by Jan Shober, Sr. VP of Strategy
I slid into the driver’s seat of my car recently one morning and turned the key. The sound of the radio wafted through the air; It had been left on. Immediately, I heard one of those short ministry segments tucked between songs and programs. I had only a short drive, so I left the radio alone.
I heard a kind but energetic voice talking about the migration patterns of monarch butterflies—and how God’s handiwork paints nature. As I navigated through summertime traffic, clogged due to roadwork, I could not help but reflect on the wonder of God.* Instead of being an annoying drive it had turned into a moment of worship.
Why do I tell you this? It is so easy to overlook the importance of short form ministry audio. Yet radio features, or short streaming features, with their ability to paint vivid pictures and spiritual truths can engage, impact, and keep your listener. And get this: Our listener often does not tune in based on our schedules—but on their own. What will they hear in that crucial first moment?
It takes less than a minute to have a deep impact. In our hurried and busy world, a minute is an exceedingly long time. Think of the basketball shot clock. Or the pitching countdown now used. Or the fraction of a second that determines the winner in a race.
Radio and audio features have the compelling ability to transport listeners somewhere else and into unfamiliar experiences. Like the monarch butterflies on their migratory journey, these features can whisk us away from the mundane, offering a brief but meaningful escape. Through storytelling and powerful language, they ignite our imagination, fire up our spirits and allow us to see the world through new eyes.
Furthermore, radio features serve as a reminder of the beauty and significance of a single message. A one-focus brief message can be a moment of respite—a chance to slow down, listen, and appreciate the spiritual importance of every moment.
With such an impact, it’s vital to take your short form seriously. Review what you are airing regularly for a match with your mission. Remove the features that dull your spirit or cause you to yawn. If you are a producer, use these same measures. Share your audio with people unfamiliar with your work. And listen to what they say.
Back in my car, I reached my nearby destination. The radio feature had ended, leaving me with a renewed appreciation for the profound impact of such moments. My day had improved in just a minute.
*Details changed
