Matt Erickson

“I read so many times or hear on podcasts, ‘How do you avoid burnout?’ I don’t think that’s a helpful approach. I think a more positive approach is how do you find and retain your true self?” - Mandy Smith

I wrote about “Hope Beyond Optimism: Living Christ’s Future into the Present.”

In this week’s episode of “Field Notes for Pastors” Mandy Smith reminds us the journey from self-sufficiency to reliance on God is essential. We can embrace our vulnerabilities and allow them to empower our ministry. Listen to “Ministering from the True Self with Vulnerability and Creativity.”

I’m thrilled to host Dr. Vince Bacote on Monday night, Jan 26, at 7 PM at Eastbrook Church for a discussion of the new documentary, “Black + Evangelical.” If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend viewing it here.

Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 24 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.

“To be hurt is unavoidable in this world, and we have choices to make as to how we will handle it.” - Dallas Willard in The Scandal of the Kingdom

I love that feeling when I read an article that I think is really interesting and then realize that I know the author. Had that feeling today when reading Trey Clark’s “Black Contemplative Spirituality: A Personal Journey” in Conversatio, remembering when we met at a Willie Jennings’ seminar.

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.

“Looking Back, Stepping Forward: A spiritual practice for the turning of the year”

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.