Digital Ministry
Digital ministry is not about replacing gathered worship — it is about extending the Church’s mission into the spaces where people already are.
Many people will explore a church online long before they attend in person. For some, digital engagement is their first step towards faith, belonging, or re-connection with the Church. In a parish context, our online presence becomes part of our local witness — a doorway into community and, prayerfully, into encounter with God.
As in Acts 14, when Paul says, “Let me tell you who this God is…”, digital ministry continues that same invitation: telling the story of Jesus in ways that are accessible, relational, and rooted in everyday life.
Digital ministry is the intentional use of online tools and platforms to:
- Share the good news of Jesus Christ
- Create opportunities to encounter God through worship and prayer
- Nurture discipleship
- Strengthen community in our churches
- Strengthen spiritual lives
- Invite people into the life of the local congregation
Digital spaces can become places where Scripture is opened, prayers are offered, worship is shared and people pause in the midst of busy lives to attend to God’s presence.
It is not simple an online noticeboard or livestream.
At it’s heart, digital ministry is grounded in our calling to share the Gospel and our Faith.
Live-streaming Guidance
There are lots of important things to consider if you decide to livestream a church service. Click the button below for Church of Scotland Guidelines. Here there is advice about live-streaming, considering the implications, copyright and safeguarding.
Please take time to read the Safeguarding guidelines around livestreaming particular.
The main safeguarding considerations centre around protecting the identity of children or adults at risk.
If you are live-streaming you must get the formal consent of all children’s parents/carers/guardians prior to broadcasting.
Helpful Resources
Ascend Digital Ministry Resources
Bradley Shearer runs ‘Prochurchtools‘, a youtube channel with helpful content and explainers with everything from how to use Social Media to tips on Livestreaming. It is an American channel – so perhaps not all of it is relevant – but there are great tips and ideas here that give plenty to think about!
Online Worship, Prayer and Podcasts
Sanctuary First
Sanctuary First is a vibrant, online worshipping community. We are passionate about exploring new ways for people to connect with God, the spirit, and one another as a digital church.
In a busy, overwhelming digital world, we want to give you the opportunity to pause and draw breath – to take a moment…
We invite you to find a little sanctuary.
The Outspoken Podcast
Fiona Stewart (writer and performer), Jen Robertson (Scottish Bible Society) and Neil Glover (minister, Aberfeldy Parish Church) are friends and colleagues. Their lives may have taken different twists and turns, but the one thing that brings them back together is their love for the Bible.
Join our hosts as they talk about God, faith and the Bible, how it affects their lives, how it challenges them, and how it guides them in their no holds barred, frank and funny conversations.
The Bible Project
BibleProject create videos, podcasts, and study guides that explore the bible’s unified story by focusing on it’s overarching themes and each book’s literary design. They are committed to understanding the Bible in its historical context and communicating its wisdom for the modern world. Ultimately, they want to change how people read and use the Bible.
Lectio 365
Lectio 365 is a free devotional App that helps you pray the Bible daily and experience God’s presence in your life. Here you can also find resources for families and books and podcasts about prayer.
