I. Our church has a website?  Why use YouTube? 

A. Marketing: YouTube is an open forum, much like a shopping center.  Visitors to a church website they are most likely deliberate.  They are specifically seeking religious instruction to either learn or confirm beliefs about theology.  By placing sermons in an open forum you create opportunity to learn about your congregation.

B. Key Words Through key words you can possibly reach a wider audience.

C. Good Reputation: YouTube has the best reputation in the video sharing marketplace. YouTube prohibits pornography and it is easily managed by members.

D. Expanding Medium: YouTube is a medium to spread the Word like a newspaper or a billboard but YouTube is free and reaches more viewers.



II. Technology

A. You probably already have the technology.  If you use Windows, you may already have ‘Windows Movie Maker’, which is much like PowerPoint and easier to learn.  Young people are often up-to-date with technology and eager to share their knowledge.

B. Instructional Videos on YouTube are free. Search: Windows Movie Maker Tutorial.
Click here for an easy to understand instructional video.

C. Registering online is simple. When you register try to create a user name that reflects you or your church. Example: TedRocks can be anybody. TedandJudySmith or PreacherTed or MorrisStreetChurch is a more readily identifier.


III. Design:

A. Keep it simple.   Use basic images.  Remember you are teaching, not entertaining.  Keep slides clean and simple.  Talking heads are not compelling.  Slides and/or illustrations are more effective and more powerful than hand gestures.

B. Let your voice do the emphasizing.

C. Remember YouTube is an open marketplace.   Anyone can comment.  Most comments will be positive, but not all.  You can choose the option of deleting undesirable comments.

D. Clearly identify your name and location.  Example: Frank Smith from Morris Street Church of Christ in New Bern, Idaho.  Resurrection.  Feel free to ask questions or make comments. Visit www.YourChurchName.com

E. Observe time restraints.  YouTube has no time limit however 99% of videos are under 10 minutes.  It is possible, and best, to limit sermons to 10 minutes, and you can do so by removing ancillary information.  When referencing scripture, invite the viewer to personally look up the verse. Avoid having two or three part lessons because there is a greater chance of the viewer being distracted and not going to the other videos.

F. Avoid dated or name specific references like news items, today’s weather, prayer request, special events, Keep the material universal.  Dated or specific material should be limited to a church website.  Never, ever discuss local church problems, or individual’s personal problems in a public forum.  G. Avoid using pop culture references as they can change in popularity very rapidly.

H. Record your message in a quite place. This will garner a crisper sound that is easier for listeners.  Do not use a church tape.  Live audience sounds, crying babies, coughing, noise from a passing car, all distract from the message.  I make my recordings at my home desk.   I adjust recording levels on Windows Movie Maker.  If, while I am recording, I cough or omit a point, I can stop and record again.

I. Do not use a script, use notes or talking points.  Reading script in a monotone voice is dull.

J. Be careful when using religious terms.  Explain the word before you use it or find an easier phrase.  "The Mercy Seat" is a wonderful concept but it is over the head of most listeners.

K. Make practice videos.  Ask a friend for reactions.  You might think it just right while someone else might ask "Who are Abrahm and Saarh?"

L.  Don’t fear making mistakes.  You will.  Mistakes are learning tools toward correction.

M. No matter how important the message, delivered poorly it can be lost.   The greatest preachers, delivering the greatest sermons, will have no listeners if they are dressed like Ronald McDonald.

N.  Don’t sing.  Mentioning a hymn is a powerful suggestion but let the viewer hear it in their own mind. Or, better yet, direct them to a site which will have the lyrics or background music already. CyberHymnal.org is a great resource for church music.

O. Record before you preach. By recording the sermon before you preach to the local church, you can include on an outline or a note, "Today's is available on YouTube. Keywords: Giant Goliath David"

P. Comment with tact. The comments that you leave on other's videos can be tracked. With this in mind create a separate account if you like to place videos not related to your church. Also, when commenting on another person's video, be sure to be graceful, avoid personal arguments and internal squabbles. There is a time and a place for discussing controversial issues.


IV. Getting Started.

A. Register using an easy to find name. Once again, registration is free.

B. Go to "My Account."

C. Click "Upload New Video"

D. Title: Make the title a unique identifier. A search for "David and Goliath" will pull up hundreds of videos. Try, "Goliath the Giant" or "5 smooth stones."

E. Description: Important information first. Second, invitation to church, background of the sermon, etc.

F. Tags: Put in as many identifier words as possible. These are used to find your video. Church of Christ Morris Street New Bern Idaho Ted Smith Goliath David Saul Stones Faith

G. Video Category: Religion is not an option. Choose "People and Blogs"

H. Broadcast Option: Public

I. Date and Map Options: Great way to show the exact location of your church

J. Sharing Options: Choose "Yes, allow comments after I approve them." This should block spam or unreasonable comments.

K. Video Responses: Choose "Yes, allow video responses after I approve them." This avoids connecting to an inappropriate video.

L. Ratings: Choose "Yes, allow this video to be rated by others."

M. Embedding: Choose "No, external sites may NOT embed and play this video." This option protects your material and, potentially, your good name.

N. Upload A Video: Follow the instructions, it's easy. Once your video is uploaded it will take a few hours for YouTube to place it their open search engine.

O. Give your video time to be spread by email or word of mouth. Send the link to your church membership. Don't expect a million hits on your first day. Give it time.

P. Pray. As in all things, pray first. Ask for God's blessing.

Conclusion: May God richly bless your efforts. Be creative, get input from friends, don't be afraid to make mistakes, economize your time and the viewer's time.