Starting a podcast can be a great way for churches to connect with their congregations and reach new audiences. However, launching a successful podcast take some serious thought and planning. Many church podcasts fail to launch or end up abandoned after a few episodes. By asking some questions and making some plans, you can greatly increase the chances of creating an effective podcast.

Here are five things churches should consider before starting a podcast:

Your Podcast Audience

Who is your target audience? Churches love to say, “Everyone.” From research and experience, if you design something for everyone, it probably won’t be good for anyone.

Are you trying to reach your existing congregation, the local community, or a wider, global audience? Understanding your audience will help shape the content, tone, and delivery of your podcast.

Content and Format

What type of content will you produce? Will it be a replay of sermons, theological discussions, interviews, or a blend of these? Additionally, think about the format – will it be a solo show, co-hosted, or interview-based? This will largely depend on your resources, expertise, and the preferences of your target audience.

Technical Requirements

Do you have the equipment and technical knowledge needed to produce a podcast? This includes a good-quality microphone (or multiple microphones if you have multiple hosts or guests), recording and editing software, a quiet recording space without a lot of echo, and knowledge of how to distribute your podcast on various platforms. If you don’t have this in-house or already have a knowledgeable volunteer, you may need to budget for them.

Consistency

Podcasts work best when they’re released consistently, whether that’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Make sure you have the resources and commitment to stick to a regular publishing schedule.

Promotion Strategy

How will you promote your podcast? Promotion is key to attracting and retaining listeners. Consider various channels such as your church website, social media platforms, newsletters, and word-of-mouth within your congregation.

Do you need help with your podcast?

Check out my website at provoiceguy.net where I offer services to assist you in starting or improving your podcast. I also have a blog and a podcast where we help all sorts of people start and improve podcasts.