Is Your Church Social? Part 19 – Podcasts – Kinds Of Podcasts

We’ve talked about what a podcast is and some reasons why podcasting is relevant for churches, but what exactly should your church do for a podcast. There isn’t one specific answer. Every church has its own identity, its own strengths and weaknesses, and its own budget. So, you will have to decide what kind(s) of podcasting is best for your church, but here are a few ideas to get you going.

1. Sermon Podcasts:
This is probably the bare minimum any church should do if they are going to do any podcasting. A sermon podcast is simply using your weekly sermon as the podcast. One of the great things about the sermon podcast is that it requires NO ADDITIONAL PREP TIME. You’re already going to have a sermon, so why not record it. A lot of churches already record their sermons, so why not podcast it. If your church already records your sermons, then podcasting the sermons will probably only take an additional 5-10 minutes.

2. Recorded Bible Study Or Other Class Podcast:
This is along the same lines as the sermon podcast in that you would simply record something that you are doing already and turn it into a podcast, however, this may require a little more work. Most churches don’t record their Bible studies (or other classes) already, so you would have to figure out the best way to record. You also want to be sure to discuss the idea with all those involved in the class especially if their questions/comments may be in the recording. You may also need to do some editing of the recording. However, like the sermon podcast, the recorded Bible study or class, does not require additional prep time.

3. Studio Podcast:
Now we are getting into podcasts that are more like radio programs. A studio podcast is when you setup a recording studio of sorts and then plan and produce the podcast. Before you freak out about the use of the term “recording studio”, let me calm your fears and tell you this could simply be a computer, a microphone, and a quiet room. I’ll talk a little more about that in my next article. With studio podcasting, the sky is the limit with what you can do, but here are some ideas to wet your whistle:

• A Short Daily Or Weekly Bible Study
• Ask The Pastor – Let church members or website users submit questions that the Pastor will address in the podcast. This adds interactivity, answers questions members may have, and gives people more of a reason to start listening to the podcasts.
• Youth Podcast – Does your church have a youth group? I’ll bet the kids would love to make their own radio show.
• Expanding On The Sermon – A lot of times pastors aren’t able to get everything they want into the weekly sermon. This can both give them an opportunity to expand on points made in the sermon and engage members with sermon points beyond Sunday morning so they carry the sermon with them throughout the week and beyond.
• Weekly Announcements – Podcasts can be a great way to notify members of upcoming events
• News And Commentary – Talk about current local or world events and discuss them from the Christian perspective of the church. This can be good both for your members and for church marketing.

These are just some ideas for a studio podcast. Use your imagination and creativity and I’m sure you can come up with a podcasting idea that fits your church and can be a great resource for your members, non-members, or both.

Does your church podcast? If so, what do you podcast?