I’ve fallen in love with podcasts. It took me by surprise. For the longest time, I didn’t listen to any. In fact, I made fun of the newfangled medium, including its clunky name.

But then about two years ago, something clicked. I started listening to some theology podcasts when I was out for my daily run. After a while I was branching out to podcasts with sermons, debates, history lessons, and, yes, political commentary. I so hooked I actually started looking forward to my daily 30-minute jogs through the neighborhood.

I thought of my own journey when I read Daniel Darling’s article arguing that Listening to Podcasts Makes Us Better Preachers. Darling shows how eavesdropping on other preachers can help you hone your own craft. I also thought of The Art of Pastoring, a new podcast by Jared C. Wilson and Ronnie Martin. In their latest episode they discuss the unsexy but essential parts of ministry. Even if you’re not into podcasts like me, you’ll find the wisdom they offer worthwhile.