The recent proliferation and usage of livestream technology in the local church, particularly over the past four years in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, demands that churches and pastors reconsider their broader audience (a global audience) in addition to their local body of believers.
Studies have shown that the average church’s reach on a weekly basis through the use of livestream technology now includes not only their own local body of believers but often people throughout the nation and worldwide.
While a growing number of churches have embraced this technology, this has often been done without a proper acknowledgement of the implications of this broader audience and some of the cross-cultural communication that this audience necessitates. To what degree should this broader audience be considered? What additional considerations should the preacher incorporate in this new economy?
This paper asserts that while the local church body should continue to be regarded as the primary audience and recipients of the sermon, the preacher should also acknowledge the reality of a global audience and should make appropriate adjustments. In applying Acts 17:22-34 to the livestream setting, the preacher can utilize some of Paul’s communication strategies under the leading of the Holy Spirit in seeking to share the Word of God to this broader audience more effectively.
The value of this study is that it will help raise the awareness of the practical impact and implications of livestream technology within the preaching ministry in the local church and promote a more conscientious sermon preparation and delivery that acknowledges the global audience and allows for better communication of the truth of God’s Word, both in the local church and worldwide.