Our Evaluation Standard

The 5-Star Church
Technology Readiness Framework

A clear, practical standard for evaluating, planning, and tracking your congregation's technology and media capabilities — one star at a time.

In memory of Bishop Reginald T. Jackson – mentor, pastor, and leader who called us to imagine 'The Church At Its Best.' Amplify Ministries carries this vision forward.

How It Works

Every church starts somewhere

The 5-Star Framework organizes a congregation's technology and media capabilities into five stars, each representing a category of ministry-critical infrastructure. Within each star, your church is rated across specific indicators.

The Rating Scale
Not Started
No infrastructure or capability currently exists in this area
🌟
Developing
Basic or partial infrastructure exists but is inconsistent, outdated, or unreliable
🌟🌟🌟
Functional
Infrastructure exists and works, but falls short of best-practice standards
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5-Star Ready
Infrastructure meets Amplify Ministries' 5-Star standard for this category
The Five Stars

Five areas. One standard of excellence.

A church does not need to be 5-Star in every category to benefit from the framework. The goal is clarity: knowing where you stand today, what 5-Star looks like, and what closes the gap.

Star 1
Sound & Audio Ministry

Sound & Audio Systems

A 5-Star Church ensures that every word spoken and every note played can be heard clearly — by the person in the back pew and the person watching from home.

Functional mixing console and complete signal chain (mixer, processors, amplifiers)
FCC-compliant wireless microphone systems, properly programmed and coordinated
Properly placed and functioning sanctuary speakers with even coverage
Documented signal chain and system diagram available to the media team
Trained operators who can run the system independently
⭐⭐
Star 2
Video Production & Broadcast

Video & Live Streaming

A 5-Star Church extends its worship experience beyond its walls — reaching members who cannot attend in person with a stream that reflects the quality of the in-room experience.

Reliable internet bandwidth sufficient for live streaming at broadcast quality
Camera system (PTZ or multi-camera) positioned for clear sanctuary views
Streaming computer and software configured for the church's platforms
Simultaneous streaming to multiple platforms (YouTube, Facebook, etc.)
Audio feed integrated into the stream at broadcast quality
Trained media team capable of starting, monitoring, and ending a stream
⭐⭐⭐
Star 3
Display & Signal Distribution

Display Systems & Signal Routing

A 5-Star Church supports worship visually — lyrics, scripture, announcements, and media displayed clearly throughout the sanctuary and any overflow spaces.

Sanctuary display screen(s) sized and placed for clear sightlines from all seating
Presentation software (ProPresenter, EasyWorship, etc.) configured and in active use
Signal distribution from media position to all displays, without degradation
Concealed, professional cable management throughout
Trained media team capable of operating the presentation system independently
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Star 4
Web & Digital Presence

Web & Digital Ministry

A 5-Star Church is findable, credible, and welcoming online — its digital presence reflects the same excellence as its in-person ministry.

Active, modern website reflecting current ministries and updated information
Professional email setup with appropriate account governance and naming conventions
Active and consistent social media presence across relevant platforms
Online giving and/or communication tools integrated and functional
Security systems (cameras, access) functional and monitored where applicable
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Star 5
Training, Capacity & Resource Navigation

Training, Capacity & Resource Navigation

A 5-Star Church is not dependent on any one person — its media and technology ministry is staffed, trained, and supported by the resources available to it.

Documented procedures for operating all major technology systems
Trained volunteer or staff team, with more than one person able to operate each system
Enrollment in available nonprofit technology resources (Google for Nonprofits, TechSoup, etc.)
Awareness of and application for relevant grant funding opportunities
A documented technology roadmap with prioritized next steps
The Assessment Process

What to expect from your assessment

Before
  • 📋 Brief intake conversation — your goals, current challenges, ministry context
  • 📅 On-site visit scheduled at your convenience
  • 🔍 Pre-visit digital research (website, social media, public presence)
During
  • 🏛️ Walk-through of sanctuary and all technology spaces
  • ⚙️ Hands-on evaluation of existing audio, video, and display systems
  • 📝 Scoring across all five stars in real time
After
  • 📄 Written 5-Star Assessment Report delivered to your leadership
  • 🗺️ Phased technology roadmap with prioritized next steps
  • 💬 Follow-up conversation to review findings and answer questions
Cost

The 5-Star Assessment is offered at no cost.

We believe every church deserves to know where they stand. The assessment is how we start every relationship — no obligation, no pressure.

Take the First Step

Where does your church stand today?

Request a no-cost 5-Star Technology Assessment. We'll evaluate your congregation across all five areas, deliver a written report, and outline a clear, phased path forward.

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