Chaplains Christoph Hendrix and Ralf Meyer start video podcast format: “Baptists” dare to go in front of the camera

A camera training session for pastors gave the two of them the idea: “You don’t have to describe so much of the trappings in a video, the viewer sees for himself what is happening.” And that’s exactly what Kaplan Christoph Hendrix from Kleve and the Kaplan want of the youth castle Gemen, Ralf Meyer, use for yourself.

The two young priests of the Münster diocese have long been known as “baptisms” through their podcasts. They have now revised and supplemented their concept in a self-imposed corona break. The result: The previous podcasts will appear as videos in the future. It starts with a Christmas edition. The podcast will continue, but this format will be more about commenting on well-known films.
Because the comments on the “Harry Potter” films met with such an overwhelming response from their fans in this year’s Holy Week, the chaplains want to pick up on them: “Next, let’s look at the old ‘Star Wars’ films from the 80s “, Says Christoph Hendrix, whom everyone just calls Jimi. “When it comes to that, I’m a real nerd,” he knows about his particular passion and gives the reason for it: “I grew up with ‘Star Wars’.” As always, Ralf Meyer is responsible for asking questions. As in their “Baptism” podcast, the two skillfully pass the balls to each other.
Even if the “Star Wars” films do not promise any deeply religious content, the young priests have discovered messages that can be interpreted religiously: “For example, we are investigating the question of what do monks and Jedi knights have in common?” Want so much they reveal at this point: The Jedi Knights have quite similarities with the religious life. The chaplains know very well that this is not a high theology: “But symbols appear in many films that are definitely comparable and catchy.” They are convinced that some things can be brought closer to people more easily than in a sermon. The men already have the first videos in the can. Continue. The individual contributions are much more time-consuming for the two young clergymen: “In the advanced training we learned what to look out for when filming,” says Hendrix.

A lot of work

And that’s a lot more than a podcast recording. Nothing should artificially distract the audience. Another rule: do not cover up possible faults, but integrate them skillfully. At the end, Ralf Meyer cuts the best sequences together: “That also takes more time.”
When everything is done and the youth castle is quiet, the chaplain sits down at the computer and gets to work. That can also be late in the evening. After all, it’s a hobby. The episodes can be found on the “Taufbolde” YouTube channel. A 30-second trailer for promoting your own cause on social networks is already ready. Just like the organ intro, played by Dr. Gabriel Isenberg, the church musician of the parish St. Viktor in Damme.
By the way, the clergy neither have a script for the audio nor for the video podcast: “We’re spontaneous,” they emphasize with a mischievous laugh: “We’ll briefly discuss what it’s about – and then get started right away . “They are satisfied with the results.
They do not have a fixed rhythm for playing their videos. There should be a new production every two to four weeks. Christoph Hendrix: “It is and will remain our hobby.”

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