NPR on “iSermons”

Posted September 27th @ 9:03 pm by Andy Print This Post

Just came across this segment about churches that podcast on NPR’s All Things Considered. A very nice little piece, and a good overview of the podcasting phenomenon if you’re not already familiar with it.

Is your church podcasting yet? Mine’s still using tried-and-true cassette tape technology, but I’d love to see it take advantage of podcasting at some point in the future…

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8 Comments

Rick
September 27, 2005 at 22:32

Woo hoo! I love church tech. I’ve considered posting mp3’s of our Pastor’s sermons onto our church website, but haven’t ventured into the podcast thing yet. I’m going to have to look into that one.
Leslie Bowman
September 28, 2005 at 03:16

I have always considered the internet to be one of many tools for spreading the gospel to all parts of the world. Podcast is one part of the internet service for spreading the gospel. Teaching of doctrines is a must, but just to catch up on a sermon you happen to miss on Sunday, not important. Here in the UK we have only had Christian radio and television for on 5 years and it’s been remarkable. The internet on the other hand has no political borders and can be access from most parts of the world. With that in mind, we most remember the best way to share the gospel is to share with those around you about Jesus and the love God has shown us a sinner like us. One to one. When was the last time you told someone of Jesus?

As the word podcast suggests, one does need a pod (ipod). Most of the world can’t afford one. Great for the rich, naff for the poor.
Donnell
September 28, 2005 at 05:53

I place mp3s of my messages on my website! It’s pretty cool for someone to be able to log on to my site and hear the Word of God. The church I attend has live streaming of services online and even has a 24 hr television network online.

This is 2005, if the technology is available then the church can use it! We haven’t done the podcasting yet, so those churches that have taken it that far are way ahead of the pack.

Matthew 24:14(KJV) – And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Regards,

Donnell Duncan
Founder and President
The Cracked Door
If the Door is Cracked, The Door is Open
Jay
September 28, 2005 at 06:50

Our church (www.riverlandhills.org) just began podcasting officially a few days ago. We’re very excited about it. We’ve been posting mp3’s of the weekly sermons on our web site for a little over a year but the podcasting trend seems to really grab all age groups – both young and old.

I personally like the convenience of the way you can subscribe to a podcast and have a schedule to automatically download each sermon each week to my computer. That is cool!

I’m all for churches ramping up their technologies to further the Word of God!
Rachel
September 28, 2005 at 10:04

I don’t want to rain on anyways parade, but I think we need to at least be cautius about podcasting. It’s awesome for when a person can’t come to church because they are out of town or in the nursery, but a sermon is not the only reason to go to church. It says “Do not stop meeting together,” not “Do not stop listening to sermons.
Steve
September 28, 2005 at 10:58

Good point Rachel, fellowship and interaction with brothers and sisters in Christ is probably more important than listening to sermons. However, podcasting is a good way to spread God’s word, and encourage people to get envolved.
Carl
September 28, 2005 at 11:21

I know of at least one church, geared for youth, that actually puts the VIDEO of the service (or at least the sermon) on their website, as well as the mp3.

http://www.sevenoseven.com – look in media.

When it comes to technology, blink, and you’re behind!

I do hope that a lot of these podcasts, etc., remember to be accessible to non-believers. The Internet Evangelism Bulletin talks about this. Many church websites are geared for the believers (in style, tone and Christianese words) and aren’t prepared for the spiritual seekers who may go to their website. What a lost opportunity, in this day and age.

http://guide.gospelcom.net/index.php
Edmund
September 28, 2005 at 14:37

Technocrats, non-users, old, young, male female, we all must gather & praise Him