When churches begin livestreaming, one of the first questions teams ask is, “How do we share song lyrics or sermon slides on screen during the stream?” You’re not alone—this is one of the most common livestream upgrades churches make.
The good news: you don’t need new software, new cameras, or a major system overhaul. With just one extra connection or a simple streaming setting, you can send the same lyrics and sermon notes your congregation sees in the sanctuary directly to your online viewers.
Below are the simplest and most reliable methods used by hundreds of churches.
Method 1: Plug Your Lyrics Computer Into a Switcher or Capture Card
The easiest way to share lyrics is to treat your lyrics or sermon computer just like a camera.
This works with:
- PowerPoint
- ProPresenter
- EasyWorship
- Google Slides
- Keynote
- OpenLP
How to set it up:
- Connect your computer’s HDMI output to your switcher (ATEM Mini, ATEM SDI, TriCaster, Roland, etc.)
or to a USB capture card if you stream from a single PC. - Your switcher or software will now see the lyrics computer as another input.
- Volunteers simply cut between Camera 1, Camera 2, and Lyrics like normal.
Common uses:
- Worship teams switch between a camera and full-screen lyrics.
- During sermons, you can show scriptures, notes, quotes, or graphics instantly.
This is the most volunteer-friendly method because the lyrics computer behaves just like any other source.
Method 2: Overlay Lyrics on Top of the Camera in Streaming Software
If you use software like OBS, vMix, or Wirecast, you can keep the camera visible while putting the lyrics on top—like lower-thirds in a broadcast.
Churches commonly use three variations of this:
1. Window Capture Overlay
You capture the lyrics output on a second screen or dedicated window.
This works well with PowerPoint, Google Slides, OpenLP, and most free tools.
2. Chroma Key (“Green Screen” Lyrics)
Many churches set the lyrics output to a solid green or blue background.
OBS or vMix then removes that color so only the text remains.
This works especially well with:
- ProPresenter
- EasyWorship
- OpenLP’s Stage Display output
3. NDI Lyrics Output (with or without transparency)
Some worship software can send lyrics as NDI, which your streaming PC receives as a clean, high-quality feed.
- ProPresenter can send an NDI output with transparency (alpha channel).
- EasyWorship and OpenLP can send NDI with a solid-color background for chroma keying.
This creates professional lower-thirds while keeping your worship leader visible behind the lyrics.
A Note on NDI (When You’re Ready for It)
NDI is a powerful option, but it’s usually a Phase 2 upgrade for most churches.
It allows you to:
- Send lyrics over your network (no HDMI cable needed)
- Keep a transparent layer for text
- Create clean lower-thirds in OBS or vMix
- Operate multiple displays from one computer
It’s fantastic—but not required for a simple setup. Start with HDMI or window capture, then move to NDI when your team is ready.
Comparison: Which Method Is Right for Your Church?
| Method | Extra Gear Needed | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI into switcher/capture card | HDMI cable + switcher or card | Easiest | Churches using hardware switchers |
| Overlay in OBS/vMix | None beyond streaming PC | Medium | Churches streaming from a single computer |
| NDI lyrics output | Network setup + NDI support | Advanced | Churches upgrading to IP video workflows |
Final Thoughts
Sharing lyrics or sermon slides in your stream shouldn’t be complicated. Start with the simplest method—HDMI into your switcher or a basic overlay in OBS—and let your team grow from there. If you later need cleaner lower-thirds or more flexibility, tools like NDI can take your production to the next level.
Your goal isn’t fancy production. It’s helping online viewers participate in worship, follow scriptures, and stay connected to your service. These simple methods will get you there.
Check out our related posts:
- Best Network Switches for Livestreaming and NDI Systems
- How to Download and Setup NDI Tools for Church Livestreaming
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