Peter Otvos is planting a Foursquare Church in Watsonville, California.  He is currently bi-vocational and utilizes podcasting to multiply the hours in his busy, weekly schedule supplementing his “official” work time with preparation for his real calling.  Here’s his take on the spiritual advantages of an iPod particularly as used as a study help: 

Technology has saved me a lot of money by allowing me access to study/  inspiration resources that I would not normally, or so easily, have been able to draw from.  For example, the very best use of technology for me, so far, has been my iPod.  I pick up podcasts from a diverse set of pastors because there is wisdom in a multitude of counselors (so the proverbs say) and so the blessing to those who seek the wisdom of varied sources goes.  

If we are going to be able to speak to the diversity of the next generation, we as local pastors, can benefit greatly from hearing a wide range of experts. A broad sweep of interpretation from leaders we trust on the same scriptures can give us great depth perspective. It can also galvanize our specific take on any one verse or topic. Never before has this process been so easy and inexpensive.  For me, as a young, bi-vocational pastor who doesn't get the benefit of a weekly sermon I can listen to (other than my own!) it is a great source of instruction and encouragement.

Here’s how to get podcasts. You can go to Apple.com and look at the "sale" rack for used ipods to save even more than buying new. You can also buy a radio transmitter that plugs into the top of your iPod and play it through any radio. Go to iTunes and start searching the web for different people to download podcasts from. It's free!!! Right now I've got over 179 pod casts from Jack Hayford.  How many conferences would I have to attend and how much money would I have to spend to listen to all the wisdom he has to share?   I can't tell you the number of times that God has spoken to me through these podcasts while I was driving around in my work vehicle.  Some of these messages have led to teaching topics for me, and some to personal moments of revelation and repentance.

By the way, I still love books, digital is not the be all end all.  It is simply a great new way to step into a world that frequently requires that we know more than just what our own experiences are able to provide for us. Using podcasts to multi-task while in the car, means I’m able to use my time to learn rather than just waste it behind the wheel.  I want to steward my time well and my iPod lets me accomplish that.  For more iPod resources go to the GodiPod link or iTunes.