Close to 70 million people listened to podcasts in 2023. This number is projected to reach over 110 million listeners by 2029. Wow!
So why is it important for churches to leverage podcasting? Should your church start a podcast?
Come on, let's dive into why church podcasts are crucial and why it's time for your church to start one right now!
In case the stat at the top of the article didn't illustrate the point: SO MANY people listen to podcasts regularly. It makes sense to meet people where they are.
But statistics aren't the only reason your church should consider podcasting.
Let's jump into a time machine and go back to the 90s and early 2000s...Did your church have tapes or CDs of sermons in the welcome area or by the coffee table?
Growing up, most churches I attended had them. Anyone could grab a copy on their way out the door to listen to a Sunday sermon they missed or one that resonated with them.
Podcasts are just the next iteration of that trend. Instead of passing around physical copies, people download and listen to them online. And most podcast platforms make it easy for members to share episodes on social media.
Here's how many people look for a new church today:
If someone in your community is looking for a new church home, offering a podcast is a great way to showcase what they can expect when they visit. It could mean the difference between them coming to your church or looking elsewhere.
A church podcast is like a digital billboard for your church (but it costs way less)!
Now that we've covered why church podcasts are important, let's talk about why YOUR church should podcast.
Podcasts have a LOW cost of entry.
The only thing you need to start a podcast today is a computer connected to the internet. The computer you have probably comes with recording software. You have what you need!
Worried about adding another task to your plate? I've got good news!
Once a podcast channel is creating, adding episodes is as easy as updating an RSS feed or uploading an audio file. If you're recording your sermons, just upload that file.
That's all it takes!
Most podcasters struggle with the same thing: Content creation
It's not easy to consistently create new content all the time. Trust me...as someone who writes blogs and makes videos here at ChurchTrac, coming up with fresh new ideas can be tough.
Your church doesn't have to worry about that, because you're already doing it. You have a new sermon every week! That's all the content you need.
Your audience can listen on any smart device from anywhere. This allows them to hear the Gospel as they drive, do chores, mow the lawn, go for a morning jog, etc. The sermon travels with them.
Adding a podcast to your church's app is as easy as adding a link card in Church Connect. Click below to learn more!
Gone are the days of offering sermons on vintage cassettes or CDs! Podcasts have been revolutionary for churches.
So what's the verdict? Should your church do a podcast?
Yes! As long as your church can do the following:
A podcast can help invite more people to your church. It also allows your volunteers to listen to the message if they miss it. For those two reasons alone, we LOVE podcasts.
Ready to start a church podcast? Grab our Church Podcast Cheat Sheet HERE.
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