I’ve always loved talk radio. I have vivid memories of when my kids were little and I would drive them to school in the mornings then listen to R.C. Sproul on AM radio during my drive back home. Once I discovered podcasts, I can recall exact places where I was driving when I heard guests being vulnerable. On numerous occasions, I sat in the Publix parking lot, unable to get out of my car, because I was riveted to a personal testimony on a podcast.
RELATED: Check out more stories on faith, culture and other podcasts here.
In October 2014, nearly 10 years ago, Apple began pre-installing its podcast app on the iPhone, and podcasts were available all the time. Since then, podcast listeners have been able to listen to experts chat about their favorite subjects from their pocket. These words flow from a tiny computer in our pockets through our wireless AirPods or car speakers into our ears and to our hearts. Yet, many church leaders are wondering, “Should my church have a podcast?”
There are numerous reasons having a podcast may make sense for your church, but let’s look at the top five.
1. A podcast works easily into daily life
Most listeners tune in while they’re multitasking. They take their favorite podcasters with them on their daily jog or while they do dishes, fold laundry, or commute to work. Faithful podcast listeners have learned the available moments or activities in their days that allow them to listen to their usual shows. It’s not a matter of when; it’s a matter of what they will listen to.
2. Podcasts are an intimate form of communication on many levels
Because of the way people consume episodes on-the-go, podcasting is an invitation to join people in the most routine and mundane moments of life. I received an email recently from a listener who was listening to an episode while getting ready one morning, and her husband was listening along, unplanned. Because of the nature of the conversation on the show, listening to the episode together led them to a pivotal point in their marriage, where they turned toward each other and to God in a way they had been missing. It made a difference.
3. People will listen to podcasts that inspire them
The number one podcast in America is The Joe Rogan Experience, with more than 16 million subscribers on YouTube alone. Jason and Travis Kelce release weekly episodes of New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce to over two million YouTube subscribers. Many of these listeners attend your church. When creating a podcast for your church, it doesn’t always have to be driven by sermon content. In fact, I would suggest thinking outside of sermon content to things you’d like to share that you may not have time for on Sunday mornings. It’s a fantastic way for your church to get to know you and your heart better.
4. Podcasts allow you to disciple the people of your church outside your walls
As ministry leaders, we are always looking for ways to connect with the people we minister to on the weekends. Creating podcast content that encourages spiritual growth is an effective way to do so. The low cost and easy setup for podcasts make it easier than ever to influence the body of Christ with the things of God.
5. Podcasts are one of the most sharable forms of content
Every podcast listener has had that moment when listening to a podcast. We may hear a story or a Scripture that’s shared, and we instantly think of a friend whom it would bless. It is now as simple as tapping a couple of icons on our phones, and we can share those thoughts with the person we love. Putting your message (sermon or not) into podcast form can exponentially grow the reach and impact of your ministry.
If you are looking for a way to influence your congregation as they go about their daily lives, or if you are hoping to communicate with your congregation in a way that is extremely easy and enjoyable for them beyond Sundays, podcasts are an excellent option.
Check out all of Lifeway’s podcasts here.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Angie Elkins and originally published by Lifeway Research.
