We're a generation that loves watching video. 300 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute, and around 8 billion views of Facebook videos are watched by people each day.

So it makes sense for us, as Christians, to use the power of video to reach those who don’t know God.

At Rediscover Church in Exeter, we've been exploring using video to reach current university students, as well as freshers who are gearing up to come to the city and are looking for a church to join.

Church Online

We broadcast our 11.30am service live online each Sunday, with students watching from home, in coffee shops or even from the university library. We have about 70-80 viewers each week across all ages.

For some, stepping into the physical church is daunting, so watching online is a safe space to find out what it is like. Others are unwell or housebound, so Church Online is a way for them to still come along. Some are on holiday or away from the church building, whilst others are snowed under in essays and can't come in person.

Our desire and heart is to reach those who especially have no church background or knowledge of Jesus. As well as the broadcasting the video feed from the auditorium where the service is taking place, we have Student Presenters who have an important role in 'unpacking' the service to those watching, explaining what is going on and explaining 'Christian terminology'.

At the end of the service, we cut away from Pastor's message back to the studio where we offer the chance for those tuning in to become a Christian. People have become Christians watching Church Online which is amazing!

We have a team called Church Online Pastors who sit in the auditorium on laptops chatting to those watching online. A viewer might ask 'What is the Holy Spirit?' and the Pastor can instantly reply back with an answer, helping viewers to understand what is happening during the service.

The Church Online Platform also has a private prayer facility. During exam season, we often have students tuning in asking for prayer in their exams and studies. Students who are struggling and stressed get support and encouragement from our Pastors, and it really is amazing how across the Internet relationships can be built in this way. Students have said that they have felt touched someone was praying for them, and are thankful they can still ‘watch’ church even whilst stuck in a library writing an essay.

Reaching Freshers

In addition, we've found that Church Online a great way to reach freshers before they have even started university and arrived in the city!

Each August/September we run Facebook ads targeted to new Exeter University freshers with the headline 'looking for a new church in September? Why not check out our LIVE stream!'

Leaving home can be pretty scary and a step into the unknown, however on Church Online new freshers can see what the church is like before they have even taken a step through the door! And that can only be a reassuring thing.

During our Sunday broadcasts, Presenters share with viewers about the events and groups we run for students, so freshers tuning in can feel confident that we are there to support them, and know as a church family we can’t wait to see them in person!

Explore  

We’re enjoying exploring how we can use video and the Internet to connect people with Jesus. We’re constantly learning things and trying ideas out, by no means do we have the 'perfect' solution! However, we truly believe that God is moving in incredible ways through the digital space and it’s an amazing way to connect students with God.

What ideas will you try out in your church?