In many of the churches I visit, I hear stories about churches doing radio shows in which the pastor would field questions about life, the Bible and theology. It wasn't a sermon, but it was a conversation with regular people from their local community who would call and ask the pastor questions. The stories of these churches that did these types of ministries would be incredible as there was a relationship built with the community, and often, people would come into the church because of the radio programme. Many would commit their lives to following Jesus because of the "Ask the Pastor" radio show. The church's notoriety and the programs across the region spread because of this 30-minute local broadcast.

Of course, this was 30 years ago.

I wonder about the church re-engaging this ministry today and what that would look like.

People Still Have Questions

I think people in your community still have questions about faith, life, the Bible and theology. People are trying to make life work and the Bible has answers for that. Digging into the questions people are asking will help you understand your community more. You don't need to be a Bible scholar; you simply need to help people live lives by faith in Jesus.

Local is Relational

Sure, there are many pastors who will give answers, but if you live in the community and make it about the community, there is a higher level of trust and relationship. If you make the show more about the local flavor and tag it by region, there is a higher chance that people in that community will make the connection and start attending the church. You don't need to be a national voice; just be a regional one.

The Technology is There

Never has it been easier to create a podcast or a 30 second video reel and send it out to the community. The technology is literally in your pocket. You can create high quality content that will reach your local community.

Keep it Simple

You don't need to deep dive into challenging topics. Simply talk about the things that matter to non-believers. How do I cope with stress? How do I pray? How do I manage my anxiety? How do I connect with my teenage kids? Quick, straightforward answers from the Bible and share your own experiences. Be real and relational, and keep it simple.

Make Yourself Accessible

When you begin to do this, you become accessible and recognizable to the community. People will know who you are and where you pastor. This will become a part of the bridge building that needs to happen for Canadians to cross that stained glass barrier and find themselves in a church. Every Canadian is on a journey of faith. Many of them don't think the church is open to them due to their beliefs. Becoming accessible is an opportunity to reach out to them.

Ask a pastor may look different in 2024, but the concepts are the same. The technology is there to make an impact, and you can build community and become recognizable as a church that answers real questions in real-time.

ABNWT churches that are doing this:

Jogging With Jesus (Tik Tok) – Tim Bowen From New Hope Pentecostal in Olds, AB.

Family Business (YouTube) – Brett and Desiree Eslinger, Saints Church in Edmonton, AB.

The Worship Center Grande Prairie Reels (Facebook) – Josh Anderson, The Worship Center in Grande Prairie, AB.

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