As a consultant with the Center for Congregations, I travel a good bit. Sometimes I spend several hours in the car on a given day. While it’s nice to listen to music or enjoy the silence, it can also be nice to continue learning during the extra time. Thank you, podcasts!
Many don’t realize that podcasts are not just about entertainment. There is a great variety of valuable educational content and subject matter out there, ranging from practical to spiritual. Podcasts can be beneficial not just for you but for helping those in your congregation learn.
And did I mention that podcasts themselves are free? The term “subscribe” can be a bit misleading, but this just means that you are giving permission for the podcast to send you new episodes. It doesn’t require you to pay for it.
Getting Started
For Apple mobile device users, simply download the podcast app. For Android users, there are many possibilities: some free, some requiring a subscription. If you prefer to listen from a computer, a number of podcasts also have the audio available on its website.
If you haven’t yet delved into the world of podcasts, I encourage you to check it out. Here are some recommendations to get you started.
Leadership:
Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast – conversations with top ministry leaders of the day
Catalyst Podcast – interviews with Christian leaders
Youth Ministry:
Thinkorange Podcast – “ideas and conversations to help you influence the next generation”
Youth Culture Matters from The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding (CPYU) – “helping parents, youth workers, educators pastors and others understand and reach today’s youth culture”
Download Youth Ministry (DYM) – “a collection of shows to help you win in youth ministry”
Culture and context:
On Being with Krista Tippett – this podcast seeks to have conversations about the questions of meaning in our current context
Preaching:
Sermon Brainwave by Working Preacher – geared towards helping pastors interpret and preach the weekly lectionary
About the Contributor
