio control system for the live stream of the Church services.
- Switcher Operator. This person works by the Director. He or she selects and transitions images and videos from various sources, performs live digital effects and inserts pre-recorded materials for the live stream according to the Director's instructions.
- Digital Missionary. A Digital Missionary is someone who uses technology and digital tools to reach people with the Gospel of Christ. They could be someone who uses social media, creates devotional videos or blogs, photography or other online tools to reach people for Christ. Digital Missionaries would report to the Online Ministry Team Lead.
- Other Roles: Most of the volunteer roles highlighted are for the live stream service, but there are other roles as well. A Photographer, Social Media Manager or Team Member, Online Community Manager, Web Manager, and Prayer Partner are other roles your team and use. They don't necessarily have to work side by side with the Online Minister or Lead, but they can report to other Staffers in the Church as well.
Conclusion
Online Ministry is more than one person. It takes a team. This team can be young or old, relational or technical, possessing a ton of online knowledge or is limited. They are all important and these volunteer roles are all needed to help get the message of hope and love from Jesus out to people around the world. But, your online ministry team is not limited to just these roles. As technology continues to advance, there will be other roles that develop over time. Keep looking for opportunities and the right people to help fill those roles with people who have a heart and passion for them.
What do you think? What other volunteer roles are there for online ministry? Share your ideas below or on social media.
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