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About

In this episode of the Resilient Pastor Podcast, hosts Rich Velotis, Glenn Packiam, and Sharon Miller sit down with Dr. Heather Thompson Day — associate professor of communication at Andrews University, international speaker, and host of the top-ranked Viral Jesus podcast. The conversation explores the changing landscape of preaching, teaching, and discipleship, with special focus on how pastors can effectively reach and form Generation Z. From sermon preparation rhythms and feedback circles to the power of vulnerability, mentoring, and authentic digital presence, this discussion offers practical wisdom for church leaders seeking to create lasting spiritual formation in a digital and often lonely world.

Key Takeaways

• Effective sermon prep benefits from long-term planning, a 10-day “gestational period,” and collaborative feedback through sermon circles or preaching groups.
• Preaching is not just about information transfer — it is primarily about shaping church culture and creating space for encounter and ongoing formation.
• Generation Z is the loneliest generation in American history and is actively seeking authentic, face-to-face mentoring relationships rather than purely virtual ones.
• The human brain retains only about 30 seconds of information from a sermon; therefore, relationships and storytelling are more important than content volume for long-term retention and life change.
• Vulnerability and unfiltered storytelling — especially stories where the leader is not the hero — create powerful connection with Gen Z.
• Technology should be used to invite people into community, not merely broadcast content. Unfiltered, personal social media use often outperforms highly produced material.
• Discipleship works best as an ecosystem: combining teaching, spiritual practices, shared life, and multiple learning environments (sermons, small groups, guided prayer, visual content, etc.).
• Faithfulness to the “20” — investing deeply in small groups of people — can spark significant spiritual movement, as seen in the Asbury outpouring.

Highlights

• “We are all part of the priesthood of all believers. My work in communication is how I equip the saints and contribute to the body of Christ.” — Dr. Heather Thompson Day
• “The human brain only remembers about thirty seconds worth of information… Where should I spend the bulk of my time and energy? Probably in relationship.” — Dr. Heather Thompson Day
• “This generation is not looking to be a part of an audience. They’re looking to be a part of a community.” — Dr. Heather Thompson Day
• “If we would stop waiting for the hundreds and the thousands… if we would be faithful with our 20, what could be done?” — Dr. Heather Thompson Day
• “Good communication always changes the message to fit the audience… It’s not a great message if nobody gets it except me.” — Dr. Heather Thompson Day
• Church planters and busy pastors are encouraged to extend themselves grace while building sustainable rhythms for sermon preparation and spiritual formation.

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