Mobile Ministry Magazine

Proably more than most other mediums, music has had the ability to move, shake, motivate, and change cultures. Its even as far as music can infulence language just as much as language infulences music. That being the case, as a Christian, one has to realize that what they carry on their ears, has the potential to not only be edifying to self, but encourage one to edify the Body.

There are a few routes one can go in carrying Christian music. One route is quite familiar, the CD player. CDs are availiable just about everywhere, and for those not wanting the analog quality of casettes, its a great option. Just don't bump them, that skipping issue is what keeps CDs from being the best medium of choice for mobile folks.

Another route one can go is the digital audio player. Including music formats such as AAC (Apple Audio Codeic), MP3, WMA (Windows Media Audio), and OGG (Vorbis Audio Codec) can be played on these device. Although somewhat new to the consumer electronic scene, digital audio players have been very high sellers. The main advantages to a digital format such as these are better battery life, improved sound quality (in the higher bit rates), various device styles, and no skipping. There are two main types: hard drive based (like the iPod and Creative Zen Micro) and Flash memory-based (such as the new iPod nano and Creative Zen Nano). Flash based players have longer battery life but are usually more expensive.

Another option with the digital audio player is to play those items via one's PDA. Most PDAs offer some media player capable of playing back music and videos. One usually needs a memory card for this functionality, but all in all, it is the same as carrying a digital music player (you just have a lot more you can do besides music).

NOTE: digital audio files should either be created using CDs that you own, or by purchasing the audio file from some media store like Napster, iTunes Store, etc. To get those digital files by file sharing, swapping music players, or illegal ripping the music from someone else's CD is illegal in nearly every country in the world. Please play by the rules when dealing with digital audio content.

A final option for carrying Christian music with you is very new, and based on the use of wireless data networks and wireless devices such as smartphones, PDAs, and laptops. This option is called streaming. Now, if you used MusicMatch Jukbox's radio or Real Rapsody on your desktop then you already know the idea (take the net and stream music over the net to your computer). Combining this with a wireless device allows one to take those same Internet music stations, and stream them anywhere one has a wireless signal (whether cellular or wifi). This is something that we will see more of with personal satellite radio devices, podcasting, and music going more digital. If you have a wireless device and want to stream music to your device, a good place to start is a place like Windows MSN Music, Shoutcast, or (if you have a PalmOS device) PocketTunes.

All of these options have one great thing in common with our heart's hum: carrying teh King's music wherever we go. And who knows, maybe you might be playing something that will bless someone that you sit or walk next too.