How to Start a YouTube Ministry

About COEThe Center for Online Evangelism non-profit supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. We exist to help strengthen Adventist presence online.

We do this by providing resources and training to church members and leaders.

We also combine evangelism with digital marketing best practices in order to increase our reach.

Find out more about us by visiting our website.

About this GuideIf you would like to start a ministry on YouTube, this guide is a great starter kit.

These guidelines serve as a launching pad for you to get started. Information about the online world and ministry is constantly developing. So, while this guide might get you started, there are many other resources that you can use to help you launch your YouTube ministry.

It is our hope that your basic questions will be answered as you go through this guide.

Why YouTube?YouTube is not only the fastest growing video-sharing platform in the world, but it is the biggest search engine after Google.

This means if you want to reach more people with the Gospel, YouTube is one of the platforms you want to use.

YouTube missionaries amass millions of views and are connecting people with the Bible everyday.

If God is calling you to share your faith on this platform, jump right into the next section.

Steps to Start your YouTube Ministry

Know your Audience

Who are you creating content for?

Is your target audience older or younger?

Do they have a basic understanding of the Bible or not?

What their cultural background?

What preconceived ideas do they generally have about the topic you are addressing?

By answering these basic questions, you’ll be able to determine the kind of content you will create and the best way to present that content.

Before you start creating content, make sure you have an

idea of who your audience is.

Write our carefully a detailed description of the ideal person

who you want to watch your content (a persona).

Now that you have a persona, every time you create content

ask yourself if this character would be willing to watch the

video.

Step 1: Create your YouTube channel

Watch this video to learn how to create your YouTube

channel.

Watch

Step 2: Choose Your Topic

This is what your channel will be about.

Do you want to discuss prophecy, healthy eating, marriage, raising children, or drug recovery?

Whatever topic you choose, make sure you are presenting a fresh, new angle.

Answer these Questions

1. What talents and gifts do I have?

2. What topics and subjects am I passionate about?

3. Can I use these subject to share the Gospel?

4. Can I create fresh content from this topic?

5. What information is already available about this topic?

Step 2: Create Your Content Strategy

This is where you want to decide what you will post and how often.

Stick to a schedule and upload regularly. Perhaps you can commit to one video per month.

As your ministry grows, increase the frequency of uploads.

Step 3: Gear Up

You don’t need a huge budget to get started.

Don’t make the mistake of purchasing the most high-end gear if you’re just learning video.

Sometimes, all it takes is a good phone camera and great natural lighting to get the picture you want.

As your ministry grows and your skills improve, upgrade your tools.

Starter Tools

Recording camera (or quality cellphone)

Lighting (or stand in front of a window)

Microphone (or ensure the sound quality is good)

Tripod (to hold your camera or phone steady)

Step 4: Produce a series of videos

When starting out, it helps to have at least 3 or 4 videos to upload.

That way you have a few videos in your archive while you work on the other videos.

If you want to upload per week, you’ll have a month’s worth.

An archive also gives you an opportunity to make any adjustments to future videos.

What do you want people to do as a result of watching a video? Watch another video? Sign up for Bible studies? Share their personal experience? Recommend the video to a friend?

Make a call to action.

By making calling your audience to action, you give them the motivation to make another step toward growing their relationship with Christ.

CTA’s Move the Audience to Action

Step 5: Edit your videosWhen your video is recorded, there will be a few things you want to cut out. Perhaps you want to add transitions and effects. All of this happens during the editing phase.

Here is a list of popular editing software:

5 Most Popular Editing Software

Adobe Premier Pro

Final Cut Pro

iMovie

Adobe Premier Elements

YouTube video editor (for light editing)

Step 6: Perform proper SEOAfter you create your channel on YouTube, Search Engine Optimization is what allows people to find you online.

Ensure that your titles, thumbnails, and video descriptions are catchy and specific to search queries.

You might have great content on your channel, but without proper SEO, people won’t find that great content.

Download SEO Guide

Step 7: Promote Your ContentNow that your channel is set up and you’ve uploaded your videos. It’s time to get the word out there.

Use other social media platforms and word of mouth to let people know about your channel.

As the Holy Spirit moves, He will bring the increase. The aim should always be to uplift Him.

Other Questions to Ask Yourself

Am I praying continuously for this ministry?

Do I have a mentor?

What’s the mood of my videos?

How long will the videos be?

What goals do I have for this channel?

How will I measure the success of this ministry?

How will I protect myself from burnout?

Am I ready for negative feedback or comments?

Other Questions to Ask Yourself

Where will I get inspiration from for the videos?

Where will I record my videos?

How will I improve my recording and editing skills?

What is my budget?

How will I deal with trolls?

What will I do when I don’t think I have fresh content?

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Quick Resource

Go through a detailed video course on how to get your channel started

with Justin Khoe from That Christian Vlogger.

Watch the series here.

Points to Remember

A YouTube account is totally free

Promote your content on other social media platforms

Improve your editing and presentation skills

Engage (positively) with those who comment

Collaborate with other YouTubers

Keep learning about YouTube best practices

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