Consider the Benefits - Should I have a Podcast?

So, you've counted the costs of having a podcast--but you want to think about the benefits as well. Why are you doing this? Who do you hope to reach? What are your goals?

When I first launched our podcast, I thought that I might reach 5000 downloads within the first year. After just six months, I've had over 5500 downloads, and am currently averaging around 400 downloads a week. (The growth curve is not linear, as there is more material to be downloaded each week and more people to download. I'm not a statistician, so I'll leave that observation for those who are more statistically inclined to think about!)

If you compare the size of my pod-regation to the size of my congregation over the past six months, you would find that I have had three times as many "sermon listens" through the internet than within the four walls of my church.

Unfortunately, I have no real way to know who is listening. Feedburner provides some statistics, and I know that I've had downloads from Germany, France, Austria, and Australia. I have received an email from a listener in Germany, but other than that I've had very little feedback from listeners.

Because of that lack of feedback, I've launched a campaign to solicit emails from listeners through the production elements at the beginning and end of each episode. It is my hope to began to learn more about my podcast listeners so I can better understand how to minister to them.

However, lack of feedback does not diminish our understanding of the benefits of podcasting. With much of American culture driven my consumer convenience, churches must find a way to extend their ministries beyond their campus and a Sunday Morning worship time. Podcasting is one way of ministering to those who work non-traditional hours, or are physically or geographically restricted from attending church. In addition to that, there is a recognition that there may be the potential to reach people in parts of the world where Christianity is not accepted--either culturally or legally.

In addition to those benefits, a podcast can help regular church attenders keep in touch with a sermon series on a week when they are away. Newcomers to your town might check out your sermons on the internet before they come to church. Since you are doing the work of audio production, beginning a CD ministry is a simple step--and church members can deliver the CDs to shut-ins or neighbors.

Given the low cost of podcasting and huge potential benefits, I hope you will consider beginning a podcast for your church. Maybe you don't have enough time to do it yourself, but someone within your congregation has the time and can be trained to handle the tasks associated. I hope the ideas presented here will help you in your consideration of this ministry.

Grace and Peace,

PastorJon