The Virtual Ministry

Peter Bird | Apr 22, 2020

The Reverend Doctor Peter Bartlett came to Perth Road United Church in August of 2019 and has been leading services until the end of March when the rules changed, due to the defense against COVID 19. Peter was forced to take an approach that he and many other ministers are taking - that of creating on-line, or virtual services, his first being on Palm Sunday. In a virtual conversation with Peter, he answered the following questions.

How did you come up with the idea of a Podcast?

Well, there are many options, but I need to first serve the needs of our Perth Road United Church congregation. So, that means understanding the technical ability of our folks. Not everyone is internet savvy, or has access to Live Streaming, so, although I first considered a live cast, perhaps on Facebook, or YouTube, I decided that an “old time radio” approach would be more accessible to more of our flock. I pictured folks gathering around, the way that many of us used listen to the radio. The best vehicle for this approach, I decided, is a podcast. But first I had to learn a great deal to make that happen. To begin, I had to understand how to use the recording application on my computer. Then, I had to find a good online production company, as well as a good podcast site, from which to broadcast my recording onto the Perth Road United Church web-site. All of that behind the scenes stuff isn’t what’s most important for the listeners of course. People understand that we can’t replicate our regular service at the Church, no matter the technology, but they do want to hear a familiar voice or two, some inspiring music and prayer, and a reasonable Sunday message, I think. I hope this approach achieves that, both for our Perth Road congregation, and anyone else who cares to join us. It is also inspiring to see so many congregations meeting their own needs in diverse ways, and to know that through the gift of technology, we can all “visit” any service anywhere, if we are equipped to do so.

Do you have to adjust your sermon to suit a virtual congregation? It's one thing to talk to a live congregation, so how do you adapt to talking to a virtual one?

Well, the same way many of our listeners are very likely visualizing their friends around them on a Sunday morning; I too try to visualize the folks who have gathered in the sanctuary. That makes for an interesting challenge. People are not able to see my facial expressions for example, so, I have to be expressive in how I speak in a different way than if I am standing in front of the congregation. I am also mindful of the time too. Of course, a preacher is always mindful of the time! The podcast format also requires many takes in order to get it to a point that is suitable for posting. I find that that takes much more time than I thought it would. But, based upon the listener statistics thus far, I think we are meeting people’s needs until we are able to get back together in person.

Could you comment on the day to day work of ministry without direct human contact?

Clearly, we are all challenged these days by the lack of social contact, and it is especially difficult when people need to be visited. Of course, the restrictions on visitation apply to me, as well as anyone, so I reach out by phone, and by email, and of course in my own way through the podcast too. But, the ministry at Perth Road has always and will always be far more than the Minister. Our little church is blessed by so many who have defined our congregation’s deep care and concern, not only for one another, but for the surrounding community. These are the bonds that currently uphold our day to day ministry from Perth Road United Church, and they will see us through these difficult times, together.

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After hearing the podcasts, not only the congregation at Perth Road United, but non-church goers shared some comments: “He touched me greatly, went right to my centre.” The service was thoughtful and meaningful; it fit the day. It felt like you were right in the room with Peter. Others expressed missing the church family and interaction. “I miss people and singing with the choir” said one.

The podcast on Easter Sunday offered a new and interesting experience, as folks shared a virtual Communion Service. People used their own choices of bread and drinks. 

Perth Road United Church holds a monthly outreach service at Brooks Landing Retirement Living and Amey Boucher, Executive Director, commented: “Brooks Landing Retirement Living remains closed to all visitors during this time, but residents are enjoying the weekly podcasts from Perth Road United Church. It helps to keep them feeling connected to the church community. Peter’s sermons are enlightening and insightful during this trying time we are all going through. We feel so supported by the church community at all times, but especially now as the church congregation has been reaching out to the residents. That support is really appreciated. We are all in this together.”

Local churches are taking different approaches.

Rev. Heather McLurg-Murphy, Minister for Inverary United Church, and Battersea United Church, (Storrington Pastoral Charge), explained how her services began by emailing copies of her service to the congregation, with hard copies being hand delivered to those who had no computers. It seemed, however, that the congregation were missing the presence and interaction of Heather and her family. So after some deliberation, she decided to go with a service for Maundy Thursday, which has always been a special service for Storrington Pastoral Charge.

“I was a little nervous in front of the camera,” said McLurg-Murphy, “but I bit the bullet and just pretended that my church family were in front of me, and I pictured myself in one of the churches, and said to myself - just do what you’ve been trained to do. I had my family for support and we were happy with the way it went. I guess that now that I’m more comfortable, I’ll continue with the face book broadcast, and after feedback, I’m sure this is the way to go.”

A little further west, Rev. Mike Putnam of Selby United Church, joined with three other ministers from the Napanee area to produce a 25 minute YouTube service for Good Friday. The four ministers are now managing their own individual services.

Church families have responded to this adversity in so many ways. Podcast, Facebook, and YouTube services all reach out and are keeping churches connected with their communities, which is so vital during this time of isolation.