Skills, Tips and Governance for Gathering Virtually

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, here are some proven methods for how a congregation can gather virtually.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO NOW

• Create an email list for easy communication

  • Include those who do and don’t have email

• Create a phone tree to allow for instant contact and inclusiveness

HOW DO WE HOLD A VIRTUAL SERVICE?

• Church in an emergency/pandemic: PCUSA’s virtual meeting policies

• “Church attendance is an individual choice”

  • Synod’s Standing Rules on Virtual Meetings

  • Recommended language for adding electronic meetings to a church’s Manual of Operations (Presbytery of West Virginia)

  • Live streaming guidelines

  • NEXT Church: Resources for doing church digitally

• Tips on livestreaming and video conferencing by Brian Wallace, Pittsburgh Presbytery

• Zoom Conferencing

  • By Video: Use a camera or smartphone to broadcast the service

  • By Phone: Zoom provides a phone number and meeting ID to connect those who don’t use the internet

  • Cost: A free option is available for 40-minute run times; other monthly options available, too

  • View an in-depth webinar here given by Synod staff on the basics of Zoom and the polity behind using it

    • Tip sheet for Zoom with copyright explanation and standings rules on virtual meetings

    • Step-By-Step Zoom Startup Guide

  • Zoom adds “Security” toolbar icon for hosts

    • Find a Synod tip sheet to help prevent ‘Zoombombing’

  • Zoom meeting Do’s and Don’ts to help your colleagues and yourself

  • How to keep uninvited guests out of your Zoom event

    • Best practices for securing your virtual classroom (or meeting space)

    • How to prevent Zoombombing (Bruce Reyes-Chow)

  • Facebook Live

    • It’s free and easily accessible to anyone who has Facebook

    • Allows for neighbors in the community to participate

    • Find a step-by-step user guide created by communications specialist John Fong here

    FreeConferenceCall.com