Here's an idea to build off of YouTube views you're already getting:

Do you know how many times I've heard the following from pastors I work with?

"Yeah, we put my sermons on YouTube. People will visit church and say they've been watching for a couple weeks before they attend for the first time, so that's been good."

So. many. times. This is amazing! What an awesome demonstration of how the internet can be used to remove barriers to an in-person connection (which is, of course, the ultimate goal).

One of my favorite mantras is do more of what works. As someone who is naturally inclined to try and reinvent the wheel, this is something I need to repeat to myself daily. It's about balance 🤪

On that note, how can we take the YouTube traction you have right now and add even more value for each viewer (each human)? How can we more intentionally try to get them off their screen and into contact with another human?

(Of course, I'm speaking not necessarily speaking on the home-bound population of your membership that uses YouTube for a different reason. This is more of an outreach conversation.)

Here's an afternoon project that can help you build on the momentum YouTube is bringing your way—and infuse a little more of what we're all about:

➡️ Record a short talking-head style video to include at the end of your sermon videos.

➡️ This will not change week-to-week. Record it once and clip it in at the end of your video file.

➡️ Get a nice blur on the background and use your real mic. Maybe sit in the pews, maybe shoot from the parking lot, maybe film in your "regular" clothes.

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Here are a few script ideas, but please add your own voice to them:

• Hey! I'm Pastor so-and-so. Thanks for watching! Just know that you're always welcome to join us on a Sunday morning. Service starts at 9 with Sunday School and Bible study to follow. I'll be out front to greet you.
• Hey! I'm Pastor so-and-so. Thanks for watching this video. I wanted to take a second to let you know that I send a weekly devotion and sermon reflection question. Grab it using the link in the description and I'll send it to you on Monday mornings.
• Hello, I'm Pastor so-and-so. Whether you're watching from {city} or you live far away, I'm glad we were able to connect this way. If you ever have a prayer request or biblical question, please send it my way using the link in the description.

These are all things we hope people will do after watching a sermon video, so why not intentionalize it with a short clip?

If you try this, drop me a link when you're all done! I'd love to see it.

Until next week,