Altar Live
FreemiumWeb
What is Altar Live?
Altar Live is a web-based platform for churches and religious organisations to host live services online. It combines live streaming capabilities with interactive features designed to keep viewers engaged during worship services. The platform allows congregations to broadcast services to remote attendees, incorporate chat functionality, and manage donations or giving during streams. Churches of any size can use Altar Live to reach people who cannot attend in person, whether due to distance, illness, or other circumstances. The freemium model means small congregations can get started at no cost, with paid plans available for organisations needing additional features or support.
Key Features
Live streaming
broadcast services to online viewers in real time
Interactive chat
allow viewers to communicate during services and feel part of the community
Online giving
enable donations and collection through the platform during services
Service scheduling
plan and promote upcoming services to your audience
Basic analytics
track viewer numbers and engagement metrics for your streams
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Free tier makes it accessible to small churches with limited budgets
- Purpose-built for religious services rather than generic streaming, so features align with church needs
- Interactive elements help prevent passive viewing and build community among remote attendees
- Integrated giving functionality removes friction from online donations
Limitations
- Limited information available about advanced features, customisation options, or integration capabilities
- Video quality and streaming reliability depend on your internet connection and upload speed
- May lack some features found in paid church management systems or custom solutions
Use Cases
Small churches expanding their reach to members who live far away or have mobility issues
Larger churches broadcasting services to supplement in-person attendance during holidays or bad weather
Religious organisations hosting midweek services, study groups, or prayer meetings online
Churches testing online services before investing in more thorough church management software