Podcast

Viral Jesus

Rich Villodas: We Were Made to Belong

The author of “The Deeply Formed Life” on giving up his parking space, the failure of Christian celebrity-ism, and how to make online community real.

What happens when Christians are committed to Christianity without being deeply formed by God? That's one of many subjects explored in Heather’s wide-ranging conversation with New York-based pastor and author Rich Villodas. They also discuss the dangers of Christian celebrity-ism and the importance of living a life marked by humility, accountability, and surrender.

Plus, Rich reveals how he grew his social media presence, and why he is more careful with his posts now than when he first got online. This thought-provoking conversation will challenge and inspire you to be more intentional about your daily spiritual practices.

Rich Villodas is the Brooklyn-born lead pastor of New Life Fellowship, a large multiracial church in Elmhurst, Queens, with more than seventy-five countries represented in its congregation. Rich holds an MDiv from Alliance Theological Seminary. He enjoys reading widely, preaching, and writing on contemplative spirituality and justice-related topics. He and his wife Rosie have two beautiful children. His first book, The Deeply Formed Life, was a Christianity Today 2021 Book Awards winner. And his next book, Good and Beautiful and Kind: Becoming Whole in a Fractured World, releases in July.

Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps

Our Latest

Wire Story

Charlie Kirk Rallied Young Christians into a Political Movement

Review

The Flickering Flame of Intelligent Design

A new study asks why the ID movement hasn’t left a more enduring mark on scientific or religious thought.

The Bulletin

Assassination of Charlie Kirk, Russian Drones in Poland, and Chicago Immigration Crackdown

The Bulletin discusses the assassination of Charlie Kirk,  Russian drones shot down in Poland, and the crackdown on immigration in Chicago.

News

Died: Charlie Kirk, Activist Who Championed ‘MAGA Doctrine’

With a debate style honed for college campuses and social media, the Turning Point USA founder sought to renew America.

The Cameras Missed Me on 9/11

I can’t find any footage of my escape from Manhattan that horrible day. I looked and looked—and finally asked what I wanted to prove.

News

‘We Won’t Stop Worshiping’

As governments across Africa clamp down on churches, Rwandan pastors call out political overreach.

Christian Parents’ Mistakes Aren’t the End of the Story

Q&A with author Kara K. Root about anxiety, trust, and raising kids well.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube