Step by Step

Virtual Meetings Overview

When possible, Church members should strive to attend meetings in person. However, sometimes this is not possible. Streaming and holding virtual meetings makes it possible to reach those who otherwise would not be able to attend. Click below to review Church handbook guidelines on virtual meetings.

Local units approved to use technology for virtual meetings should ensure selected technology and virtual meetings are:

  • Not a distraction.
  • Easy for remote participants to join.
  • Flexible and adaptable as needs, policies, conditions, and technology evolve.
  • Not inclusive of the administration of the sacrament.
  • Deleted within one day after the meeting (if recorded).

Counsel with your ecclesiastical leader to determine the following:

  • Unit needs
  • Preferred technology
  • Budget

Virtual Meeting Platforms

Multiple meeting platforms are available for noninteractive and interactive events.

Noninteractive meetings allow remote participants to view or listen remotely and provide no ability or limited ability for participants to interact by speaking or asking questions. Examples of noninteractive meetings are stake conferences, sacrament meetings, funerals, and other similar meetings. Noninteractive virtual meeting platforms include the following:

Interactive meetings allow all meeting participants to speak or ask questions if desired. In most cases, class, quorum, and presidency meetings; council meetings; and other similar meetings work best as interactive events, allowing all participants to contribute thoughts and ideas.

Hardware Basics

Hardware is important to a successful virtual meeting. To broadcast virtually, you will need video, audio, and an encoder. Choose hardware devices that meet the needs of your area and budget.

Another aspect of hardware is the receiving end of the broadcast. Viewers will need hardware such as a computer or cellphone to access video and audio of the broadcast. Landline telephone is another hardware option to access audio to a broadcast. More hardware information is available in the articles within each virtual meeting platform.