Recently, Facebook has launched a new feature that allows all personal profiles and pages to “go live.” Basically, your camera is broadcast to your Facebook audience, allowing you to share information in real time.

As with any new technology, there can be a learning curve. However, Facebook made this very simple. If you have a smartphone with the Facebook app, all you have to do is click the “Live” button at the top of the screen. You will be given the option to include a status describing your video, and then you are “live.”

Learn more about how to go live.

This opens the door to a wealth of opportunities! While not everyone is on Facebook, a majority of your congregation probably is. After watching many pastor friends use this Facebook tool to reach their congregations and communities, we decided it would be a good idea to compile this information and share it. We have found five specific ways you can use Facebook Live to reach more people.

1. Speak truth into your congregation throughout the week.

Monday through Saturday can be a hard time for your congregation. While away from the fellowship of the church, your congregation can really be hurting due to work stress or life’s daily challenges. Use Facebook Live to share a short daily devotional, provide encouragement, or add depth to a previous sermon.

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2. Spread church news or share announcements.

Ever walk offstage before realizing you forgot to mention a big event happening next week? Share that announcement on Facebook Live! Especially if church members share the video, you have a great shot at spreading news when it happens.

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3. Call believers together to pray.

Crises happen, and when you need to reach out to other believers to pray, it can be hard to do so. Going live on Facebook allows you to reach out to others and ask for prayer for a sick church member, a recent contact or maybe yourself. Just be sensitive to privacy, keep the details general, and always ask permission before sharing.

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4. Connect with many generations.

It can be hard to connect with many generations in traditional church settings. The largest demographic on Facebook is 25 to 34-year-olds, but of all adults who are online, 82 percent of 18 to 29-year-olds, 79 percent of 30 to 49-year-olds, and 56 percent of those age 65 and up all use Facebook. Facebook Live is a great tool to reach a different audience. While some Millennials have left Facebook for other platforms, many are still there. Facebook Live can connect you with generations you may have never dreamed of reaching.

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5. Allow potential visitors to get to know you.

Promote a “Get to Know the Pastor” video on your church’s Facebook page. Facebook Live also allows your viewers to interact with you through comments, so encourage people to ask questions and share the video with their friends. Prepare something to talk about when you go live, but once your viewers comment with their questions, have fun and connect with people you may have never met before. Just remember to do this when the people you want to reach are on Facebook.