I. Intro
Many churches use media in their worship services and have begun contemplating using media to "export" or broadcast their worship services or other ministries. This hopefully can spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to more people. This blog is designed to help you start pod, blog or radio ministries for your congregation.
In all likelihood, you just want to dig in, but at some point, take a look (and comment) on the Theological considerations.
II. 1st Consideration: The Audience (and their impact on you!)
It is necessary to know one's audience in order to make good decisions about how/when/which media to use when broadcasting religious content. Yet the audience will shape more than simply your decisions about how to broadcast content, it will actually impacts the content you broadcast.
See later in the blog for more commentary on this: Reading and Responding to the Radio Audience
III. 2nd Consideration: The Format
A. Radio
In terms of radio ministry, one could try to purchase and run a station. This seems virtually impossible, especially as a first step. See later in the blog for more details on options for purchasing stations for broadcasting: Starting a Radio Station Ministry
More likely though, one will purchase time from a local radio station in order to broadcast your services (or other content). This simply requires calling up a local station, purchasing time on the radio station, setting up the recording equipment and then figuring out the logistics of getting your recording (or live feed!) to them. Likely they will work with you on this as the specify format. However, before you move too quickly, Reading and Responding to your Radio Audience is a must.
B. Podcasting
Podcasts are probably the most exciting opportunity for churches to spread their message. For many people, we know that podcasting sounds cool, but we are not exactly sure what it is. Here are two websites with some good background on podcasts:
iTunes and Luther Seminary
Podcasting is actually pretty straight forward. It is simply putting audio files (of a sermon or a lecture) on a website for download in an .mp3 format. .mp3 might again sound complex, but this means a standard audio file that not just iPods, but virutally all other computers can read.
The big difference between podcasting and broadcasting is not simply the format (internet audio files versus radio waves) but the fact that podcasting is not live, whereas broadcasting is. The big advantage of podcasting is the feasibility and low costs.
But you likely are asking:
What do you need to podcast?
How do I get my church's podcasts out to the world?
What are some possibilities of podcasting?
C. Blogs
There is a fair amount on the web about blogs. My own experience is that blogs need to be used in connection with already existing communities. However, if you have more ideas on how blogs can be used in ministry, post a comment! One thing to note is that people can not only visit blogs, post to them, but also subscribe. See comments on the right-hand bar and later on in the blog for more about subscription.
D. TV
This website does not address TV very much, but Cable Television is required to broadcast community-made shows on public-access TV. For an excellent website discussing how you can put your services (or other programs) on these stations click here
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
Reading and responding to the Radio audience
Let's say that a church wants to put their service on the radio. Reading the listening audience should and in fact will impact content of the services.
A radio station might be aimed at a wide variety of audiences in mind: Older members at the nursing home, truckers driving through town, people in the park, people at the local homeless shelter, people on a local Indian Reservation or maybe local college students.
This audience's tastes and needs might affect the service. If the intended listening audience is considerably different in composition, this might mean changes in how one conducts and plans worship. For example, if one is broadcasting to an Indian Reservation, one might want to have hymns that are familiar to them.
Even if believes the intended audience is similar in composition to those attending the service, having a radio broadcast will still affect other content. First, radio hates "dead" air time, which means that the presiding minister will have to work to ensure few gaps in the content. Second, more worship cues and notes will likely have to be given. The people listening do not have a program (or bulletin) to know what piece of music or Scripture they heard. Third, the announcements of the church are now for the entire listening audience. This not only gives you an opportunity to advertise your news to more people but also will likely mean that local groups want to advertise through your announcements!
In addition, knowing the audience will impact how one advertises the broadcast; knowing the audience will also help one think about how the radio broadcast assists with other outreach endeavors. Even reflecting and learning about the intended audience will certainly affect how a community carries the Gospel to this audience.
Lastly, certain types of radio programming might offer various opportunities for congregation members (and new recruits) to get involved in the ministry. Production and even editing might be ways to give responsibility to members. This might lead to new ways of them working with sound equipment and this might shape how they can and want to use technology in the worship service.
In short, even broadcasting a service is a two-way dialogue. This may impact your own worship life more than you anticipate!
A radio station might be aimed at a wide variety of audiences in mind: Older members at the nursing home, truckers driving through town, people in the park, people at the local homeless shelter, people on a local Indian Reservation or maybe local college students.
This audience's tastes and needs might affect the service. If the intended listening audience is considerably different in composition, this might mean changes in how one conducts and plans worship. For example, if one is broadcasting to an Indian Reservation, one might want to have hymns that are familiar to them.
Even if believes the intended audience is similar in composition to those attending the service, having a radio broadcast will still affect other content. First, radio hates "dead" air time, which means that the presiding minister will have to work to ensure few gaps in the content. Second, more worship cues and notes will likely have to be given. The people listening do not have a program (or bulletin) to know what piece of music or Scripture they heard. Third, the announcements of the church are now for the entire listening audience. This not only gives you an opportunity to advertise your news to more people but also will likely mean that local groups want to advertise through your announcements!
In addition, knowing the audience will impact how one advertises the broadcast; knowing the audience will also help one think about how the radio broadcast assists with other outreach endeavors. Even reflecting and learning about the intended audience will certainly affect how a community carries the Gospel to this audience.
Lastly, certain types of radio programming might offer various opportunities for congregation members (and new recruits) to get involved in the ministry. Production and even editing might be ways to give responsibility to members. This might lead to new ways of them working with sound equipment and this might shape how they can and want to use technology in the worship service.
In short, even broadcasting a service is a two-way dialogue. This may impact your own worship life more than you anticipate!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Starting a Radio Station Ministry
Let's say your church says, wow, it would be great to have a radio station and broadcast our services -- maybe have an outlet for some Christian music or even our own youth programming.
What are the options?
1) Option 1: Purchase a license for a major FM/AM station. The benefit here is that you would have a coverage of many miles, an entire metro area, for example. The disadvantage here is that this would cost you millions of dollars.
2) Option 2: Apply (or perhaps buy) a license for a low-powered FM station. These do not have the same coverage area as major stations (they cover an 3-5 mile radius), yet they are much cheaper (your fee is the application fee to the government (FCC) as opposed to an auction/private market price like the major stations. Three problems exist here: 1) The FCC only accepts applications at certain points; the last window was in 2001. 2) Even when the FCC begins accepting applications again, they can take up to four to five years to process the applications (at least). 3) If a major station comes into your area, they can potentially bump your signal.
3) Option 3: Broadcast using unlicensed micropower AM. Unlicensed does not mean illegal. It simply means the FCC doesn't get involved. And perhaps with good reason. Even with an excellent transmitter, it seems likely that the coverage radius is well under a mile, perhaps as small as 200-400 feet. Now, one can coordinate various transmitters in an area with the internet or perhaps expand coverage using power lines (carrier current) but this significantly increases the technology and costs involved. A single transmitter costs slightly under $1000 dollars.
See comments for more links and details on these three options.
What are the options?
1) Option 1: Purchase a license for a major FM/AM station. The benefit here is that you would have a coverage of many miles, an entire metro area, for example. The disadvantage here is that this would cost you millions of dollars.
2) Option 2: Apply (or perhaps buy) a license for a low-powered FM station. These do not have the same coverage area as major stations (they cover an 3-5 mile radius), yet they are much cheaper (your fee is the application fee to the government (FCC) as opposed to an auction/private market price like the major stations. Three problems exist here: 1) The FCC only accepts applications at certain points; the last window was in 2001. 2) Even when the FCC begins accepting applications again, they can take up to four to five years to process the applications (at least). 3) If a major station comes into your area, they can potentially bump your signal.
3) Option 3: Broadcast using unlicensed micropower AM. Unlicensed does not mean illegal. It simply means the FCC doesn't get involved. And perhaps with good reason. Even with an excellent transmitter, it seems likely that the coverage radius is well under a mile, perhaps as small as 200-400 feet. Now, one can coordinate various transmitters in an area with the internet or perhaps expand coverage using power lines (carrier current) but this significantly increases the technology and costs involved. A single transmitter costs slightly under $1000 dollars.
See comments for more links and details on these three options.
Friday, February 8, 2008
What do you need to podcast?
Okay, so your church has decided to make the services/sermons available for access and distribution for podcasting.
What do you need and what do you need to do?
Step 1: Record the audio files
You need to make audio files. This means having a sound system in your sanctuary that can pick up your sermons! If you are recording other content, you will still need a microphone and a device that can record an audio file. Mac's come with a program, Garage Band that makes both recording and editing files very staight-forward. I do not know of wintel program quite as good. If anyone knows of one, please add this in the comments.
Step 2: Edit the audio files
You may in fact wish NOT to edit the audio files. However, it might be helpful, especially if you are hoping for this podcast to be used by people outside of your congregation, to use a computer program and, at the very least, add a few second intro to the file. (Tell the listener what Sunday or session they will be hearing; perhaps introduce yourself; give them a reason to listen to the next 15-60 minutes of content!).
Step 3: Store the audio files
Next you will need to store the audio files on a website. This could be your church's website, your own personal website, iWeb, etc.
Step 4: Publish the audio files - transform them from audio file to podcast...
At this point, your files are sitting on your computer. Likely someone could go to your website and download the sermon/service/lecture. However, you probably want to publish the website. This will require iWeb (or another web server that automatically can do podcast publishing) or a blog (note; the blog will likely NOT host the stored audio files, but will be able to publish them).
But really, this is where things get exciting, so let's spend some more time on this:
Publizicing your podcast.
What do you need and what do you need to do?
Step 1: Record the audio files
You need to make audio files. This means having a sound system in your sanctuary that can pick up your sermons! If you are recording other content, you will still need a microphone and a device that can record an audio file. Mac's come with a program, Garage Band that makes both recording and editing files very staight-forward. I do not know of wintel program quite as good. If anyone knows of one, please add this in the comments.
Step 2: Edit the audio files
You may in fact wish NOT to edit the audio files. However, it might be helpful, especially if you are hoping for this podcast to be used by people outside of your congregation, to use a computer program and, at the very least, add a few second intro to the file. (Tell the listener what Sunday or session they will be hearing; perhaps introduce yourself; give them a reason to listen to the next 15-60 minutes of content!).
Step 3: Store the audio files
Next you will need to store the audio files on a website. This could be your church's website, your own personal website, iWeb, etc.
Step 4: Publish the audio files - transform them from audio file to podcast...
At this point, your files are sitting on your computer. Likely someone could go to your website and download the sermon/service/lecture. However, you probably want to publish the website. This will require iWeb (or another web server that automatically can do podcast publishing) or a blog (note; the blog will likely NOT host the stored audio files, but will be able to publish them).
But really, this is where things get exciting, so let's spend some more time on this:
Publizicing your podcast.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
How do I get my church's podcasts out to the world?
There are three "levels" of getting your podcast out there.
1) Storing the podcast on your own website: You simply put the files on your website. People who stumble upon them (from inside or outside your church) can listen to them.
2) Getting subscriptions to your podcast: People can actually "subscribe" to a podcast. Everytime you post a new podcast, the people who have subscribed will be notified that there is a new podcast. At their convenience, they can download the file and listen to. To create subscribers, you can add links to your website such as I have on the right hand side of mine. Likely, you will need to use a free service like Feedburner to help you do this. (Freeburner also keeps track of who has subscribed to your podcast (or blog)). Another way to add subscribers is to publish your podcast on a podcast directly such as iTunes...These directories allow people to subscribe.
A note for you: If you want to subscribe to podcasts, you will need a place (such as iTunes or myYahoo!) where you can manage and access these subscriptions!
3) Put your podcast in a directory: This is the way to go big...or at least wide. Putting your podcast in a directory means that people from all around the world can access (and subscribe) to your podcasts.
Each of these levels actually requires a significant increase in commitment and thus benefit. But let's explore this a bit more...
1) Storing the podcast on your own website: You simply put the files on your website. People who stumble upon them (from inside or outside your church) can listen to them.
2) Getting subscriptions to your podcast: People can actually "subscribe" to a podcast. Everytime you post a new podcast, the people who have subscribed will be notified that there is a new podcast. At their convenience, they can download the file and listen to. To create subscribers, you can add links to your website such as I have on the right hand side of mine. Likely, you will need to use a free service like Feedburner to help you do this. (Freeburner also keeps track of who has subscribed to your podcast (or blog)). Another way to add subscribers is to publish your podcast on a podcast directly such as iTunes...These directories allow people to subscribe.
A note for you: If you want to subscribe to podcasts, you will need a place (such as iTunes or myYahoo!) where you can manage and access these subscriptions!
3) Put your podcast in a directory: This is the way to go big...or at least wide. Putting your podcast in a directory means that people from all around the world can access (and subscribe) to your podcasts.
Each of these levels actually requires a significant increase in commitment and thus benefit. But let's explore this a bit more...
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
What are some possibilities of podcasting?
As previously stated, moving up the "coolness" or "access" ladder of podcasting requires more commitment but offers more possibilities.
Let's take the basic level. You simply put an audio file aka "podcast" on your homepage, you never have to update it. People who stop by your website can just click on it. This might be effective for an online welcome to your church. A little link that says "Click here for welcome" which opens up a 30 second welcome (with some nice choral music in the background that quickly fades out), a listing of your services and maybe some snappy Bible quote or the mission of the congregation. This took someone five minutes to make, perhaps requires no editing and needs no updating.
However, let's say you want to have people subscribe to your weekly sermons or services. Now things get a bit trickier. One might think, okay, all we have to do is put our stuff online. Well, maybe. But if you want people to subscribe, you need to make sure you can publish with some regularity (otherwise why would people subscribe?). Furthermore, if people are getting weekly copies of the sermon or service, then the expectation is that they in fact are not attending the service. This ministry then is likely for former members or distant family and friend who are "seekers." Now some thought needs to go into it. What kind of editing or introduction does this text, sermon or service require for someone not necessarily a part of this community? You can see though, the audience is starting to affect you. The same dynamics applied that were in effect when Reading and Responding to the Radio Audience.
The ante gets even a bit higher with publishing on iTunes or another directory. Here you really need to consider how your publish your content. With a subscription, you likely know the people whom you are trying to reach. Over iTunes, you have people all over the world with completely varying degrees of Christian familiarity. They likely have no personal relationship with the church or its members. What will lead them (what tags for catagorization do you use) to you much less inspire them to listen to the whole thing (with your description)? Indeed, what kind of text do you want to put in the description box? Some people might make their entire written transcript available. Another option might be to write comments on historical background that would slow the sermon down but people might get into.
As we can see, there are a lot of possibilities. But we've just started talking about sermon/worship podcasting options. How else might podcasts shape your ministry? Let's go over Some more possibilities for podcasting.
Let's take the basic level. You simply put an audio file aka "podcast" on your homepage, you never have to update it. People who stop by your website can just click on it. This might be effective for an online welcome to your church. A little link that says "Click here for welcome" which opens up a 30 second welcome (with some nice choral music in the background that quickly fades out), a listing of your services and maybe some snappy Bible quote or the mission of the congregation. This took someone five minutes to make, perhaps requires no editing and needs no updating.
However, let's say you want to have people subscribe to your weekly sermons or services. Now things get a bit trickier. One might think, okay, all we have to do is put our stuff online. Well, maybe. But if you want people to subscribe, you need to make sure you can publish with some regularity (otherwise why would people subscribe?). Furthermore, if people are getting weekly copies of the sermon or service, then the expectation is that they in fact are not attending the service. This ministry then is likely for former members or distant family and friend who are "seekers." Now some thought needs to go into it. What kind of editing or introduction does this text, sermon or service require for someone not necessarily a part of this community? You can see though, the audience is starting to affect you. The same dynamics applied that were in effect when Reading and Responding to the Radio Audience.
The ante gets even a bit higher with publishing on iTunes or another directory. Here you really need to consider how your publish your content. With a subscription, you likely know the people whom you are trying to reach. Over iTunes, you have people all over the world with completely varying degrees of Christian familiarity. They likely have no personal relationship with the church or its members. What will lead them (what tags for catagorization do you use) to you much less inspire them to listen to the whole thing (with your description)? Indeed, what kind of text do you want to put in the description box? Some people might make their entire written transcript available. Another option might be to write comments on historical background that would slow the sermon down but people might get into.
As we can see, there are a lot of possibilities. But we've just started talking about sermon/worship podcasting options. How else might podcasts shape your ministry? Let's go over Some more possibilities for podcasting.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Some more possibilities for podcasting (aka, now the fun begins)
Okay, so you've got your own blog/iWeb set up where you have your sermons delivered via Podcast to a subscribing group of your parishioners; you maybe even have put the sermons on iTunes or another directory. But this is just the beginning. Really. I can't even fathom all the possibilities for your context because I just don't know all of the gifts and talents that God has given your congregation.
Here are ten quick ideas though:
1. Daily devotional: You might have a daily 2 minute devotional that you offer for subscription (and that you need to maintain!).
2. Sermon commentary (The side notes in your first draft of your sermon): You might offer additional commentary on the sermon each week.
3. Other biblical texts (the sermon you didn't preach): You might offer a weekly commentary on the text you don't preach on.
4. Advertisement for adult education: You might offer a weekly 2-minute preview of the upcoming adult forum.
Okay, but the above four really just involve you as the pastor sending out information. The joy of podcasting (especially with blogs) is the ability for many people to participate. So, again, let's really try to think outside the box. Some of these thoughts are pretty vague, but hopefully they plant a seed.
5. Bible studies: People could blog in response to an audio file ("pod") you submitted to a Bible-study blog; each person in fact could take turns recording an audio file to start the discussion off.
6. Pod library: Your church could have its own directory for people of various podcasts, including major media players (for instance, the Lutheran church, which I am part of, has its own weekly podcast) but also local community podcasts which the church could even host.
7. Church council/board: Church council meeting summaries could also be available for subscription.
8. Youth podcasting: How might youth be able to have their own journalism or artistic expression through this media?
9. Choir files: Could the organist or musician make files of new songs for the choir (or congregation) for upcoming anthyms/songs?
10. Stories: In addition to sermons, perhaps people could just give their faith stories; this might be a weekly or monthly recording, no more than a few minutes...
Again, some of these are vague, but they hopefully give you a sense of the possibilities...(Even as I write this, I am amazed to think of the possibilities!)
Here are ten quick ideas though:
1. Daily devotional: You might have a daily 2 minute devotional that you offer for subscription (and that you need to maintain!).
2. Sermon commentary (The side notes in your first draft of your sermon): You might offer additional commentary on the sermon each week.
3. Other biblical texts (the sermon you didn't preach): You might offer a weekly commentary on the text you don't preach on.
4. Advertisement for adult education: You might offer a weekly 2-minute preview of the upcoming adult forum.
Okay, but the above four really just involve you as the pastor sending out information. The joy of podcasting (especially with blogs) is the ability for many people to participate. So, again, let's really try to think outside the box. Some of these thoughts are pretty vague, but hopefully they plant a seed.
5. Bible studies: People could blog in response to an audio file ("pod") you submitted to a Bible-study blog; each person in fact could take turns recording an audio file to start the discussion off.
6. Pod library: Your church could have its own directory for people of various podcasts, including major media players (for instance, the Lutheran church, which I am part of, has its own weekly podcast) but also local community podcasts which the church could even host.
7. Church council/board: Church council meeting summaries could also be available for subscription.
8. Youth podcasting: How might youth be able to have their own journalism or artistic expression through this media?
9. Choir files: Could the organist or musician make files of new songs for the choir (or congregation) for upcoming anthyms/songs?
10. Stories: In addition to sermons, perhaps people could just give their faith stories; this might be a weekly or monthly recording, no more than a few minutes...
Again, some of these are vague, but they hopefully give you a sense of the possibilities...(Even as I write this, I am amazed to think of the possibilities!)
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