Increasingly, people are looking for ways to connect with their faith online – and the statistics speak for themselves. Nearly half (44%) of people prefer to engage in prayer from home, while more than half (53%) of practicing Christians have streamed their church’s services via the web? Meanwhile, a third (33%) of those who attend church came across their current place of worship online. During the Covid pandemic, 45% of Americans tuned in to at least one online service. During the same period, 96% of pastors live-streamed services. (That’s according to church digital marketing specialists Reach Right.)
The same organisation points out that 17 million in the US who don’t attend church regularly nonetheless visit church websites. (Since the year 2000, reports pollsters Gallup, the number of people who seldom or rarely attend church has climbed noticeably from 40% to 54%.) Meanwhile, in a single year, more than $2.2bn was given online in donations.
All of which underlines the importance of places of worship – embracing the internet in meeting the needs of modern congregations. Podcast or online radio stations, can help to forge stronger relationships with new and existing members by providing an engaging way to stay in touch, especially if the audio is produced professionally.
Using Audio To Benefit Your Church Community
Online audio allows you to reach members who live too far away to get to you, those with mobility/health issues preventing them to attend in person or those who simply prefer to worship at home. At the same time, the great thing about audio is that people can listen while doing something else, from traveling to work to housework to going for a walk or run – it’s incredibly convenient.
Based on the work we have done in the past, we have put together some known benefits for those embracing the digital world:
1.) Spotlight On Your Ministry
Start a podcast and start highlighting everything your church does and spread your message to far more people than would be possible in a physical building alone. Include sermons and speeches, details of any events you’re holding and live broadcasts from them. Stress how listeners can take action and get involved, whether that’s volunteering, donating or anything else.
2.) Grow Your Community
Radio stations and podcasts can reach followers you may not otherwise be able to connect with. Schedule your radio broadcasts for different times and days to make your reach as broad as possible. Your podcasts can, of course, be accessed whenever it’s most convenient for the listener. Which is what makes it so special!
3.) Empower Your Followers
You can make it easy for people to tune in with mobile apps, desktop players and access to radio directories. By removing the stumbling block of having to participate in person you empower those who are natural introverst to embrace their faith journey.
4.) Making Giving Donations Easy
You can also make it easy for your members to give both their time and money. On your podcast or other broadcast, repeat this message clearly without being overly demanding, and let people know how they can help both the church and any members who may be in need. We are all used to listening to ads in broadcasts – and asking for donations doesn’t have to be any different. This is far more natural in pre-recorded content than in “in person” meetings.
5.) Building a Brand
I know what you are thinking – Church as a BRAND? It almost feels dirty to say that. However in the busy online world it’s the consistency and brand familiarity that helps your projects grow. A podcast or radio station can help your church to build the authority and awareness of its brand online, while helping to increase the volume of traffic to its website. Professional produced radio imaging solutions can create a brand and identity for your church.
Why Use Professional Specialists For Your Audio?
There are a number of benefits to have professional production company for your church radio station or a podcast:
- You’ll improve your audio and production values with high-quality content, which will make your show stand out as you attract more listeners.
- It also provides important consistency, while allowing you to incorporate video content as you wish.
- You’ll get vital pre-production support, professional advice on the scripts and messages.
A professional audio production is an all-round worthwhile investment that allows you to create a quality end product. Frankly, producing something inferior could ultimately prove a false economy. At Music Radio Creative, we offer professional, fully produced human or AI voices as part of the full audio package to help you make the best possible content. In other words, we’re a one-stop-shop for all your audio requirements.
