Many of our BBFI Leaders got together recently to discuss how to effectively reach people during this unprecedented time filled with uncertainty. The way we live has dramatically changed, and this is an incredible opportunity to minister to people and share the Good News of Jesus. I have so much I want to say about reaching people during this time but our leaders did an excellent job of walking through how believers can respond to this unbelievable opportunity. Watch this video and hear them out. 

I know while this is the more technical side of live streaming, my heart is for the lost. I just want to see our local churches throughout the entire world thrive in the face of the worst this world has to offer.         

A couple of our pastors shared how they live stream, and we are very thankful for their input. I wanted to include their methods here because they may work better for some than what I’m suggesting.

The Easy Way

Probably one of the more simple solutions is to live stream from Facebook with a “Watch Party.”

Read this article (click here), shared by Pastor Brian Moore and go to their website Crosspointe Church to see how they’ve communicated their response. 

More Options

Pastor Sean Sears, Grace Church, shared an in-depth article with free and paid options (click here) written by their Executive Pastor Brian Beauford and Director of 521Pastors. A lot of my recommendations will echo articles linked with this article. Please check it out. It’s a very well thought out plan.

My Suggestion

I don’t need to spend time restating what was already shared above, but my suggestions lean towards a scaled-down option to stream more professionally. I also want to help you avoid some pitfalls that will frustrate you and the process of getting this done. This setup will allow you to do baptism videos, video announcements, social media posts, video podcasts, or stream services after the pandemic. Make sure you read The Pitfalls of Live Streaming later in this article to help avoid tripping in the process.    

Here is the List for a Studio Setup

• Lights
• Audio
• Camera
• Switcher
• PC/MAC
• Software
• Optional Service

Lights (1 to 3)

This is a lot more simple than you think. I have found the perfect video light at a great price. You could make it work with one while still achieving a professional look. If you can swing three, that’s great too. 

Light | Godox sl-60w | $134

Softbox | Neewer Hexadecagon Softbox 36 inches | $71.99

Cheaper Option | $28.99 

Stand | Neewer C-Stand | $99.99 

Cheaper Option (Includes 2) | $28.99 

Grid | Godox Honeycomb Grid | $29

Audio

This is way more important than you think! Bad audio will ruin any good video.  

Rode Wireless Go | $199  

Camera

For very specific reasons I’m suggesting these cameras — the Sony A6600 or the Sony A6400. No record limit, 4k, low-light situation, and great auto-focus. If you can swing it, I’d get the A6600.

Sony A6600 (has In-Body Stabilization) | $1,198 

Cheaper Option Sony A6400 | $898

 Sony Lenses

Sony Alpha 70-350mm | $898

The 70-350 is a lot more versatile in a medium to large auditorium where you need more distance. This is a variable lens, so if you zoom in you need to adjust your exposure. It is not great in low-light. Click here for a good review.  

Sigma 30mm f1.4 | $241.68 

I’d start here, but when you get to the 30mm, a prime lens is typically used for portraits, but still handy for smaller rooms or closer situations. Here is a test video of a similar camera with this lens. It’s very nice in low-light. 

Switcher

If you want to use multiple cameras, you need a switcher. In the long run it would be worth it to buy a two-camera setup and use a switcher. Video editing time is a live stream pitfall. The Atem Mini Live Switcher works like a Webcam for any PC or Mac and streams video in HD. Here are the HDMI cords that are needed to connect the cameras to the switcher. They only run up to 30 ft. so keep that in mind with whatever setup you choose.

Atem Mini Live Switcher | $295

Micro HDMI to HDMI 25ft x2 | $16.99

PC/MAC

Whatever you have, but I’d recommend something with at least 8GB Ram, i7 Processor, a Solid State drive, and a decent graphics card. 

Here is a specs list of a media pc we built that would be more than enough to edit and or stream video. Anything from Mac Mini ($799) to Mac Pro is great for streaming. I would try to work with what you have before you go down this path.

Software

OBS Incredible software that is simple to use and free

DaVinci Resolve is a free professional video editing program

Optional Service

Castr offers streaming to multiple sites simultaneously using Castr. Stream to Facebook, Youtube, Twitch, Mixer & other popular live-streaming platforms easily. You can get it for as low as $9.99 a month. 

Overall Cost for Hardware

LOW | One Light Setup (If you already have a PC/Mac and a camera) – $702.97

HIGH | Two Cameras/Three Lights (with new Mac Mini) – $5,550.61

• Three lights with better equipment
• New Mac Mini
• Both cameras and lenses suggested

Additional Podcast Hardware  

Rode RodeCaster Pro Podcast Production Studio | $599.00 

Shure SM7B Dynamic Vocal Microphone | $399.00 

Cheaper Option – Rode PodMic | $99.00 

Table stand for Shure SM7B Microphones – $16.99

25 ft. Mic Cables (two-pack) – $27.99

Cost for Podcast Hardware

LOW | Two Rode Mic Setup – $858.97

HIGH | Two Shure Mic Setup – $1,458.97

Pitfalls of Live Streaming

Everything has to use the same video signal. Cameras, switchers, converter boxes, and anything else in the line need to use the same video signal/setting. This is a huge headache if one thing is off. 

Editing Video is the PITS. LEARN TO LOVE AND APPRECIATE ANYONE WHO HELPS WITH THIS. If you can pull off a two-camera setup with the recommended switcher, switching live will save you hours and maybe days of editing. If you’re paying someone to edit a video, you will save a ton of money long term by getting a switcher and another camera. 

WIFI and Bandwidth. If possible, don’t use wifi to stream. Make sure your PC/Mac that is streaming is connected to your internet/network by wire. Some say a bandwidth of 30Mbps upload speed is the magic number for streaming without any problems. So you may need to contact your internet service provider for an upgrade.

HDMI Cord Length. 30ft is the limit for HDMI. After 30ft that signal will drop, flicker, show green, or just not work. If you want to go further, you’ll need a different setup that involves converter boxes, SDI wire, a more expensive switcher, and a more complex setup. Watch this video to go further than 30ft.

Great Live Streaming Training and Tutorial

YouTube has answers when you’re trying to set up a live stream. There are hundreds of videos for every step of this process. Here are some to check out: 

Live Stream through OBS to Youtube

Atem Mini – Live Streaming through Facebook Part 1

Atem Mini – Live Stream Audio Part 2

Atem Mini – Live Stream with Multiple Cameras Part 3 

Live Stream through OBS to Facebook and YouTube using Castr 

Video of Live Streaming Crew Training

YOU CAN DO THIS!

I know this sounds daunting or the idea of spending any money during this season of uncertainty is crazy, but I look at it as a necessity to build your outreach and community. This equipment is a tool for future ministry, not just to get you through. I believe and have seen how this MULTIPLES your impact, especially in times when people need hope.