Viral Jesus

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Viral Jesus is a podcast from Christianity Today about digital communication and the power of social connections. Join author and communication scholar Heather Thompson Day as she dives deep with ministry leaders, content creators, and social media influencers to find out how they're starting important conversations, building community, and sharing their faith in digital spaces.

27 JUN

Leave It All On The Track

Today’s episode is our last episode of Viral Jesus. 125 episodes, thousands and thousands of downloads, and three years have brought us to this necessary ending. Viral Jesus was created to help us remember the power of our social networks. In this last conversation, Heather wants to talk directly to you, the listener, and remind you that you have influence. Create the podcast. Write the blog. Email the book agent. Don’t stop creating. Someone is watching, listening, and learning from what you’ve experienced. Don’t stop believing that your being faithful with what God has placed in your hand, truly matters. It’s not about whether or not we finish our race first. It’s about running in obedience and faithfulness to the race set before us. That’s what we hope you take away from Viral Jesus. In this life, with your gifting, leave it all on the track. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heather’s weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7pm EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

33 min
20 JUN

Natalie Boonstra Lilly: Dealing with Insecurity

Today’s episode with Natalie Boonstra Lilly is such an empowering conversation. Natalie shares her heart behind her latest book Insecure: My Story. She opens up about her deformity, and how it impacted her childhood and self-esteem. Heather and Natalie also discuss how you know when you are supposed to share your story, waiting on God to open doors, and why it is important to find safe spaces when sharing intimate experiences publicly for the first time. Heather also adds a tool to your toolkit with the suggestion of adding Manychat to your platform. Guest Bio At ten years old, Natalie Lilly was diagnosed with the extremely rare Madelung’s deformity and has grappled with insecurities throughout her life. But she knows God says she is fearfully and wonderfully made and strives to help others find the freedom she’s found in who Jesus says she is. Natalie is a master’s student, author, public speaker, and pastor’s wife. She is the author of Insecure: My Story. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heather’s weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7pm EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. “Viral Jesus” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producer: Matt Stevens Host: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: McKenzie Hill Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Audio Engineer: Loren Joseph Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

41 min
13 JUN

Drew Dyck: Just Show Up

Today’s episode with Drew Dyck encapsulates why we started this show. Heather had never met Drew in person, but his writing and Twitter have impacted her real life. It is incredible how our online presence can bring about real-life friendships and foster spiritual growth. Heather and Drew discuss Drew’s latest book Just Show Up. Drew wants to remind you that God isn’t expecting you to do everything, or to change overnight. The gospel is an invitation to Just Show Up and engage with people and our own lives right where we are. Heather also breaks down the latest Instagram algorithm update and explains why bait engagement is different from calls to action. Guest Bio Drew Dyck (M.A. Theology) is the author of multiple books, including Your Future Self Will Thank You: Secrets To Self Control From The Bible And Brain Science (2019), and Just Show Up: How Small Acts of Faithfulness Change Everything (2023). Drew is an editor at Moody Publishers and the former managing editor of Leadership Journal. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including Christianity Today, Relevant Magazine, The Gospel Coalition, and CNN.com. Drew grew up in Canada and now lives in the Portland area with his wife, Grace, and their three children. They attend The Well Church Church in Portland. Connect with Drew at DrewDyck.com or follow him on Twitter @drewdyck. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heather’s weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7pm EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

43 min
6 JUN

Gary Lawrence: Understanding Our Rejection Patterns

Have you ever wondered why you behave the way you do? Dr. Gary Lawrence says he thinks it has to do with the patterns of rejection we navigated in childhood. We all experience rejection, but we all survive that rejection differently. Dr. Gary believes that he has found some helpful tools that can help us break free of toxic patterns we may be repeating. In today's episode Heather and Gary discuss how we can identify, isolate, and eliminate the root cause of most of our problems with rejection. Heather also talks to creators about how to navigate the reality of not being cited for your work. Guest Bio Dr. Gary Lawrence is the author of ‘Rejection Junkies’. He and his wife Sylvia have spent their lives successfully leading others to “identify, isolate, and eliminate” the root cause of the emotional turmoil in their lives. Over 23 years of serving as the founder and director of New Life Dynamics Christian Counseling Center and 20 years as the host of his own radio show, Life Mastery Counseling with Dr. G, he has personally met with and coached more than 6000 clients and has overseen the counseling of another 10,000. He also serves on television, stage, and radio. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heather’s weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7pm EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

31 min
30 MAY

We Too: How the Church Can Respond Redemptively to the Sexual Abuse Crisis

Today’s episode is a must listen. Mary DeMuth is the author of We Too: How the Church can Respond Redemptively to Sexual Abuse, and spends the first half of this conversation walking Heather through her own story. Mary is committed to equipping churches with tools to be able to navigate these conversations with grace. Mary and Heather also discuss how Scripture is a redemptive story that can encourage the most burdened, which is why Mary is so passionate about Bible reading. Heather and Mary also navigate the importance of knowing the story of Scripture, which can help shape your own story in both grace and truth. Guest Bio Mary DeMuth is an international speaker, podcaster, and author of nearly 50 books, fiction and nonfiction, including We Too: How the Church can Respond Redemptively To The Sexual Abuse Crisis and her latest book, 90-Day Bible Reading Challenge. Mary lives in Texas with her husband of 33 years and is mom to three adult children. Learn more at marydemuth.com. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heather’s weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7pm EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. “Viral Jesus” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producer: Matt Stevens Host: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: McKenzie Hill Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Audio Engineer: Loren Joseph Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

40 min
23 MAY

The Church Behind Bars Is Alive and Well

Today’s episode highlights the work that is being done by Christians for the incarcerated. Heather sits down with the first female president of Prison Fellowship, Heather Rice Minus and discusses what work still needs to be done outside of prisons, and in our communities, to help incarcerated individuals transition after serving their sentence. During today’s episode Heather also provides an update on Viral Jesus and requests your prayer for the future of the show. Guest Bio Heather Rice Minus is the President and CEO of Prison Fellowship. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heather’s weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7pm EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

42 min
16 MAY

JS Park: As Long As You Need

Today’s episode is for the person navigating a season of loss or grief, and trying to figure out how long this ache will last. JS Park is a chaplain who has served for nearly 10 years and has held pain for thousands of patients and their families. He believes that our need to rush past pain, only suffocates our grief, and that grief is a voice that needs to be heard. During today’s episode Heather also provides an update on her life ministry, and professional journey. Guest Bio J.S. Park is a hospital chaplain, author, and online educator. For eight years he has been an interfaith chaplain at a thousand-plus-bed hospital that is designated a Level 1 Trauma Center. J.S. has an MDiv, completed in 2010, and a BA in Psychology. He also has a sixth-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He is also the author of As Long As You Need. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heather’s weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7pm EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. “Viral Jesus” is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producer: Matt Stevens Host: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: McKenzie Hill Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Audio engineering by Loren Joseph Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

51 min
25 APR

Andrew Farley: 101 Bible Questions And the Surprising Answers You May Not Hear in Church

Are there certain questions you don't feel like you can ask in church about the Bible? For today’s episode Heather sits down with Dr. Andrew Farley, a pastor and radio show host, asks him questions he often gets during his live radio show every night about the Bible. Andrew believes in grace, freedom, and the new covenant. If you have felt that religion offered you very little grace, less freedom, and didn’t talk very much about the beauty of the New Covenant, today’s episode is for you. During today’s episode Heather also sits down with Brady Shearer for your social toolkit. Brady Shearer is the director of Pro Church Tools and church software platform Nucleus. He helps churches navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years. Guest Bio Dr. Andrew Farley is a bestselling author of nine books including The Grace Message, The Naked Gospel, and Twisted Scripture. He most recently launched the “Heartbeat of Faith” podcast on pray.com and released his newest book, 101 Bible Questions. He serves as president of The Grace Message, hosts a live, call-in radio program every weeknight, is the lead pastor of The Grace Church, and has been recognized with several awards for his excellence in teaching. Andrew lives in Texas with his wife Katharine and their son Gavin. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heather’s weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7pm EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

42 min

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Viral Jesus is a podcast from Christianity Today about digital communication and the power of social connections. Join author and communication scholar Heather Thompson Day as she dives deep with ministry leaders, content creators, and social media influencers to find out how they're starting important conversations, building community, and sharing their faith in digital spaces.