As the COVID-19 pandemic continued and more churches shifted to or increased their digital ministry, United Methodist Communications began developing a series of Local Church Learning Sessions. All have been developed specifically to support local United Methodist churches during this extraordinary time. New sessions will be added here as they are produced..
Topics currently available are listed below with the newest ones at the top:
Social Media: Posting Through A Pandemic: Has it been challenging to figure out what to post on your church's Facebook page throughout this pandemic? You're not alone! Watch this local church learning session where you'll learn about components of a healthy church Facebook page, how to be a source of positivity online, ways to build community and more. Presented by Renee McNeill, senior social media specialist, United Methodist Communications. Originally streamed September 3, 2020.
Zoom 101: Learn the basics of Zoom — how to use it and manage the host controls. Facilitated by Brandon Nivens, UMCom’s customer success manager at Zoom, who also responds to viewer questions. An audio transcript is also provided. Originally streamed July 2020
Intermediate Zoom: Explore some of the more intermediate functions and settings of the Zoom platform, including polls and webinars vs. regular meetings. Brandon Nivens, UMCom’s customer success manager at Zoom also facilitates a Q&A. An audio transcript is also provided. Originally streamed July 2020.
Giving Platforms to Increase Giving: Looking for new ways to increase giving to your church? In this rapid local church learning session, we will look at EasyTithe and PayPal to see if they may be a good addition to your church's giving strategy. We will also share some tips on how to promote your giving options to your congregation and to the community. Presented by Steven Adair, director, local church services, United Methodist Communications. Originally streamed June 23, 2020.
Utilizing Facebook ads to promote your church (and online worship): Learn how to start — or more effectively — promote your church's online worship services by boosting posts and ads on Facebook. You can also download the social media graphics we've created to help you. Presented by Renee McNeill, senior social media specialist, United Methodist Communications. Originally streamed May 14, 2020.
Keeping connected through text messaging: Looking for an easy way to stay connected to your church members during this season of physical distancing? UMConnect will help you keep the connection to your church members alive quickly and easily. Watch the video, and then complete this form to learn more about UMConnect. Presented by United Communications staff: Steven Adair, director, local church services; Matt Crum, senior solutions architect, global communications development, and Ashley Gish, director of strategy, global communications technology. Originally streamed Thursday, April 2, 2020.
e-giving+Connectional Giving: Is your church worried about continued financial support in this time of physical distancing? Learn some solutions to encourage your congregation to give outside of the offering plate on Sunday mornings and learn more about connectional giving and why it is important — even in times of crisis. Presented by Steven Adair, director of local church services, and Linda Bruner, senior director of connectional giving marketing, United Methodist Communications; and Brandy Bivens, director of communications and marketing, General Council on Finance and Administration. Originally streamed Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
Streaming worship on multiple platforms: Is your church already live streaming worship on Facebook, but looking to take it to the next level? Learn what you will need and some solutions to help you get started. Presented by United Communications staff: Steven Adair, director, local church services; Matt Crum, senior solutions architect, global communications development, and Lane Denson, manager, web development. Originally streamed Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
Streaming worship on Facebook Live: Looking to start or enhance the livestream of your worship services on Facebook? Check out these tips and tricks to help you use Facebook Live to bring your church into the homes of your congregation and to reach new people out in your community. Presented by Steven Adair, director, local church services, United Methodist Communications. Originally streamed Monday, March 30, 2020.
Copyrights and licenses: What licenses do you need to cover copyrighted material that your church is using while livestreaming your worship services and events? Learn how to make sure your church is covered! Presented by Steven Adair, director, local church services, United Methodist Communications, and Diana Sanchez-Bushong, director of music ministries, Discipleship Ministries. Originally streamed Saturday, March 28, 2020.
Zoom for worship and small groups:Zoom can help keep your congregation connected with one another even when you're not able to be in the same space. Presented by United Methodist Communications staff: Danny Mai, chief operations officer; Matt Crum, senior solutions architect; and Shelia Mayfield, director of global communications development. Originally streamed Friday, March 27, 2020.