This article outlines 6 steps to preach the gospel using drones with speakers mounted on them.

In a groundbreaking move, our small ministry recently launched one of the world’s first public preaching missions using inexpensive drone technology.

In a previous article titled How Drones Help Spread the Gospel, we introduced the idea that drones can do much more than taking aerial photos of church buildings. Come on now, where is the church's evangelistic imagination?

Now, let’s dive into the exact six (6) steps we took to launch this innovative—though still incubator-level—ministry.

1. Decide How Serious Your Church Is About Outreach

The reality is that many traditional churches are not serious about public outreach. This is a key reason behind the explosion of new, non-denominational, and more flexible ministries.

To be frank, rigid congregations are shrinking while being replaced by those willing to embrace unconventional methods—like flying a drone into hard-to-reach spaces to spread the Gospel.

Unlike the early church in the Gospels and Acts, many modern believers shy away from public preaching, prayer, or any righteous act that challenges the world around them.

Sure, churches host barbecues, yard clean-ups, and other gimmicks to attract people—but they neglect the biblical model of bold, public proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Plainly put: If your church—regardless of size—lacks a public witnessing ministry, or if your pastor believes they’re 'too anointed' to engage in street evangelism, then a drone ministry isn’t for you.

2. Begin Test Flying Cheap Toy Model Drones

Here’s a crucial tip: Do not invest in an expensive drone until you’ve mastered basic flight operations. Just like computers, all drones share fundamental controls regardless of brand.

That said, your church should budget $400–$800 for a stable, reliable, and user-friendly drone. While high-end models can cost thousands, that’s unnecessary for most micro-churches.

Prior to this, start with a $40–$70 toy drone from Amazon or Temu because you will crash it—probably within days while learning to use navigational features. Losing a $40 toy is much easier to swallow than an $800 piece of tech.

I destroyed my first drone within several days through experiencing multiple crashes and even got it stuck in a tree! By the time I retrieved it, the drone was beyond repair.

My second drone survived a few crashes, but my skills had improved dramatically.

There’s no point wrecking an expensive drone when a cheap one teaches the same fundamentals.

3. Become Familiar with Drone Regulations

Drones are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)—and for good reason. If your drone weighs over 0.55 lbs (279 grams), you should check into registering it with the FAA and even for smaller toy models, I would do the same.

Beyond legalities, safety is critical and learning how to operate these vehicles safely is crucial for you personally as well as the witness of Jesus Christ.

For example, I balked at a few of the regulations on the FAA's website and planned to hover a drone over a four-way intersection where I’d previously preached with a bullhorn.

However, when I arrived at this location, I looked up and power lines were everywhere—an immediate no-go zone for drones. Thankfully, FAA guidelines prevented a disaster.

Always review FAA drone regulations before flying. Visit the FAA’s official drone guide here and whether planning to create a commercial business or recreational use, become familiar with expectations.

4. Select the Right Drone for Ministry Use

Now for the fun part! Once you are comfortable with both basic drone operations and flying regulations, it’s time to upgrade to a more expensive, sturdier, and deployment ready machine.

Based on my experience as possibly one of the first two (2) or three (3) people to ever to publicly preach via drone—here’s what you need:

• A drone weighing at least 1.5 lbs

• A lightweight drone speaker to attach (for lower level drones there are currently only two choices on the market).

• Remote control (comes with any drone purchase)

• Smartphone for drone app download (this is how the camera is operated and other features are accessible).

• Grasp of the machine's stability under payload (toy drones can’t handle the extra weight of even a 4.5 oz speaker).

• A carry-around card or piece of paper certifying drone registry and basic handling course completion (FAA website).

Just a reminder with respect to the three (3) types of drones:

1. Toy Drones (Typically less than $100) – Great for training, but too weak for speakers.

2. Mid-Range Drones ($400–$800) – Most can carry a small speaker.

3. High-End Drones ($1,000 and up) – No smartphone needed; built-in controls and cameras.

5. Choose a Speaker for Your Drone

Unlike drones, affordable drone-mounted speakers are rare. This might be due to unclear demand, liability concerns or other as of yet unknown market issues.

I initially tried mounting a small speaker on a toy drone—bad idea. The drone couldn’t stabilize, leading to a crash and now that I think about it, the drone didn't get more than a few inches off the ground before flipping over.

However, after testing, I found the speaker I use currently effective up to a block away—but line-of-sight flying is essential for safety and legality.

More plainly, no matter how great your flying skills become and irrespective of camera quality, keep eyeballs on the drone in urban areas!

6. Select the Best Preaching Locations

Unlike handheld bullhorns, drones come with legal restrictions—like no flying over crowds. Weather (even light wind) also affects stability, especially with a speaker attached.

Top 3 Effective Locations for Drone Preaching:

1. Store Parking Lots – Minimal noise, buildings amplify sound, and you can preach from a distance without direct confrontation.

2. Outdoor Church Events – Many attendees need the Gospel preached both before and after the so-called fellowship event they are attending—true believers will appreciate it and be encouraged while unregenerate church folk will recoil.

3. Apartment Complexes – Someone is always listening, even if unseen. The Gospel’s echo can reach open windows, balconies, and passersby.

As I conclude second of many articles on using drones in ministry, be reminded that using these machines to preach Christ crucified is an unexplored frontier—one that can take the Gospel into society’s hidden corners.

Let’s seize this innovative opportunity to proclaim our Savior’s love like never before!