Generations Church in Nanaimo has increased its live streaming production after mass gatherings were prohibited due to COVID-19. (Generations Church Nanaimo Instagram)

By Alex Rawnsley

DIGITAL DISCIPLES

Nanaimo churches gear up for online sermons over Easter weekend

Apr 10, 2020 | 6:52 AM

NANAIMO — A major holiday in the religious calendar will look vastly different this year.

Local churches forced to cancel their regular Easter sermons are expecting high-demand for their live-streamed services over the long weekend.

Darcy Siggelkow, lead pastor at Generations Church on Princess Royal Ave., is a long-time adopter of live streaming for his congregation.

“Our live stream just used to be the sermon part of the service. Now we have expanded (and) have the entire worship service streamed live, which includes some music and singing and still the message,” Siggelkow told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Siggelkow said their online numbers have jumped considerably during the pandemic and it’s a big challenge to conduct a service for an empty church.

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The church also offers group sessions through video conference apps to reach members in smaller groups, particularly seniors.

“Inviting them into a small group where they can share and have a sense of community,” Siggelkow.

Nanaimo’s Life Church is a newer adopter of online broadcasting thanks to the changing global landscape.

Lead pastor Trevor Kempner said the church of roughly 120 members was forced to temporarily disband when their meeting place in Nanaimo North Town Centre shut down.

“There’s been incredible support from our community and so many people viewing our service online,” Kempner said. “People are still gathering because they want to connect, they’re lonely, so this is a new day for everyone.”

Many Nanaimo churches, including Generations and Life Church, plan to hold services at 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 12 through digital platforms such as YouTube or Facebook Live.

alex.rawnsley@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley