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Podcasting for Pastors: A Guide for 2021

a guide for 2021

Podcasting for Pastors: A Guide for 2021

What is a podcast?

You probably listen to podcasts already, and you are familiar with the term. Podcasting for Pastors: A Guide for 2021. If not, a podcast is a pre-recorded audio show which you can upload to listeners online. It is a great way to reach potential church members and donors. It will be typically focused on a specific topic, like motivational self-help or travel. In fact, a podcast can be on any topic you can think of. The podcasts are either streamed online or downloaded for later listening.

It runs much like a radio show, with episodes that listeners can access anytime. There are various platforms available, such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher.

Getting started in the Podcast World

With so many people now confined to home, even when working, a podcast puts you in an intimate space with your audience, where you can strengthen and encourage them spiritually. Your podcast can sound as general or as personal as you prefer, putting you right in your listener’s ear every day. There’s almost no better way to reach your target audience.

If you are not utilizing audio media by now, you should be. But don’t let the new technology for podcasting overwhelm you. Here are the basics you should know about this new form of outreach.

The Podcast Setup

This is quite simple, and if you are just starting, use simple tools. They should include:

  • A good podcasting microphone (you want to eliminate background noise and have a good quality sound).
  • Recording and editing software.
  • A computer to edit your show after recording.
  • Internet connection for uploading your podcast when finished.

Podcasting for Pastors

If you decide to start a podcast, be clear on the goals you need the podcast to achieve. Perhaps you want to grow your church audience and membership. Maybe you want to show people how they can help give to the church or support your programs through donation software.

1. Identify your podcast goals

As with anything else, goal setting in podcasting is essential. This will help you create your episodes and stick with the foundational theme. These goals must be in line with your church and the spiritual support you offer your members and donors.

2. Decide on a name

Your podcast name could be the name of your church, or it could be something new and catchy. Whatever you decide, make it memorable. You want to promote your podcast on other online platforms as well, and it should also be easy to pronounce. Think of a keyword that defines what your church podcast is all about. Once a listener gets hooked to your podcast show, they need to remember the name so they can share it with their friends.

3. Choose a format and length

Here are some various formats popular with the world of podcasting. Choose the one that is right for your church’s needs. Decide what your podcast format will be and the ideal length to keep listeners engaged. Make sure that your key message remains the center and foundation for all the content you plan to produce.

  • Solo podcasts: This is an easy format as it requires only you as the host
  • Interviews: A good way to share insights from other church leaders or volunteer church managers
  • Multiple hosts: Your conversation becomes a two-way or multiple-way street. This makes your podcast dynamic and appealing to different personalities.
  • Educational: When you want to teach your members more in-depth topics than a regular church service.

4. Get a good podcast hosting provider

Find a reliable, good-quality hosting provider where you can easily upload and share your podcast—these range in price and usability. You can find some free options, but you should consider the paid plans if you need storage space. Apple Podcasts and Spotify are the more common platforms, while Anchor Podcasts offers production tools (music, for example) as well as hosting. Research also the podcasts on SoundCloud, Podbean, or Podomatic.

5. Shape your schedule

The key to gaining more listeners is to launch episodes regularly. Your listeners must depend on your podcast and make it a part of their inspirational input. Make sure you are realistic about the time it takes to produce your show. You could decide once a week or twice a month. The important thing is consistency.

These are only the basics for podcasting; if you would like more tips for church outreach, digital tools, and growing your donors, be sure to visit our other blogs and resources on Donorwerx. Ephesians 4:11-12  “ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”

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