The Way of the Master radio podcast was something I really valued. It was available for free on itunes and on the WOTM website. But I have just learned (late I know) that Living Waters stopped financially supporting the radio show and now Todd Friel is hosting a new radio show called "Wretched Radio" (he also has a TV show on some Christian network I believe). Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron will make appearances on this radio show still. But it is now 2 separate ministries.
I didn't think this was a huge deal. I was like "well as long as they have a podcast, its all good" so I went to the website. They do have podcasts. But the podcasts are no longer free. You have to pay 6 dollars a month. Which means I will no longer be listening to these guys. Sure, I could pay the monthly charge. But I don't listen regularly enough to pay for it. I understand nothing is free and there are production costs, as well as an income in it for Mr.Friel and the rest of the staff, plus numerous other fees. But this seems to have come at a horrible time given the state of the economy and how difficult it is to pay for just about anything. One of the things I loved about the WOTM podcasts was that it was free and I could refer people to it without having to worry about whether or not they could afford it.
I'd even be willing to guess that they will lose a lot of their listeners. I mean they were so big on reaching the lost. How many of the lost do you think are going to be willing to pay for an evangelical program? That's never a good sign. Promoting the new books or DVDs was one thing, but charging for podcasts seems like it will eliminate the original purpose of reaching the lost. Plus not everyone has those cable channels (or cable at all) that the WOTM television program is on, so this will end up being the end of the road for many who relied on WOTM ministries for their daily supplement of spiritual nourishment.
As for me, I'll continue to support Ray Comfort, Todd Friel, and Kirk Cameron by the purchasing of their books and DVDs when I feel led. I believe these guys are strong men of God that put their heart into evangelism. I do enjoy the things they've written or filmed. But I do feel somewhat saddened by this podcast thing.
*And on a more personal note, I blame you John. I believe you just proved the "name it and claim it" nonsense as a true tested method that works. If I remember correctly just about 2 months ago you told me, "you need to get out of WOTM mode." It appears you got your wish. With that said, I think I'll be careful with my apple juice comments in the future.
