A Bible, cup of coffee, and Christian podcast
A Bible, cup of coffee, and Christian podcast (Photo by New Africa on Shutterstock)
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The 5 Best Christian Podcasts To Explore Your Spirituality And Faith, Experts Say

January 20, 2024
by Christy Duren

Let’s face it — most of us stay very busy with life’s many demands. Sitting down to read a book for entertainment or information can be very time-consuming, and that’s where podcasts can come to the rescue. The great thing about listening to a podcast is that you can multitask while it plays. Cooking dinner? Listen to a podcast. Folding clothes? Listen to a podcast. Driving to work? Listen to a podcast. Plus, podcasts are available on-demand to fit into our personal schedule. A plethora of podcasts are available for free and via paid streaming services, including Christian-themed ones. But where do you even begin with the countless podcasts that fit the bill? No worries! StudyFinds has done the research for you, and we have compiled a list of the best Christian podcasts.

There is something powerful about hearing a person’s words versus reading their words. A University of California-Berkeley study finds that when we hear an opinion spoken aloud, we humanize the speaker more, even if we disagree with what they’re saying. The same could apply whether we are listening to someone in person or via a podcast. Seeing a person speak or hearing their voice makes them more relatable.

Maybe you’re looking for a podcaster you feel just gets you and understands your current stage in life. There is something freeing and fulfilling knowing that others are walking a similar journey so you can learn from their experiences. Or maybe you want a podcast that will help you gain a deeper understanding of a topic. Along with countless others that will meet both of those desires, StudyFinds used the recommendations of nine religious experts to find the best Christian podcasts that were mentioned most. Let us know in the comments which is your favorite!

Woman recording podcast
Woman recording podcast (Photo by Soundtrap on Unsplash)

The Best Christian Podcasts to Listen to Next

 

“BibleProject”

When thinking about Christian podcasts, the best of the best should be primarily about the Bible, right? The BibleProject has a podcast, as well as videos, articles, classes, and educational resources to help you learn more about the Bible. The best part is all of these are totally free! Their website boasts over 500,000 people who get regular updates about their content, which goes to show that the quality and content of all of their media offerings are spot on.

The BibleProject podcast records the conversations between hosts Timothy Mackie and Jonathan Collins as they prepare to create their video content. ChristianPodcast.com explains how each podcast episode “features detailed conversations between Tim and Jon and occasional guests, inviting you to explore the biblical theology behind each animated video and series [they] create.”

So how deep do Tim and Jon go? Christianity.com says these two men “treat the Bible like what it is: Hebrew and Greek literature. They explain the literal translations and connotations of Hebrew and Greek words, provide cultural context for common symbols, imagery, and other literary devices, and explain how those elements should impact our interpretation of the Word.” Sound too deep for your tastes? Keep reading.

They dive deep, but present the information in a way that helps us understand the simplicities and complexities of God’s Word. “The podcast uses storytelling, striking visuals, and animations to make the Bible accessible and relatable for everyone,” adds The Witness.

“Risen Motherhood”

Being a mom is no simple task, but moment by moment you are rocking it. How do I know? You’re considering checking out the Risen Motherhood podcast, hosted by Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler, to help you relate to other moms and keep growing in your awesomeness. Bible Keeper reminds us, “There are no perfect parents, but just a perfect God who loves you just where you are, and the hosts [Emily and Laura] will travel the journey of parenting with you.”

While primarily geared towards moms, this podcast was recommended by experts on multiple websites of the best Christian podcasts overall. Crosswalk explains, “On each episode of the Risen Motherhood podcast, hosts Laura and Emily discuss relevant topics to everyday motherhood through the lens of the gospel. From potty training or cooking dinner, to miscarriage or PPD [postpartum depression], no topic is off limits. Each episode is about 20 minutes, so you can fit it into your day when you’re washing dishes, folding laundry or driving to work.”

The mission of the whole Risen Motherhood Ministry is to “encourage, equip, and challenge moms to apply the gospel to their everyday lives.” Blogging Tips describes the Risen Motherhood podcasts as being “a Christian perspective regarding these topics to offer a fresh view of what motherhood looks like when handled with Christianity. They enjoy their time together and offer honest, relevant advice and topic coverage that you will feel you are discussing parenting with your best friend when listening.”

“That Sounds Fun”

The title alone lets you know this is not going to be a boring podcast. “That Sounds Fun with Annie Downs” is described as “a collection of heartfelt stories based on her life experiences and conversations with her most trusted colleagues and acquaintances,” says Happier Human. We’ve all heard, and hopefully experienced, how laughter is good for the soul. Annie helps us do just that. “Known for her friendly and casual conversation style, she aims to bring out the best in each of her guests. You can expect to hear a wide range of topics, from faith and culture to books and movies,” notes The Witness.

But wait, there’s more! How did this podcast come to be? Annie and her business partner, Kelli Cashiola Haywood, found that together their “experience and expertise in the podcasting and entertainment industries perfectly positioned them to launch the That Sounds Fun Network in May of 2020. The That Sounds Fun Network is home to 17 podcast shows (and counting!) spanning many categories – aimed to entertain, impact, bless and help.” The network is a collaborative community of podcasts creating purposeful and encouraging content inspired to leave the world better than we found it. Isn’t it great how Annie Downs isn’t just focused on the successful reach of her own podcasts, but with helping others reach their own audiences too?

Annie “shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, restaurants, travel stories, musicians not to miss, interviews with friends,” comments Chartable. “Pretty much, if it sounds fun to Annie, you’re gonna hear about it.” So if you’re looking for a podcast to inspire, inform, and make you laugh, That Sounds Fun was made for you. 

“Cold-Case Christianity”

Now to a more serious podcast — “Cold-Case Christianity.” Host J. Warner Wallace is described by Christian Podcast as “a Dateline featured cold-case homicide detective.” He explores “the evidence for God’s existence, the reliability of the Bible and the truth of the Christian worldview.”

If you have ever questioned Christianity in any way, Bible Keepers says that Wallace can probably answer your queries. They say he looks into every nook and cranny of religion and its criticisms. It’s a great way to feel prepared for your personal conversations on religion.  

Mommin’ From Scratch adds a few examples of questions that the podcast strives to clear up: “Why are so many young people leaving the church? Why are so many older Christians apathetic and unengaged? And why do so few Christians understand what they believe, and why do even fewer understand WHY they believe it?”

Looking for resources beyond their podcast? The Cold-Case Christianity website has you covered for books, articles, videos, a free course, and a chance to join a cancel-free community of believers. 

“The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey”

Looking for a podcast that is a bit more lighthearted than the depth and seriousness of the first two on our list? Bible Keepers mentions how there is a new special guest every week to learn from in the scope of everyday life and becoming closer to God.

Wondering what a typical episode of “The Happy Hour” is like? Blogging Tips explains that it has no set agenda, with topics ranging from complexities to simple commentary. They also commend Ivey for making you feel like a member of the community she builds through this podcast. 

So, what’s the purpose of “The Happy Hour”? Well, Happier Human says Ivey has created a space that is synonymous with girlfriends simply chatting about life. So, grab a cup of coffee, spend an hour with Jamie, and let us know your thoughts! 

Now that we have shared the best Christian podcasts most recommended by experts, which do you plan to check out first? Let us know in the comments below. Have suggestions for other podcasts we should add to our list? We look forward to hearing about those, too!

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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.

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