In many churches the internet is the weakest link: the router restarts, the power goes off, or the phone used as a hotspot runs out of data. Worship should not stop because of it.

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

King James Version

Prepare while you are online

  1. Open BibleSlide on the church computer during the week, while the connection works.
  2. Build and save Sunday’s service: hymns, Bible readings and announcements.
  3. Open each Bible passage once, so it is stored on the computer.
  4. On Sunday, open BibleSlide before the service, while the connection still works.

What keeps working offline

  • The hymns and Bible passages saved on the computer.
  • The service you prepared, with its slides, backgrounds and settings.
  • Presenting, the projector window and the keyboard shortcuts.

When the internet comes back, BibleSlide goes back online by itself. An “Offline” banner tells the operator what is happening, so nobody panics.

A simple plan B for Sunday

  • Charge the laptop fully, in case the power fails.
  • Keep a copy of the order of worship on paper.
  • Know the shortcuts: B for a black screen, W to hide the text while you look for a verse.
  • Ask a second volunteer to practise the plan once with the Wi-Fi turned off.

Test it before you need it: turn off the Wi-Fi on a weekday and run your whole service from start to finish.