The COVID pandemic led more churches than ever to begin sharing their services via video. Out of necessity, many of us scrambled to get our services online in any way we could—Facebook Live from an iPhone, Zoom worship from the pastor’s living room, YouTube uploads from the church soundboard. And while it wasn’t perfect, it helped us stay connected in a time when we couldn’t physically gather.

But now, years later, it seems like a lot of churches have quietly stopped paying attention to the people who still worship with us online.

If you’re livestreaming worship each week—or posting the service later—it’s worth asking: Are we doing anything to nurture, grow, and care for our online worshipping community?

Too often, the answer is no.

Some church leaders still see “in-person” attendance as the only valid attendance. And I get it—there’s something powerful about embodied worship, shared physical space, and singing together in the sanctuary. But we can’t let that preference cause us to ignore or even invalidate the real people gathering with us digitally every week.

Here’s the thing: some people who worship online are homebound. Some are immunocompromised. Some are neurodivergent or living with anxiety. Some have been hurt by church before and are slowly re-engaging from a safe distance. Some live in rural areas where there isn’t a welcoming congregation nearby. And some are just exploring faith and need the space to do that quietly.

These folks matter.

Their spiritual lives matter. Their presence matters. And if our church is going to claim to be for them, we have to start acting like it.

So what can we do?

Here are some practical steps your church can take to care for your livestream community:

1. Upgrade the Experience

Don’t let your livestream be an afterthought. Use dedicated streaming software, invest in a couple decent mics and cameras, and make sure the sound mix is balanced for online viewers. A poor stream sends the message: “This isn’t really for you.”

2. Make It Interactive

Livestream shouldn’t be a passive experience. Designate someone to engage with the comments during the stream, respond to prayer requests, and welcome folks by name. Use tools that allow chat, polls, or even digital connection cards. The more two-way interaction, the more it feels like worshipping with instead of just watching.

3. Create a Digital Ministry Team

Whether it’s a staff person or a group of trained volunteers, someone needs to “own” your digital presence. This isn’t just about tech—it’s about pastoral care. Who’s reaching out to people who only attend online? Who’s praying with them, inviting them to virtual gatherings, or helping them take next steps?

4. Listen and Learn

Ask your online congregation what they need. Send out surveys. Offer a Zoom coffee hour. Invite feedback after a service. Let them know they’re not just being tolerated—they’re being heard.

5. Use Inclusive Language

Little things make a big difference. When we say, “It’s great to see you all here in worship, whether you’re in the pews or on your couch,” we remind people that they belong. Don’t make your online worshippers feel like an afterthought.

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The church has always had to adapt to new ways of being present with people. Paul used letters. Luther used the printing press. We use YouTube and Facebook Live. The medium may change, but the mission stays the same: to love people, connect them to Jesus, and help them grow in faith.

Let’s not leave part of our community hanging just because we can’t see them in the sanctuary.