a few weeks ago we started doing our wednesday night bible studies and conversations as a podcast. i have not checked to see how many subscriptions or total downloads we have had (though it has maxed my typepad bandwidth when a new episode goes up) but i have gleaned some observations that i think are priceless. some i expected, some not so much
- youth are super intense. this intensity does not mean they do not goof off. what i mean by this, is that they are so very intense in listening in order to contribute that for 20 minutes they listen and contemplate and respond appropriately. from the perspective of a youth minister.. i'll take 20 minutes of a week of intense listening anytime over what is the usual amount
- there is order. this is partly due to johnathan. we turn off mics when people are not talking, so everyone has to raise their hand to show they want to say something and then wait for their cue. this way we don't pick up their side conversations or heavy breathing, so it is easily justified.
- they are incredibly honest. it may be just us, i doubt it though, but the youth are very honest in their confusions, successes and shortcomings as they see them. to be this way over the net, is pretty remarkable.
- even in the "controlled" environment of a recording studio (which i'd hardly say we have) youth are still unpredictable. from our last episode where one kid changed wardrobe. dropping something. kicking mic stands. complete and total silence. asking for "re-do's" it's amazing to me.
- the gimmick works. it might not be a gimmick, but i do think that the idea that youth are creating their own content is something they want to be a part of. from our first episode with four youth to our fourth with nine. i would say that is some pretty good percentage growth.
the future hopes
- i hope that numerous youth who do not come to our recording session listen in and grow from it.
- i would like to know that our church finds growth through our conversations. it might be gaining understanding of the youth or spiritual growth as we strive for.
- i hope that some of the participants listen again to the conversations to remember thoughts, epiphanies, and questions.
- i hope to find out someday that others around the world listen to our podcast. then we will take over the world!!!
