Top Secret Podcast Idea

Premise & Objective

This show explores the unity of Christian faith by way of key figures from throughout church history. Episodes feature primary quotes and biographical sketches, as well as theological context and pastoral insight. The aim is to edify, inform, and incite mature catholicity from a confessionally Protestant perspective, thereby deepening the listener’s bond toward all who “await their entire salvation in Jesus Christ” (BC 27).

Format

Each episode runs 10-30 minutes, focusing on one figure. The style is informal and enthusiastic, not exhaustive. Not “historians,” but pastors applying history.

Purpose:

• Passion, not profit. I’d still want to do this if only a handful of people listened.

• Positive influence. I’d like to edify the church and shape general appreciation of (total) church history.

Show Title: The Same Spirit

Based on 2 Corinthians 4:13-14 and the Belgic Confession, Articles 27 & 28

“Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.” 2 Cor 4:13-14

Subtext Possibilities?

• “Meeting Christians of All Eras, in Their Own Words”

• “Christians united in faith, in their own words.”

• “Christians united across twenty-one centuries by the same faith.”

Show Description:

Many Christians feel cut off from other eras of church history. This show introduces you, through their own words, to believers in all times who voice the same spirit of faith in Jesus Christ. Episodes feature inspiring quotes and biographical sketches, as well as theological context and practical insight from two pastors.

Concept Art

I’m not committed to this design but my preference is flat-style (center). It seems wise to visually telegraph that historical/churchy things will be going on in this show, so that it’s not a bait-and-switch. The red font is for the blood of the martyrs. Not really. But maybe. Or atonement. Or color-branding. Thoughts?

Content

Season 1: “Twenty-One Centuries of Faith, in Twenty-One Figures”

Season 1 is chronological, tracing 21 figures (roughly one per century). At least five episodes would be produced prior to release (to refine feel and build a buffer). Thereafter, episodes would be released every other week, to complete the season in one year (or something like that—it’s a project, not a job). After that, an indefinite hiatus.

Future Seasons

If it ever comes to it, subsequent seasons can be shorter (5-10 episodes). They might include:

Special Guests

We could get them for special episodes, if we want. I can ask Hyde, Glomsrud, and Godfrey, all of whom I think would all be in.

Extras & Promotions

• Provide socially shareable images (Instagram, etc.) with historical quotes to promote the show.

• Book give-aways. Hyde’s With Heart & Mouth and Grace Worth Fighting For come to mind.

• Fundraiser — sell quote-image collectibles (or whatever). Profits go to a foreign seminary student scholarship (“Cappodocians” coasters; Magisterial Reformers mugs/steins, etc.). Sounds funny, but use respectful designs.

Longterm plans:

Use show transcripts as the basis for a book promoting catholicity as envisioned by the best of the Reformed tradition. Lay a welcome mat on Protestant confessionalism. Exhibit winsome pride in our tradition while modeling charitable criticism of all parties .

Made for the Mountain