Matt Erickson
I wrote about how “Our Faith is Personal But Not Private” - a reflection on the public nature of our faith and discipleship
“Churches can die without even knowing it. We oftentimes simulate life in the building through our programming through all the things we can create and budget for…but if you really want to know if a church is alive ask your community.” - Bishop Walter Harvey here
The latest episode of “Field Notes for Pastors” has my dear friend, Bishop Walter Harvey, in a conversation about “Calling, Context, and Faithfulness Over the Long Haul”.
God, give us eyes to see:
“But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father.” (Matt 16:15-17)
Here is “The Weekend Wanderer”for 17 January 2026 - a weekly curated selection of news, stories, resources, and media at the intersection of faith and culture for you to explore through your weekend.
What do we need in this time, in this moment, in this life? At least this that Wendell Berry writes about in one of his Sabbath poems.
“A God-Centered Vision for Pastoral Calling and Identity” with Winn Collier - the first episode of “Field Notes for Pastors” is live today!
Such powerful words:
“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations.” (Isaiah 42:1)
Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” of 10 January 2026 - a weekly curated selection of news, stories, resources, and media at the intersection of faith and culture for you to explore through your weekend.
I am thrilled to announce the launch of my new podcast, “Field Notes for Pastors,” which launches next Monday, January 12. “Field Notes for Pastors” is a conversational podcast for pastors and others in ministry exploring soul-deep work in the fields of the Lord.
Today is the one year anniversary of my father’s passing. I would appreciate prayer for our family, especially my mother, as we remember, grieve, and also rejoice in the resurrection through Christ. Thank you, everyone!
Because someone asked me about this, here are my top reads of 2025, with a complete list of my reading for those who are curious.
I was so glad to preach on “Faith-Shaped Pursuits and Priorities” this past Sunday. I enjoyed rethinking Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33 about seeking first God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness as making our top priority what God cares about and God’s intention for goodness in the world.
I wrote about Advent hope in the life of Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist: “Filled with the Wild Winds of Hope”
Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 13 December 2025 - a weekly curated selection of news, stories, resources, and media on the intersection of faith and culture for you to explore through your weekend.
Currently reading: The Philokalia Vol 5 by G.E.H. Palmer, et al 📚
Last night my wife and I watched “Wake Up, Dead Man,” the third installment of the “Knives Out” movies and we loved it. Friends, there is a lot of gospel in this movie, IMHO.
Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 6 December 2025 - a weekly curated selection of news, stories, resources, and media on the intersection of faith and culture for you to explore through your weekend.
These words move me:
“He prays in his head to God. He wishes they weren’t beggars. He realizes that to God, we are all beggars, praying for blessings we could never repay or gain in trade. We beg and we hope for mercy.”
Daniel Nayeri in The Teacher of Nomad Land
Currently reading: Seeking God by Esther De Waal 📚
I don’t know if this is my third or fourth time, but I’m currently reading: The Sacred Journey by Frederick Buechner 📚