What is a Podcast?

Simply put, a podcast is like a radio broadcast that really has nothing to do with radio! :) The word "podcast" is a clever combination of the words "iPod" and "broadcast." However, an iPod is not needed to receive a podcast--just a computer and an internet connection.

Podcasts allow people with computers and MP3 players to download a radio-style show to play back at their convenience. Instead of having to listen to the episode during a specific time-frame, they can store it on their computer or MP3 player for weeks and listen to it when they want to listen to it.

Some podcasts are commentary talk shows, others are musical in nature. Some are actual radio shows that are being redistributed in an online format. And, of course, churches are finding a new audience (or pod-regation) through this technology.

Podcasts are different from simply putting your sermons online, in that a podcast allows a listener to "subscribe" to your show, having your sermons delivered to them automatically each week. If you are already recording your sermons, it only makes sense to syndicate them as a podcast, in order to reach more people with the Gospel.

Grace and Peace,

PastorJon