Sunday's Host Guide

April 16, 2023

REMINDER: THIS IS UPDATED EVERY WEEK. PLEASE CHECK HIGHLIGHTED AREAS FOR CURRENT PROMPTS.

Thanks for hosting our online campus this weekend! If any questions or concerns arise at any time before, during, or after the service, please feel free to text or call Jacob (414-209-7545) or connect with them in the Host Chat. Thanks for all you do, so glad you’re here!

Chat Host Script

We want to equip you more than ever before with talking points for your guests. Get them talking! Help us to engage in the chat by following along throughout the service with these prompts.*

*Please note that the content for your prompts below will be bold & italicized. Everything else is just an FYI to help you understand what’s happening in the service. The more we know what’s coming, the easier it is to engage people in conversation.

Weekend Service Order:

Before Service

NO Pre-Service Announcements or Video

There will be NO pre-service video or announcements today. There is a brief worship "bumper" video that will let viewers know when service is starting. You can use the time leading up to the start of service to say hello. Feel free to use a conversation starter for the chat to get things rolling. The more we build momentum, the more involved the service will be!

An example is:

Hi, everyone! We are glad you are joining us at Epikos Online for worship today. Service starts in just a few minutes. In the meantime, let us know you are here in the chat!

You can change the wording to fit your personality. Your welcome does not have to be identical to the one above. There are more suggestions further down below.

THEN: On the left-hand side of the screen there is a button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called IMAGE (titled Caleb Rogers_Welcome to Epikos). Click POST and it will give people the ability to invite someone to watch the feed.

During Worship

During Song 1: Welcome

Epikos.Online.Church: (Chat Host)

Welcome to Epikos Church! My name is __________________ and I am one of the chat hosts today. Thanks so much for joining us here, we are praying this service and the message that is preached will impact your life and lead your closer to Christ!

(We'd love to know where you're joining us from this morning, feel free to type it in the chat!) - Can use if you want to

During Song 2: Invite and Prayer

Epikos.Online.Church: (Chat Host)

Excited to be worshiping with Epikos Church today? Why not invite your friends and family to join us?

THEN: On the left-hand side of the screen there is a button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called INVITE. Click POST and it will give people the ability to invite someone to watch the feed.

During Song 3 & 4: Prayer

Epikos.Online.Church: (Prayer Host)

Go to the left-hand side of the screen, click the button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called PRAYER. Click POST and it will give attendees the ability to enter into a live prayer with the hosts.

THEN: Put a personal message in the chat inviting attendees to pray with you or feel free to post the following:

Is there anything you would like prayer for? Let us know in the chat and we will message you privately. Or click the "Request Prayer" button at any time during the service today.

Possible Questions Attendees Might Ask This Week in the Chat:

Q: Can I buy a study guide?

A: Yes! You can purchase a study guide by going to thehub.epikos.org.

Q: Where can I find out more information about baptism? Or, when is the next baptism going to happen?

A: You can find out more about getting baptized at Epikos Church by going to thehub.epikos.org.

Q. When does the next season of small groups start?

A: The spring semester of small groups begins the week of February 19th. Signups begin TODAY!

During Service Host

Follow along with the Service Host as he or she gives announcements and post accordingly. Please note: the order of announcements may be different than how it is listed below.

Announcement: Connect Card

Epikos.Online.Church

When the service host talks about filling out a connect card, go to the left-hand side of the screen, click the button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called IMAGE that contains a picture that says "Connect With Us." Click POST and it will give people the ability to like and share.

THEN: Wait for the image to fully load into the chat. Then, on the left-hand side of the screen, there is a button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called CONNECT. Click POST and it will give people the ability to fill out a connect card.

During Sermon Bumper

Epikos.Online.Church

Pastor Tommy Hutchison, our West Allis Campus Pastor, will be continuing our Exodus sermon series today. You can click on the Bible tab on the left-hand side of the screen to follow along in your browser.

During Message

Feel free to put the main points in the chat to interact with the viewers.

Gospel Call

If the sermon gives a specific gospel presentation, please post the following to give people a chance to respond to the gospel if they feel led. Feel free to post the following or put into your own words:

If you committed your life to Jesus today or want to know more about what it looks like to follow Jesus, take a moment to click on the "Salvation" button below. We would love to connect with you and help you take the next steps in your faith journey.

THEN: In the left hand side of the screen there is a button that says moments in there is a button called salvation. Click POST and it will give people the ability to respond to the gospel message.

Giving

Epikos.Online.Church

As the service host talks about giving, go to the left-hand side of the screen, click the button that says MOMENTS. Then click a button called IMAGE that contains a picture like the one to the right. Click POST and it will go into the chat.

THEN: Wait for the image to fully load into the chat. Then, on the left-hand side of the screen, click on a button that says MOMENTS. Then click the button called GIVE. Click POST and it will give people the ability to give to Epikos Church.

Connect Card

Epikos.Online.Church

If the Service Host mentions the Connect Card again at this point, please post the appropriate CONNECT moment:

On the left-hand side of the screen, there is a button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called CONNECT. Click POST and it will give people the ability to fill out a connect card.

Benediction

CHAT HOSTS:

If you have any questions or concerns about the service, Please let Jacob know (Phone: 414-209-7545 or jacob@epikos.org).

Optional Chat Blurbs

Need a little help getting the conversation flowing in chat? Check out some of the suggested blurbs below. You’re welcome to copy and paste them while you're the host, but it’s even better to use them as inspiration and rewrite them in your own words. Happy chatting!

Helpful prompts if asked one of the following:

If someone is complaining about Epikos talking about any of the topic brought up in the service.

Hey ______, I would invite you to share your concerns with us and we can have a pastor reach out to you. Please fill out a connect card (connect.epikos.org) or email us at info@epikos.org

Sermon Intro

Epikos.Online.Church: Pastor __________, our ______________ Pastor, is teaching today. He is continuing to preach from our series in Galatians today. Click on the Bible tab on the left hand side of the screen to follow along with us in scripture.

FACEBOOK & YOUTUBE: Pastor __________, our ______________ Pastor, is teaching today. He is continuing to preach from our series in Galatians today.

Welcoming Everyone

Hi, everyone! We’re so glad you’ve joined us here for worship. The next service starts in just ____ minutes. Today is going to be great! In the meantime, grab some coffee, invite a friend, and hop in the chat to say hello!

“Hey everyone! My name is _______ and I’m the chat host for today. I’ve been at Epikos for over __ years and love it more every week! If you have any questions, feel free to say, “HEY ________!” and I’ll be there for you!

Welcome to Epikos! We’re so thrilled to be spending time with you today. How is everyone’s week going? Have you gotten any time to rest over the past week?

So glad you all joined us for church today—you are welcome here! We’d love to know where you are joining us from and look forward to getting to know you better.

Explaining Church Online

Epikos Online Church is a community of people that isn’t bound by geographical location. The internet connects us regardless of location! Our Online services serve as an open door for people checking out our church and serves as an alternative when we are unable to meet in person. What does all of this mean? It means you have found a place to encounter God and people who care about you—just as you are, no matter where you are.

Epikos Online Church is a safe place where you can connect with others, chat about this week’s message as it unfolds, grow in your faith, and find caring hosts who will pray with you about things that matter in your life.

Epikos Online Church is a community of people from all walks of life, discovering what it means to love people to Jesus and launching passionate people to make our world different. Whether you’re here to hear this week’s message, to pray with someone about your current struggles, or simply to be encouraged by other followers of Jesus as we seek Him together, know that you’re welcome here at Epikos!

Our desire is to care for our people, staff, and our community well. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we at Epikos Church are streaming our services online since we are unable to meet together. Our stream can never replace our in person meetings, however until we can meet again, we are excited to gather in our homes online to worship our Lord and hear God’s words proclaimed.

Icebreaker Questions

Where is everyone joining us from today? I’m in ________ (city/town/village you live in).

We would love to know where you are worshiping from today. Say "Worshiping today from ___________!" Let us know the city and state. If you are worshiping in the Milwaukee area tell us your neighborhood. Though we may be separated by location, we are together in Jesus.

Is this your first time here in our Epikos Online? If so, we’d love to hear what you think so far!

What’s been the best part of your week so far?

Who is eating breakfast with us? What are you eating?

On a scale of 1 - 10, how strong is your coffee right now?

What has God been showing or teaching you lately?

Did you do anything fun this weekend? If you would like, please share with us in the chat.

Live Prayer

If there’s anything going on in your life right now that you’d like prayer for, just let us know in the chat window, and we will message you privately.

Would you like someone to listen to you and pray with you? Please let us know here in chat, and we can reach out to you privately.

Have something you’d love someone to pray with you personally for? Have an awesome praise report to share? We’d love to talk and pray with you one-on-one. Just let us know you’d like to chat privately, and we’ll reach out to you!

If there’s anything going on in your life right now that you’d like prayer for, just let us know in the chat, and we will message you privately or click the prayer button.

Share Buttons

A simple invite can change someone’s life forever. Click share to invite your friends to join us here at Epikos!

Who do you know that might like to join us at Epikos Church online today? Why not use the share button and invite them right now?

You never know who needs to hear that they are loved! Let your friends know that you’re streaming the Epikos worship service right now by using the share button.

Excited to be worshiping with Epikos Church today? Why not invite your friends and family to join us?

Giving

If Epikos is your church home or if you would like to participate in giving, please give online by clicking here: http://give.epikos.org

If you would like to participate in giving, you can do so by clicking here: http://give.epikos.org

You can be confident that each gift that you give here at Epikos, no matter how big or small, goes directly toward our mission to make more and better disciples. Your generosity plays a part in every story of life change that happens here! To partner with us, click here! http://give.epikos.org

Inviting Back

Thanks everyone for being here today! We’ll be here at the same time and same place every week. We’d love to see you back here next week!

Thanks again for joining us today! Even though this service is ending, we still have staff members on hand who would love to connect and pray with you for any struggles you’re facing right now. Let us know if we can pray for you!

Gospel Call

Epikos.Online.Church: In the left hand side of the screen there is a button that says moments in there is a button called salvation. Click POST and it will give people the ability to respond to the gospel message.

FACEBOOK & YOUTUBE: If you committed your life to Jesus today or want to know more about what it looks like to follow Jesus, take a moment to fill out a connect card online at http://connect.epikos.org. We would love to follow up with you this week.

Gospel Call

Communion

Epikos.Online.Church

Please join us as we partake in communion together by preparing your elements. Follow the direction of Pastor Jacob Michalski, the Online Campus Pastor, as he leads us in the Lord's Supper.

THEN: In the left hand side of the screen there is a button that says moments in there is a button called RESPONSE that asks "who partook in communion this morning". Click POST during the final song and it will give people the ability to acknowledge that they participated in communion together.

FACEBOOK & YOUTUBE

Please join us as we partake in communion together by preparing your elements. Follow the direction of Pastor Jacob Michalski, Online Campus Pastor, as he leads us in the Lord's Supper.

Gospel Response

If you feel compelled, during the end of the message, on the left-hand side of the screen, click on the button that says MOMENTS. Then click on a button called SALVATION. Click POST and it will give people the ability to respond to the gospel message. (This only applies to Church Online, NOT on Facebook).

Worship Response:

THEN: On the left-hand side of the screen there is a button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called RESPONSE that asks "Who's excited to worship today?". Click POST and it will give people the ability to respond.

Announcement: Baptism Classes

Epikos.Online.Church

There will be a brief announcement about the baptism classes happening today. When the service host talks about the baptism classes, go to the left-hand side of the screen, click the button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called IMAGE that contains a picture that says "Summer Baptism Classes." Click POST and it will give people the ability to like and share. Please type in the chat, "For anyone watching online who is interested in being baptized at the lake this summer, please reach out to our Next Steps Coordinator, Mike McLaughlin, at michael.mclaughlin@epikos.org. He would be happy to go over the class material with you and help you begin the baptism process."

Announcement: Interested in Leading a Small Group? (Image not uploaded, using a past moment with the correct image)

Epikos.Online.Church

When the service host talks about Step Into Serving, go to the left-hand side of the screen, click the button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called IMAGE that contains a picture that says "Small Group Leader Recruitment General." Click POST and it will give people the ability to like and share.

Announcement: Sign up for small groups

Epikos.Online.Church

When the service host talks about filling out a connect card, go to the left-hand side of the screen, click the button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called IMAGE that contains a picture that says "Sign up for a Small Group" Click POST and it will give people the ability to like and share.

Please also post the CONNECT moment labeled Register for a Small Group. Thanks!

Announcement: Missionary Meet and Greet

Epikos.Online.Church

There will not be a moment for this since those attending online won't be there in person to meet the Clyde's.

Announcement: Covenant Membership Class

Epikos.Online.Church

When the service host talks about filling out a connect card, go to the left-hand side of the screen, click the button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called IMAGE that contains a picture that says "Covenant Membership Class." Click POST and it will give people the ability to like and share.

THEN: "If you are going to attend the covenant membership class, please go the thehub.epikos.org and click on the link to register."

Later in the service, we will be celebrating Communion together. If you'd like to participate, feel free to gather your elements now.

Feel free to post the slide from Moments called, "Communion Sunday-OC-Image" if you have time.

Communion

Epikos.Online.Church

When the Communion Host talks about communion this week, go to the left-hand side of the screen, click the button that says MOMENTS. There is a button called IMAGE that contains a picture like the one on the right. Click POST, and it will give attendees the ability to like and share.

THEN: Wait for the image to fully load into the chat. Then copy and paste the following link in the chat:

You can find more information about communion by visiting communion.epikos.org.

Announcement: Baptisms at the Lake and Church BBQ (There wasn't an image for this when the services were created)

Epikos.Online.Church

When the service host talks about Step Into Serving, go to the left-hand side of the screen, click the button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called IMAGE that contains a picture that says "Baptisms at the Lake and Church BBQ." Click POST and it will give people the ability to like and share.

THEN: Wait for the image to fully load into the chat. Then, on the left-hand side of the screen, there is a button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called CONNECT: Register for Lake Baptism BBQ. Click POST and it will give people the ability to fill out the Serving Interest Form.

Thank you for worshiping with us today. We hope to see you again next week!

Also - Join us in our virtual lobby right after service to connect with others in the Epikos Online community.

If you have problems connecting, please let us know in the chat. We don't want to miss you!

Go to the left-hand side of the screen, click the button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called IMAGE that contains a picture that says "Join Us Virtual Lobby." Click POST and it will give people the ability to like and share.

THEN: Wait for the image to fully load into the chat. Then, on the left-hand side of the screen, click on a button that says MOMENTS. Then click the button called CONNECT with the title "Join the Virtual Lobby Now." Click POST and it will give people the ability to directly link to the Epikos Church virtual lobby.

Baptisms

Epikos.Online.Church

There is no moment for this unfortunately, the file I was given is too large to add to church online.

PLEASE: Post the following in the chat instead of an image: Today we get to celebrate baptisms! Let's rejoice with our brothers and sisters in Christ as they choose to make this public proclamation of their faith today, and be in prayer for them going forward.

Stick around after service to connect with others in our virtual lobby! Look for the link provided in the chat near the end of service to connect directly.

The actual link to the lobby will be posted to the chat closer to the end of service.

Announcement: Sign up for Specialty Groups

Epikos.Online.Church

When the service host talks about filling out a connect card, go to the left-hand side of the screen, click the button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called IMAGE that contains a picture that says "Fall 2022 Specialty Groups" Click POST and it will give people the ability to like and share.

IMPORTANT: In the image, Divorce Care is still listed. Unfortunately, we will not be able to offer Divorce Care this fall anymore. One of the leaders unexpectedly passed away.

Announcement: Baptism Class Today

Epikos.Online.Church

When the service host talks about filling out a connect card, go to the left-hand side of the screen, click the button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called IMAGE that contains a picture that says "Fall Baptism Class." Click POST and it will give people the ability to like and share.

Please also put in the chat: "If you haven't signed up for the online baptism class but would like to be baptized, please reach out to Mike McLaughlin at michael.mclaughlin@epikos.org. He would be happy to go over the class material with you and/or send you the link to the class happening today!"

Announcement: First Step Today

Epikos.Online.Church

When the service host talks about First Step, go to the left-hand side of the screen, click the button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called IMAGE that contains a picture that says "Online First Step." Click POST and it will give people the ability to like and share.

PLEASE DO NOT post the "Connect" moment that lets people fill out a form to do first step online this week. The video needs to be redone now that Dave is no longer our lead pastor. Please post in the chat "If you would like to go over the first step materials, please reach out to our Next Steps Coordinator, Mike McLaughlin, at michael.mclaughlin@epikos.org and he would be happy to connect with you!"

Announcement: International Dinner at Epikos Mayfair Road

Epikos.Online.Church

When the service host talks about filling out a connect card, go to the left-hand side of the screen, click the button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called IMAGE that contains a picture that says "International Dinner." Click POST and it will give people the ability to like and share.

Announcement: Mexico Mission Trip (No image uploaded when script was being written, no moment in Church Online. Info will be on the Hub.)

Epikos.Online.Church

Announcement: Step Into Serving

Epikos.Online.Church

When the service host talks about Step Into Serving, go to the left-hand side of the screen, click the button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called IMAGE that contains a picture that says "Step Into Serving." Click POST and it will give people the ability to like and share.

THEN: Wait for the image to fully load into the chat. Then, on the left-hand side of the screen, there is a button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called CONNECT: Find out more about how to step into serving at Epikos Church. Click POST and it will give people the ability to fill out the Serving Interest Form.

Announcement: All Campus Worship Night

(DURING THE BENEDICTION)

Epikos.Online.Church

When the service host talks about filling out a connect card, go to the left-hand side of the screen, click the button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called IMAGE that contains a picture that says "All Campus Worship Night" Click POST and it will give people the ability to like and share.

Announcement: Painting the Kid's Ministry Area

Epikos.Online.Church

When the service host talks about filling out a connect card, go to the left-hand side of the screen, click the button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called IMAGE that contains a picture that says "Pain the Kids Area." Click POST and it will give people the ability to like and share.

Announcement: Small Group Registration!

Epikos.Online.Church

When the service host talks about small group registration, go to the left-hand side of the screen, click the button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called IMAGE that contains a picture that says "Summer Small Group Registration ." Click POST and it will give people the ability to like and share.

THEN: Wait for the image to fully load into the chat. Then, on the left-hand side of the screen, there is a button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called CONNECT: Summer Small Group Registration. Click POST and it will give people the ability to sign up for a small group.

IF the service host mentions buying a study guide at this point, you can post the Study Guide Moment by going to the left-hand side of the screen, clicking the button that says MOMENTS. Then click on the button called IMAGE that contains a picture that says "Study Guide." Click POST and it will give people the ability to like and share.

If Service Host does not mention buying study guides, then no need to post anything now.

Announcement: Epikos Single "You're Still Good"

Epikos.Online.Church

When the service host talks about the new Epikos Worship single ("You're Still Good", go to the left-hand side of the screen, click the button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called IMAGE that contains a picture that says "Epikos Single: 'You're Still Good'." Click POST and it will give people the ability to like and share.

Parent/Child Dedication

Epikos.Online.Church

When the service host talks about Parent/Child Dedication, go to the left-hand side of the screen, click the button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called IMAGE that contains a picture that says "Parent/Child Dediction." Click POST and it will give people the ability to like and share.

Announcement: Central Worship Auditions

Epikos.Online.Church

When the service host talks about Central Worship Auditions, go to the left-hand side of the screen, click the button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called CONNECT: Sign up for Central Worship Auditions. Click POST and it will give people the ability to fill out the Serving Interest Form. (THE IMAGE FOR THIS WAS TOO LARGE TO POST TO CHURCH ONLINE, SO THERE IS NO IMAGE)

Connect to First Step Today!

Epikos.Online.Church

When the service host talks about First Step today, go to the left-hand side of the screen, click the button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called IMAGE that contains a picture that says "First Step Today." Click POST and it will give people the ability to like and share.

THEN: Wait for the image to fully load into the chat. Then, on the left-hand side of the screen, there is a button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called CONNECT titled, "Take My First Step At Epikos Church!". Click POST and it will give people the ability to directly link to the First Step experience

First Step Today - Direct Link

Epikos.Online.Church

When the service host talks about First Step today, go to the left-hand side of the screen, click the button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called Connect that contains a picture that says "Take My First Step At Epikos." Click POST and it will give people the ability to directly connect to the First Step experience online.

Some Lines to Avoid Saying

“Please don’t share personal information in the chat. This is not a safe place.”

We don’t have to be the chat police. Instead, try:

“Hi _____, you’re welcome to share your contact information here—just be mindful that this is a public chat area. We’re so glad you’re here!”

“If you won’t behave, I’ll have to mute you.”

This sounds more like a threat than a friendly reminder to be respectful. Instead, try:

“Hi ____, we want Epikos Online Church to be a safe and comfortable place for all who attend. We hope you experience His love like never before today.”

If the guest continues to disrupt the experience, try approaching them in a direct message or messenger. Remember: muting should be a last resort, not a first response.

“We don’t talk about that here.” or “We don’t have what you’re looking for here.”

This might turn someone away from the site who is searching for a temporary solution to their emptiness and pain. Instead, try:

“Hi, _____! We’re so glad you found us today! Where are you joining us from?”

Sometimes just ignoring an inappropriate comment and asking a question is all it takes to redirect the conversation. Hopefully, the guest will stay and find true fulfillment in Jesus!

“We are a church. Please treat this place with the respect it deserves.” or “If you can’t be civil, then please go somewhere else to be insulting.”

We can’t expect people who don’t know Christ to live up to the standards He’s set for those who follow Him. Ask God to help you interpret their anger or hostility as a cry for help, as people who berate others are usually very lonely and desperate for love. Try responding with grace and love:

“Hi, ____! Everyone is welcome at Epikos, and we’re so glad you’ve joined us today. Know that this is a place where you can grow close to God and experience His love like never before. How is your day going so far?”

De-Escalation

There are going to occasionally be situations that are difficult to manage. Sometimes people in chat are combative or argumentative to the detriment of the rest of the online audience’s experience. We should try our best to use muting and blocking as a very last resort. It’s so hard to know why someone may be acting the way they are. Before you reach for the mute button, try this comment from above:

or:

“Hey ___! That’s an interesting point. Let’s move this conversation to a private message so that we can keep talking about it.”

This type of comment can help us move to a more graceful space that may be exactly what they need. When in doubt, feel free to reach out to Mike to discuss further.

Our small group registration for our fall small group will close tonight at midnight. There are still both virtual and in-person small groups available for you to join. Search and sign up for a group at groups.epikos.org

Announcement: First Step Today

Epikos.Online.Church

THEN: Wait for the image to fully load into the chat. Then, on the left-hand side of the screen, there is a button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called CONNECT: Take My First Step at Epikos. Click POST and it will give people the ability to fill out the Online First Step Form.

Announcement: Party in the Park

Epikos.Online.Church

When the service host talks about Step Into Serving, go to the left-hand side of the screen, click the button that says MOMENTS. Click on the button called IMAGE that contains a picture that says "Party in the Park." Click POST and it will give people the ability to like and share.

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