Matt Erickson

This conversation between Ross Douthat and Ben Sasse was quite moving.

Currently reading: The Gospel of John by Craig S. Keener 📚

“A crucial eccentricity of the Christian faith is the assertion that people are saved by grace. There’s nothing you have to do. There’s nothing you have to do. There’s nothing you have to do.”

I wrote about “Jesus’ New Gardening: Joining Jesus in Resurrection Gardening” here.

”‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he said. ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here.’” (Mark 16:6)

Happy Easter, friends. The Lord is risen!

Why had I not heard of Byung-Chul Han until now? Thanks to @ablerism for mentioning The Burnout Society, which I have on order.

Currently reading: The Scent of Time: A Philosophical Essay on the Art of Lingering by Byung-Chul Han 📚

“The age of haste, its cinematographic succession of point-like presences, has no access to beauty or to truth. Only in lingering contemplation, even an ascetic restraint, do things unveil their beauty, their fragrant essence. It consists of temporal sedimentations emitting a phosphorescent glow” - Byung Chul Han in The Scent of Time: A Philosophical Essay on the Art of Lingering, p. 48.

“Tracing the Journey” - a devotional poetry cycle for Holy Week

One of my favorite passages today in the psalm reading for morning prayer:

“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:25-26)

Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 28 March 2026 with links to an interview with Fleming Rutledge, James KA Smith on his new book, JP Moreland on Dallas Willard’s 4 primary concerns for spiritual formation, Image Journal’s top 100 films, and more.

Completed a re-reading of The Brothers Karamazov Bicentennial Edition by Fyodor Dostoevsky 📚

It was such a joy to be with the wonderfully hospitable and gracious folks at Upper House in Madison, WI, yesterday for an event with my new book The Pastor as Gardener. They are doing outstanding work as a Christian study center in Madison.

I am so excited to celebrate today’s release of my new book The Pastor as Gardener: A Renewed Vision for Ministry. As the book enters the world today, it offers me the wonderful opportunity to share what the book is really about from my perspective before other readers offer their own thoughts.

Tomorrow (3/24) is launch day for my book, “The Pastor as Gardener,” so apologize now for posting all week about the book. Yesterday we had an amazing book launch event at Eastbrook Church. It brought me such joy to celebrate and talk about the book, as well as to pray it into the world.

Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 21 March 2026 - a weekly curated selection of news, stories, resources, and media at the intersection of faith and culture with links to Paul Kingsnorth on St Patrick, Janette Ok on preaching, Winn Collier on prayer, and more!

Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 21 March 2026 - a weekly curated selection of news, stories, resources, and media at the intersection of faith and culture with links to Paul Kingsnorth on St Patrick, Janette Ok on prayer, Winn Collier on prayer, and more!

Currently reading: Action in waiting, by Karl Barth on Christoph Blumhardt 📚

Writing a letter to a parishioner who is incarcerated puts a different perspective on my day.

I was blown away by this review of The Pastor as Gardener by Byron Borger of Hearts and Minds Books. I felt like Byron not only read my book but read me.

It was such a joy to enter into meaningful conversation with Joel Lawrence and Zach Wagner about my book The Pastor as Gardener and what it means to think theologically as a pastor on the Center for Pastor Theologians podcast.

Just finished reading: Blessed Are the Others Jesus’ Way in a Violet World by Andrew DeCort. What a book!📚

Still reflecting on this verse I read in morning prayer today:

“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble.” (Psalm 41:1)

Last summer, I attended a pastors gathering and met a bunch of wonderful people. One of those people was Dave Ripper, host of the “Deeper Experiences with God” podcast. I had so much fun joining Dave’s podcast to talk about my book & spiritual formation: “Seeds, Seasons, & Soil.”

In the latest episode of “Field Notes for Pastors,” Dr. Vince Bacote highlights the crucial role of theology in pastoral work. Theology isn’t just for scholars; it’s essential for everyone in ministry. Listen to the latest episode: “Faithful Pastoring in a Polarized Age.”

It’s getting real! So excited to hold a copy of The Pastor as Gardener: A Renewed Vision for Ministry in my hands!