How to Get Your Church on TV
It is becoming increasingly popular for churches and ministers to appear on television. In addition to church programming appearing on the major networks, most often on Sundays, more and more churches are finding outlets in cable television. Cable offers a plethora of opportunities, both on the local and national levels, to reach a varied audience beyond the church's immediate congregation. Television also serves as an ideal way for ministers to help spread the news of the gospel while also attracting new members to their church's congregations.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Tips for Getting on TV
-
1
Contact a local community cable access television station. It is a great way to get a church on television. Watch the channel ahead of time, so you will be familiar with its programming. Cable access channels are equipped to assist people who are new to television. Most provide training on how to use video and editing equipment. Some public access channels, including the Manhattan Neighborhood Network in New York City, offer training for free and allow local residents access to all of the station's equipment, including expensive cameras. Other stations offer training, including Chicago Access Network Television, at a nominal fee. Residents must provide their own content for the shows they choose to produce.
-
2
Contact a large Christian network, i.e. Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) or the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). Both channels broadcast around the world and feature ministers from across the globe. Ask if there are opportunities for ministers to be interviewed during segments as part of live shows or to possibly deliver sermons. TBN also has a "Church Channel" which features sermons from different pastors from around the United States. The channel has a contact form that can be filled out online. Being on national networks is an ideal way to raise awareness of local churches and pastors.
-
-
3
Buy television equipment for your church. This can be an expensive proposition, but worth it. Do your research. Buy television cameras and make sure you have proper lighting which can make a big difference in whether the video looks professional or more like the work of an amateur. Find out if there are members of the congregation with broadcast experience who can assist in setting up and recording as well as helping to edit the final product. The tapes can then be sent to your cable access channel for airing.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
When appearing on television or doing any kind of taping, make sure any person who will appear on-camera is camera ready. Bright colors, generally not white, work well on camera. It is often a good idea to use some make-up or at least powder which can help you avoid having too much shine appear on your face, if that is an issue. Lastly, relax, and try not to appear nervous. Taking a deep breath and counting to three before you start as well as making sure you enunciate your words can help you look more relaxed.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit church building image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com
