What If I'm Wrong? - TopPodcast.com

Latest Episodes:

What You May Be Getting Wrong About the Character of God Feb 02, 2023

Show notes

In today’s episode Heather sits down with her friends Ty Gibson and David Asscherick to discuss what we may be getting wrong about the character of God. David and Ty walk us through Scripture and show us what has been there all along: God is love. What would happen to our evangelism and conversations if we, as a church body, truly started believing that this statement is true? You won’t want to miss this third and final conversation in our “What You May Be Getting Wrong About God” pod-class series.

Also, in a first for Viral Jesus, Heather chats with Christian comedienne Ellen Skrmetti about using comedy as a tool for life-changing communication. Ellen, whose Instagram Reels and TikTok accounts are bursting with clever and hilarious videos, has amassed nearly 100,000 followers and millions of views. The Second City alum reflects on the delicate balance between faith and humor, and she explains why “going viral” comes in many shapes and sizes.

Here are links to a few of the sermons that were referenced in this episode:

David Asscherick, This Is My Church?

Ty Gibson, Reimagining God

David Asscherick, Gospel Tribe

Guest Bios

Ty Gibson is a speaker/director for Light Bearers and pastor of Storyline Adventist Church. A passionate communicator with a message that opens minds and moves hearts, Ty teaches on a variety of topics, emphasizing God’s unfailing love as the central theme of the Bible. Ty and his wife Sue have three adult children and two grandsons.David Asscherick is a speaker/director for Light Bearers and ARISE co-founder and instructor. Since his baptism in 1999, David has traveled the globe preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He and his wife Violeta are the happy parents of two boys, Landon and Jabel.

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 Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What You May Be Getting Wrong About God’s Vision for the Church Jan 26, 2023

Show notes

In today’s episode Heather visits with one of her favorite theologians, Joel Muddamalle, for an energetic and insightful conversation about God’s original vision for the church and how we often miss it. Joel unpacks what it means to be ambassadors for Christ in a fragmented world; he cautions us against letting social media divide our souls; and he reminds us that ethnic and cultural diversity in the church is a feature, not a bug. One of the big points Joel touches on is what he calls our commitment to “the sacred-and-secular divide.” What does it mean to be set apart as Christians, and what is our role in secular spaces? Joel’s biblically rooted perspectives will inform, surprise, and challenge you to delve deeper into God’s Word. (This is the second conversation in a three-part series that began with “What You May Be Getting Wrong About Biblical Womanhood.”)

We also visit with our favorite social media whiz Brady Shearer for this week’s #Blessed. He gives us a breakdown of the difference between the social graph algorithm vs. the discovery algorithm and why he believes we all need to ride whatever wave social platforms present us with. Brady is the director of Pro Church Tools and the church-software platform Nucleus. His work focuses on helping churches navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years. Make sure to let us know your thoughts about this segment by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and including #Blessed with your comment.

Guest Bio

Joel Muddamalle serves as the director of theology and research for Proverbs 31 Ministries and Lysa TerKeurst. He’s also a member of the preaching team at Transformation Church with Pastor Derwin Gray. Joel earned a PhD in theology under professors Patrick Schreiner (NT) and Michael Heiser (OT) with an emphasis on Paul’s household language in Ephesians as it relates to the Old Testament. He loves studying and teaching the brilliant truths found in Scripture and unpacking how they relate to our everyday lives.

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 Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What You May Be Getting Wrong About Biblical Womanhood Jan 19, 2023

Show notes

In this episode Heather begins our three-part series of conversations with evangelical thought leaders who are challenging us to reconsider some of our long-held beliefs about God. We’re calling this pod-class series “Things You May Be Getting Wrong About God.” If you missed last week’s episode, you may want to go back to hear Heather’s personal reflections on the theme and why she hopes you’ll join her on this journey. But be forewarned: As its title suggests, this pod-class series is designed to challenge and stretch you.

This week Heather sits down with Beth Allison Barr, the bestselling author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood. With a proven record of sparking intense but important conversations about the role of women in the church, Professor Barr is here to talk about what we may be getting wrong about how God sees women.

We also visit with social media expert Brady Shearer for this week’s #Blessed segment. He gives us three things we need to know before starting an online platform and explains why we shouldn’t try to go viral. Make sure to let us know your thoughts about this segment by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and including #Blessed with your comment.

Guest Bios

Beth Allison Barr (PhD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) is associate professor of history and associate dean of the Graduate School at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where she specializes in medieval history, women’s history, and church history. She is the president of the Conference on Faith and History and is a member of Christians for Biblical Equality. Barr has written for Christianity Today, The Washington Post, and Religion News Service, and is a regular contributor to The Anxious Bench, the popular Patheos website on Christian history.

Brady Shearer is the director of Pro Church Tools and the church-software platform Nucleus. His work focuses on helping churches navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years.

Host Bio

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What You May Be Getting Wrong About God Jan 12, 2023

Show notes

It’s our first new episode of 2023, and Heather opens the new year by introducing our latest pod-class series, “Things You May Be Getting Wrong About God.” She shares thoughts from Isaiah 30, a passage of Scripture she’d been reading in worship that prompted her to confront some of her shortsighted ideas about how God was moving in her life. In addition to her own personal reflections, over the next few episodes Heather will talk to three different evangelical theologians about God’s active role in the world and in our lives.

In this episode, we also visit with Brady Shearer for this week’s #Blessed. Heather and Brady discuss a trend in social media that signals what Brady calls “the collapse of curation on digital platforms.” Brady is the director of Pro Church Tools and church software platform Nucleus. His work focuses on helping churches navigate digital media—“the biggest communication shift in 500 years.” (BTW, make sure to let us know your “#Blessed or #Mess?” thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and including #Blessed with your comments.)

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, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonathan Evans: When Misery Becomes Ministry Dec 15, 2022

Show notes

In today’s episode Heather sits down with Jonathan Evans to talk about his latest book, Fighting Your Battles: Every Christian’s Playbook for Victory. In this conversation Jonathan describes a God who has often “unsettled” him. What do we do when life brings us conflict and disappointment instead of comfort and security? It starts, Jonathan says, by realizing that Christian maturity is not independence but dependence.

Jonathan, the son of Tony Evans and his late wife Lois, shares openly about his mother’s long battle with terminal illness and his family’s struggle with grief. He reflects on how he’s witnessed the truth of his mother’s words to him before she passed. She told him, “Your greatest ministry will come out of your greatest misery.”

In this episode, we also visit with college student and Viral Jesus intern Haley Hoskins for this week’s #Blessed. Heather and Haley talk about a new study from the CDC that says 45 percent of high school students were persistently hopeless in 2021, they were unable to engage in regular activities. Heather asks Haley what role she thinks social media plays in her generation’s increased struggles with depression and anxiety. Make sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #Blessed.

Guest Bio

Jonathan Evans is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary with a master’s degree in Christian Leadership. He is a mentor, author, speaker, and former NFL fullback who serves as the chaplain of the Dallas Cowboys and co-chaplain of the Dallas Mavericks. As part of his commitment to developing the next generation of devoted Christian leaders, he travels the country speaking at churches, conferences, men’s events, banquets, and student-athlete events. Follow Jonathan and learn more about his journey on Facebook @JonathanBlakeEvans, and Instagram @JonathanBlakeEvans.

Host Bio

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kara Powell: The Spiritual Promise of Generation Z Dec 08, 2022

Show notes

In today’s episode Heather is joined by youth ministry expert Kara Powell to talk about Kara’s latest book, 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager. Kara will teach us how to connect with Generation Z, what they need in order to thrive spiritually, and how we can help them as they wrestle with questions of identity, purpose, and belonging.

But first we visit with Mandy Majors, author of Keeping Kids Safe in a Digital World, for this week’s #Blessed. When and how should we give our kids their own screens? Heather and Mandy discuss practical guidelines for monitoring kids’ use of technology. Make sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #Blessed.

Guest Bio

Dr. Kara Powell is a writer, researcher, and ministry leader who specializes in matters related to the church and youth discipleship. She is the executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute at Fuller Theological Seminary and the author of Growing With and Growing Young. Her most recent book is 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager.

Host Bio

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anh Lin: Letting Go to Grow Dec 01, 2022

Show notes

This week, Heather sits down with social media influencer and Bible teacher Anh Lin to talk about all things YouTube and content creation. You’ll hear from one of the most dynamic content creators in the online lifestyle space about how she built her platform, what she discovered about handling burnout, and how being vulnerable about her failures helped save a life. Also, learn how Anh, a self-proclaimed “recovering perfectionist,” deals with self-doubt and feeling like her content will never be good enough.

In this episode, we also visit with TikTok whiz Garrison Hayes for this week’s #Blessed. Heather and Garrison talk about the creator fund on TikTok and the possibility of using the wildly successful video platform to stream podcasts. Make sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #Blessed.

Guest Bio

Anh Lin is the founder of the faith and lifestyle blog Girl and the Word, and she’s the creator of a video devotional series called The Abundant Life, where you can watch over 30 videos with inspiring thoughts that encompass DIY projects, cooking, home decor, gardening, and more. Anh has amassed a massive YouTube following of nearly a half-million people with her unique style and approach.

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 Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lord of ‘Little by Little’ Nov 17, 2022

Show notes

This week, we review and reflect on what we learned in our “pod-class” series on gaining self-confidence. Heather shares feedback from her listeners and reminds us that God often moves in our lives gradually—little by little—one small shift after another.

If you’re new to our pod-classes, you may want to pause this episode and start with Heather's preface to the series, “On Gaining Self-Confidence,” where she sets the framework for this three-week journey of faith. Then check out our first conversation of the pod-class with Amanda Pittman titled “Stand in Confidence” followed by Heather’s chat with Jordan Lee Dooley on “Embracing Your Almosts.” And last week we heard from former Mrs. Universe Tori Hope Petersen on “Fostering Hope.” Now you’re up to date.

In this episode, we also visit with theologian Jared Stacy for this week’s #Blessed. Heather and Jared talk about how to engage in conversations around politics at the Thanksgiving table. Check it out and let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #Blessed.

Guest Bio

Jared Stacy is a PhD candidate in Theological Ethics at the University of Abderdeen, where he is studying conspiracy theories and the American church. He’s served across the American south, and currently lives in Scotland with his wife Stevie and their three kids.

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 Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tori Hope Petersen: Fostering Hope Nov 10, 2022

Show notes

Welcome to part three of our three-part “pod-class” series on gaining self-confidence. Heather visits with author Tori Hope Petersen to discuss Tori’s incredibly inspiring story of growing up in foster care, becoming a 4x track state champion, and eventually becoming Mrs. Universe. By the end of their lively and thoughtful chat, you'll understand a truth that drives Tori's ministry: “Healed people heal people.” In other words, we must use what God has given us to help others.

If you’re new to our pod-classes, you may want to pause this episode and start with Heather's preface to the series, “On Gaining Self-Confidence,” where she sets the framework for this three-week journey of faith. Then check out our first conversation of the pod-class with Amanda Pittman titled “Stand in Confidence.” And last week Heather sat down with Jordan Lee Dooley with an episode titled “Embracing Your Almosts.” Now you’re ready.

In this episode, we also visit with Kyle J Britt. for this week’s #Blessed. Heather and Kyle talk about what happens with Twitter now that Elon Musk has taken over and whether or not we should all remain users. Make sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #Blessed.

Guest Bio

Tori Hope Petersen’s experience in foster care as a former foster youth, foster care advocate, & foster mom fuels her life’s passion to advocate for those who society would consider the “least of these.” Her heart is burdened for the foster care community, foster youth, vulnerable youth, & suffering families. She and her husband Jacob founded Beloved Initiative in 2020, a nonprofit that seeks to change the narrative for youth in foster care. Her recently released book is Fostered: One Woman’s Powerful Story of Finding Faith and Family Through Foster Care.

Host Bio

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jordan Lee Dooley: Embracing Your Almosts Nov 03, 2022

Show notes

Welcome to part two of our three-part pod-class series on gaining self-confidence. Heather sits down with author Jordan Lee Dooley to discuss what you should do when “almost” disrupts the life you thought God was calling you to. “Your greatest disappointment can be one of two things,” writes Jordan, “dead ends or defining moments.”

If you’re new to our “pod-class,” you may want to pause this episode and start with Heather’s preface to the series, “On Gaining Self-Confidence,” where she sets the framework for this three-week journey of faith. And then check out last week’s episode with Amanda Pittman titled “Stand in Confidence.” Now you’re ready.

In this episode, we also visit with cyberparenting expert Mandy Majors for this week’s #Blessed. Heather and Mandy talk about the new social media app BeReal and whether or not it’s an online community worth joining. Make sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #Blessed.

Guest Bio

JordanLee Dooley is the national bestselling author of Embrace Your Almost and Own Your Everyday and is the host of the top-rated podcast SHE. She is also the founder of the Own It Academy, a digital education company, and SoulScripts, a words company known for its phrase “Your Brokenness Is Welcome Here.” She has been featured in outlets such as Hallmark’s Home and Family, Forbes, Relevant Magazine, Thrive Global, That Sounds Fun with Annie Downs, Christy Wright’s Business Boutique, and more. Jordan has built a massive social media community of over 850,000 members.

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 Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices