In the second episode of Viral Jesus season 3, Heather discusses on #blessed the latest news out of The Village Church about Matt Chandler stepping down for a leave of absence due to an inappropriate relationship with a woman who wasn’t his wife in his DM’s on Instagram. Heather and Seth discuss the concept of what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior for married people in the DM’s. If you have thoughts on this please @viralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and let us know. 

In her conversation with author Katelyn Beaty, Heather listens to Katelyn explain the problems that arise when celebrity pastors experience some type of major failure. How do we help hold them accountable? How do we help people who feel their trust has been deeply abused by the covering up of abuse at their church institution? What does celebrity look like, and how does it function in churches? Should there be a thing such as Christian celebrities?

Heather and Katelyn want you to heal from toxic celebrity church culture, and maybe the best way to do that, is to admit what has gone wrong. 

Guest Bio

Katelyn Beaty is a journalist, editor, and keen observer of trends in the American church. She has written for the New York Times, the New Yorker, the Washington Post, Religion News Service, Religion & Politics, and The Atlantic and has commented on faith and culture for CNN, ABC, and NPR. She is also a former editor for Christianity Today magazine. She is cohost of the Saved by the City podcast (Religion News Service) and she’s the author of Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits Are Hurting the Church

Mentioned in This Episode

Matt Chandler Steps Aside After Inappropriate Online Relationship

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