Podcast

Viral Jesus

Jonathan Evans: When Misery Becomes Ministry

The author and Dallas Cowboys chaplain on leaving your comfort zone to reach your calling.

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

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

Our Latest

The Bulletin

Trump Threatens Iran, Artemis II Returns, and Anthropic’s AI Triggers Fear

Clarissa Moll, Russell Moore

Trump kills conservatism, astronauts head home, and Claude Mythos Preview deemed too dangerous for public consumption.

Review

Are Christians Rude Dinner Guests?

Three books on politics and public life about the common good, ISIS brides, and Ronald Reagan.

News

The Mississippi Farmer Who Helped Resettle 150 Ukrainian Families

Hannah Herrera

As the US makes it more difficult for refugees to stay, Rodney Mast and his church community are rallying around their new friends.

Analysis

Two States Test a New Pro-Life Law

Pro-lifers have just won legislative victories to restrict abortion pills in South Dakota and Mississippi. But will the laws work?

The Iranian Church Persists

David Yeghnazar

Amid war, some Christians are evangelizing, preparing food for neighbors, and displaying other acts of generosity.

The Just Life with Benjamin Watson

Dr. Bernice King: The Truth About Nonviolence

Calling the Church to lead with clarity anchored in love.

News

Nigeria Prosecutes Suspects of 2025 Christian Massacre

Emiene Erameh

Survivors hope for justice in the trial of nine men accused of the slaughter of about 150 Christians in Benue state.

News

When Parents Pay for a Child’s Violence

Jack Panyard

The father of a school shooter was convicted of murder. What is lost and gained by the new precedent?
addApple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseellipseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squarefolderGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastprintremoveRSSRSSSaveSavesaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube