How to Grow Your Podcast Audience as a Christian Podcaster: A Call to Boldness and Faithful Stewardship

How to Grow Your Podcast Audience as a Christian Podcaster: A Call to Boldness and Faithful Stewardship

If you’re a Christian podcaster, chances are you've asked yourself at least once, “How can I grow my audience?” It’s a tricky question to wrestle with. After all, you’re not in this for fame or recognition but because you know there’s a gospel message to share, a truth that can transform lives. Still, growing an audience is part of the process—God uses platforms, like podcasts, to reach people.

So, how do you grow your podcast audience while remaining faithful to the message? How do you steward your calling in a way that honors Christ and invites others to hear His truth?

1. Remember Who You’re Doing This For

First things first: You’re not doing this for the accolades. You’re not doing this to fill up your ego or build your platform. You’re doing this because of the One who called you.

The apostle Paul, speaking from a prison cell no less, writes to Timothy: "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching" (2 Timothy 4:2, ESV). Notice that he didn’t say, “Preach the word… but make sure you have a big audience first.” He didn’t say, “Preach the word… but only when people are listening.” He just said: preach.

And if God’s called you to podcast, that’s your first mission—preach the word. Be faithful in the small things, in the quiet moments. Don’t get distracted by metrics or compare your success to others. Keep your eyes on Him, the One who promised to bring forth fruit in due season.

It’s easy to get discouraged when the download numbers feel small, but that’s when we must trust that God is at work in ways we can’t always see. His ways are not our ways, and He does not need thousands of listeners to change one heart.

2. Find Your Voice and Make It Known

We’re living in a time where everyone has a platform. It’s tempting to imitate what others are doing, especially those with large audiences, but God has uniquely gifted you to speak a message that no one else can say in quite the same way.

In 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, Paul reminds us that there are “varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.” You might not have the gift of slick production or a charismatic speaking style, but that doesn’t matter. God has given you a voice to use for His glory.

So, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share your struggles. Be raw, vulnerable, and authentic. People crave that because, at the end of the day, they want to know they’re not alone in their struggles and that the gospel really is good news for messy lives.

Your audience wants to connect with you, not a polished version of you. The Bible is full of real people—broken people—who God used in mighty ways. Think of David, who was anointed king but spent years on the run. Think of Peter, who denied Christ but was later used to lead the church.

Your authenticity will create space for others to be real about their struggles and find hope in Christ.

3. Build a Community Around Your Message

One of the most powerful things you can do as a podcaster is invite your audience into a community. A podcast isn’t just about speaking to people—it’s about creating a space for conversation for relationships.

This isn’t just about growing numbers—it’s about developing people. Paul calls the church the body of Christ, reminding us that we are to “work together, with all the different gifts God has given each one of us” (Romans 12:4-5).

Ask yourself: How can you foster community around your podcast? Whether that’s through a Facebook group, a Patreon, or other online spaces, create opportunities for your listeners to engage with one another. Encourage them to share their thoughts and questions. Create space for prayer requests, feedback, and celebration of God’s work in their lives.

When your podcast feels like a community, people will want to be a part of it. And when they do, they’ll take ownership of the message you’re sharing. It’s not just your podcast—it’s our podcast.

4. Be Consistent and Strategic in Your Content

We know that ministry isn’t always about significant events and flashy moments. Sometimes, it’s the quiet, faithful obedience over time that reaps the greatest reward. In the same way, growing an audience requires consistency.

In Galatians 6:9, Paul encourages us: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.”

There’s a discipline to podcasting. The more consistent you are, the more likely people will tune in regularly. But it’s also important to be strategic. Ask yourself: What needs are my listeners facing? What is God calling me to speak to? Plan out your content so that you’re sharing your heart and offering valuable teaching that speaks directly to where people are.

And don't forget to ask your audience for feedback. Involve them in shaping the direction of your podcast so it’s something they genuinely connect with.

5. Trust God with the Results

Ultimately, we can only do so much. We can market, we can advertise, we can post on social media—but it’s God who brings the increase.

Paul reflects on this truth in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”

That doesn’t mean we do nothing—it means we do our part and trust God with the outcome. Your work is not in vain. Keep sharing, keep preaching, keep loving your listeners, and trust that God will use your faithfulness for His kingdom.

A Final Word of Encouragement

I know it’s easy to get discouraged when you don’t see instant results, but remember: your calling is more prominent than numbers. It’s about the people who are hearing your message—5, 500, or 5,000— your words impact their lives.

As you seek to grow your podcast audience, do it with humility. Do it with boldness. Do it with a heart fully surrendered to the mission of making Jesus known.

So, my friend, take heart. God is with you. Stay faithful. Keep sharing your message, and watch as He works in ways beyond what you can imagine.

Remember, growing your podcast audience isn’t about striving for success—it’s about stewarding your platform with faithfulness and humility. Stay consistent. Stay authentic. And trust God with the results.

Let’s go share the gospel. One podcast at a time.