Inclusion is key for churches, fostering understanding and acceptance among congregants. However, language barriers with parishioners pose significant challenges, especially when finding and managing human interpreters. Due to budget constraints, many churches, temples, synagogues, and other houses of worship rely on volunteers for this role, making it even harder to maintain consistent support.
But there is a better way to move forward. AI-powered live translation and captioning tools like Wordy are a game-changing solution. Our AI Translation for Church Services guide provides a four-step process for implementing an AI solution. Below is an overview.
Why Churches Should Address Language Barriers
For many congregations, weekly services and events are held in a single language, leaving non-native speakers needing help understanding or participating fully. As a result, church engagement suffers, as these individuals' sense of belonging diminishes, reducing church attendance and membership.
The Benefits of AI-Powered Translation for Churches
Platforms like Wordly, which offer AI translation and captioning, allow churches to break down language barriers to create a more inclusive environment.
Affordability
AI translation platforms are affordable, unlike human translators, who can be expensive to hire and require extensive logistical setups. Wordly provides access to dozens of languages at a fraction of the cost of traditional human interpreters.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
AI-powered translation enables attendees to participate fully in church services by listening to or reading translations in their preferred language. This inclusivity can help churches grow their congregations and engage more deeply with all members, regardless of their native language.
Easy to Use
Setting up AI translation services is remarkably simple and doesn't require an overly complicated A/V setup. For instance, with Wordly, all that’s needed is a microphone connected to a laptop or tablet, and the AI system handles the rest. Attendees can access the translation by scanning a QR code or visiting a URL, either listening through earbuds or reading captions on their devices.
Flexible Translation Options
Real-time translation services provide both audio and text outputs. This versatility allows congregants to choose their preferred method of engagement, whether listening to live church translations or reading along with captions. Additionally, captions can be displayed on monitors around the church, making the service more accessible to everyone in the room.
Support for Virtual and Hybrid Services
With the increasing popularity of virtual and hybrid church services, AI translation services can bridge the language gap for remote attendees. Everyone can participate equally, whether in person or online, enhancing the sense of community.
Accuracy and Speed
Modern AI systems can translate speech in real time, with captions appearing almost instantaneously. Additionally, AI platforms can handle different accents and dialects, ensuring that translations are accurate and culturally appropriate.
Customizable Features
Wordly, for instance, allows churches to create custom glossaries of important terms, such as names or theological terminology, ensuring accuracy in translation for unique or frequently used words.
How to Set Up AI-Powered Translation
Here’s how it works step-by-step:
Real-World Impact
Churches worldwide have successfully implemented AI-powered translation services with transformative results. Members previously marginalized due to language barriers can now engage fully with the content of the services. In turn, churches have seen increased participation, growth in congregation size, and more robust community involvement.