Churches Want to Build Studios –
Should They?

In today’s digital age, many churches are feeling the pressure to create and distribute more content across social media platforms. The temptation to build a dedicated studio can be strong, especially when the latest tech trends — like AR, XR, VR, and camera tracking — promise new ways to engage congregations and attract new members. But is building a studio the right move for your church?

Why Are Churches Being Tempted to Build a Studio?

With the growing demand for digital content, churches are looking for ways to reach a wider audience. Whether it’s creating engaging video blogs, podcasts, or Bible studies, a studio offers the potential to expand a church’s message beyond Sunday services. It’s also about staying connected with the congregation and appealing to new members. For many, the idea of building a studio is as much about “keeping up with the Joneses” as it is about ministry. The allure of cutting-edge technology only adds to the appeal. Advanced tools like augmented reality (AR), extended reality (XR), virtual reality (VR), and camera tracking offer exciting new ways to enhance services and content. But the real question is: Do you need it?

What Content Are Churches Looking to Create?

Churches are eager to produce a wide range of content to supplement and enrich their services. This can include:

• Video content for services or live streaming
• Video blogs from pastors and leaders
• Engaging podcasts on relevant topics
• Bible study series that can be shared online
• Creative, mission-driven content to reach the broader community

With the endless possibilities that a studio can provide, it’s easy to understand the excitement. But while the potential is vast, it’s essential to evaluate whether the investment will truly serve your church’s goals.

Is It Wise for Churches to Build a Studio?

The answer? Possibly. But it’s not the right move for every church. While some churches might benefit greatly from a dedicated production space, others may find it a costly and underutilized resource.

Do You Have a Real Plan, or Does It Just Sound Fun?

Building a studio is a significant investment of time, money, and resources. Without a clear vision, it can quickly become a burden. Churches need to ask critical questions: Do you have a concrete plan for the type of content you’ll create? Do you have a content schedule that you can realistically maintain? What happens during busy seasons when creating content is challenging? These are vital considerations to avoid the potential conflicts and frustrations that arise from an underutilized studio. Creating a studio “just because it sounds fun” can lead to staff burnout and wasted resources.

Key Considerations Before Building a Studio

If your church is seriously considering building a studio, there are several factors to evaluate:

• Vision: Do you have a well-defined vision for the type of content you’ll produce? Is this aligned with your church’s mission?
• Goals: How much content will you create, and how frequently? Will you be able to sustain that output long term?
• Scheduling: Who will have access to the studio, and how will you manage that access? What tools or software will you use to track and manage time slots?
• Staffing: Does your current technical team have the capacity to manage a studio? Will you need to hire additional staff? Who will oversee content review and management to ensure time is used efficiently?
• Budget: Do you have the necessary budget to build, equip, and maintain a studio? This includes facility construction, equipment purchases, asset management, and annual software or service fees.

Conclusion

While building a studio can be an exciting new venture for some churches, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. The key to success lies in careful planning and a clear understanding of how a studio will serve your church’s mission and long-term goals. If your church has the vision, staff, and resources to support this investment, a studio could open new doors for connection and outreach. If not, it may be best to focus on more sustainable ways to achieve your ministry goals. CTS has decades of experience with AVL integration and can provide your church the expertise and strategic assistance you may need when approaching a new project such as a studio build. If your leadership team has been discussing the idea of designing and building a studio for some time and you need help navigating this important decision, connect with our team.