Posts focusing attention on the theological and practical nature and reality of Church
“Forward!” is the watchword of the spiritual life, a movement toward a destination that seems so incredibly elusive, but one into which we will step when it does in fact materialize. But “Forward!” is incredibly frightening. It can be costly. It requires change. It requires patience. It requires determination. It requires humility. It requires faith. Moving READ MORE
Below is a transcript of my comments across our four worship gatherings this morning at New Hope Church regarding the election: Good morning my brothers and sisters in Christ. For those of you who are guests, my name is Matthew, and I am one of the pastors here at New Hope Church. I would like READ MORE
The observant person knows there is a great deal of pain across our land. The deaths of a number of African-American men and women at the hands of police officers, regardless of the respective circumstances, have exposed a deep wound within the souls of our African-American friends. It is noteworthy that for many in the African-American community this is READ MORE
“As a flagship majority-culture congregation with a solid reputation and global reach, we need to be intentional with our voice and vision, sharing power, voice and resources with others, and not just wait until it is too late. In this is the Lord Jesus made famous.” – Matthew St. John, from “The Inside Out Donut,” READ MORE
The plight of refugees dominates global headlines. The utter chaos within certain corners of the world has forced men and women and boys and girls by the millions to flee, sometimes for their very lives. Of course, while there are refugees on the move all across Earth, the circumstances of those from the Middle East—places READ MORE
Imagine with me a neighborhood where 3 out of 4 families live near or below the poverty line. Half of the homes are single-parent homes. Only 24% of students are reading on their grade level or above. Crime and violence are an everyday reality. Imagine driving each day past the boys and girls lined up quietly READ MORE
