A practical guide for church teams

Live captions for church services

Live captions turn the words being spoken into text that people can read during the service. Logos Translate also translates those captions into a language chosen for the congregation, with viewers following through the browser on their own phones.

For people who find speech difficult to hear or follow, readable captions can be a useful additional way to participate. Ask congregation members what works for them, and keep other accessibility arrangements available: automated captions will not meet every person’s needs.

For setup details, see the Logos Translate documentation, including the Operator guide for Windows and Mac and Displays guide, Broadcast Overlay guide and Projector guide.

Try captions and translation freeSee pricing

Captions, translated text and translated audio

These are different outputs. Knowing which one your congregation needs helps you choose the right setup and avoid paying for features you will not use.

Source captions
Text in the language being spoken. A Ukrainian service produces Ukrainian captions; a French service produces French captions. These are included in the standard free trial and every paid plan.
Translated captions
Text in another supported language. The standard trial includes one simultaneous translated target. Paid plans let the church continue using one included target and add up to 5 more, for a maximum of 6 translated targets at once.
Translated audio
The standard trial does not include translated audio. On a paid plan, when enabled for the church, this optional feature reads translated output aloud in the viewer browser. Generated audio costs A$0.07 per minute per language, and listener count does not multiply the charge.

What your church needs

  • A Windows PC or Mac running the approved Logos Translate Operator app.
  • A clear speech feed from your church sound system into the computer, using an appropriate audio input or interface.
  • A stable internet connection for the operator and the congregation’s viewing devices.
  • A church workspace with available caption hours, and someone to check the preview during the service.

Viewers do not need the desktop app, a viewer account or a dedicated receiver. Share the reusable church link or QR code so people can open captions on a phone, tablet or computer.

Prepare the captions before Sunday

  1. Check the audio at the source

    Connect the speech feed, select the correct input and speak into the service microphone. Check the operator’s input meter and preview. A direct speech feed is usually clearer than a microphone listening to the whole room. Avoid clipping, unnecessary music and overlapping voices.

  2. Choose the spoken language

    Choose the speaker language from 60 supported choices, then choose one different supported language for the translation included in the standard trial. Paid plans continue that translation and can add more simultaneous targets.

  3. Test the congregation’s experience

    Open the church viewer link on a phone using the connection people will use during the service. Check that captions arrive, the selected language is correct and the text is comfortable to read. Test with the people who will rely on it when possible.

  4. Share the link and keep monitoring

    Display the reusable QR code and offer the link for anyone who cannot scan it. Explain that captions are automated and may contain mistakes or delays. Keep an operator checking the output and clarify important errors verbally.

60 language choices for your church services

Choose any of the 60 supported languages as the spoken source and any different supported languages as translated targets. For example, a German sermon can be translated into Romanian and English using the included target and one extra slot. Change those assignments for your next service.

Fixed plans price extra simultaneous target-language slots from A$5 per month. Flex instead charges A$0.75 per additional translated-language hour actually used. Operators can change the assigned languages between services. See the language overview.

What captions cannot promise

AI can mishear names, Bible references, accents and theological language. A clear audio signal helps, but no setup guarantees error-free output. Singing, multiple speakers and background sound can be particularly difficult.

Captioning software does not certify that a church has met an accessibility obligation, and automated translation is not a substitute for qualified interpretation where it is required. Discuss individual needs with the people you serve. Read the AI translation notice and limitations.

Try captions before choosing a monthly plan

An eligible new church receives 4 free hours of live source captions and translation into one language of its choice, valid for 30 days. Choose both languages from 60 supported options. No card is required, translated audio is not included and no paid subscription starts automatically.

Choose a fixed plan from A$25 per month for predictable regular use, or Flex for irregular, seasonal or changing use. Paid plans let the church continue using its included translated target, add more simultaneous languages and enable optional Audio Translation. Compare every plan and estimate Flex.

Start free or ask Logos Translate support about your church’s setup.