More and more churches are realizing that the popularity of podcasting can be used to disseminate their sermons to a larger or unreachable audience, as well as provide an easier access for congregants to listen to their favorite messages.
The podcast, which is usually produced by an individual who wants their messages heard by a wider audience, is designed to be downloaded and stored in a computer or a mobile device, such as the iPod.
Churches find that, not only does it preserve sermons via the internet, it’s convenient for congregants who want to listen to a sermon they were unable to attend in person, or evangelize their friends and family who are visiting from out of town. These are some of the many situations that show how versatile podcasting is, and the reason why churches have responded favoring this new form of evangelism.
All a pastor or one of the church clergy needs is a microphone, computer, and internet connection, to start producing their own audio and video content for anyone around the world, an investment that some pastors are willing to make, since the iPod is virtually everwhere.
Podcasting is considered a worldwide phenomenon, making its way to such nations as China, where the youth, an age group that churches find difficult to reach, has given a positive response to iPods and similar devises.
Which leads to another reason why churches are supporting podcasts, since it allows more opportunities for the youth to be reached.
Matt Carlisle, director of Web ministry at the United Methodist Church believes that technology will continue to play an important role in shaping the generations to come.
"Evangelism and ministry with our youth and future generations of this denomination will look much different - technology will most certainly play a factor in the delivery," Carlisle said according to the United Methodist News Service.
Even though there are some churches that have yet to embrace the podcast phenomenon that has grab hold of the youth worldwide, the churches that have find that they are able to spread their message to a wider audience and reach those who are unable to hear the message of Christ.
