Intersect

"The Umbrella of Orthodoxy" is a thought-provoking podcast episode that invites Christians to explore the nuances of theology and the interpretive nature of the Bible. It acknowledges that while there is no single interpretation, Christians are also not free to adopt unlimited interpretations. Instead, the episode emphasizes the importance of grappling with the complexities of scripture while drawing insights from the ric...

This week, the events unfolding in the holy lands have led to an outpouring of anger, confusion, and further conflict. In this particular episode, Matt puts forward the argument that rejection lies at the core of such violence. To support his point, Matt refers to the story of Cain and Abel from Genesis 4. Ultimately, Matt urges the church to embrace radical acceptance, following Jesus' teachings, which include praying for our ...

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎉

Join us on the latest episode of "Intersect" as Matt takes us on an incredible journey of hope and guidance in the face of adversity. 🙌💪

In "Against All Odds," Matt delves into the captivating story of Jacob wrestling with an angel in Genesis 32, discovering the power and importance of wrestling with life's challenges. 💪✨

Struggling to find good choices, Matt's...

In this episode, Matt interviews 3 Ukrainians who serve in the humanitarian aid field. Together, they talk about their work and personal stories. Lena and Edward serve with the United Nations, and Gregory serves with the International NGO Safety Organization. The purpose of this episode is to expose our audience to how individuals are experiencing war in their own country, and to invite the church to pray, reflect, and act. Matt h...

As Matt continues to visit Ukraine, he shares a Good Friday message that reviews some of the destruction in the city of Irpin, and wrestles with the question, "What is a Jesus Oriented Goal?" Matt argues that a Jesus oriented goal is one that works towards the shalom/peace/reconciliation/wholeness/safety/healing that is experienced in God's reign. To use a religious term--Shalom. On Good Friday, we celebrate that Jes...

Matt should have started with this question! So, you may want to begin with this episode as you begin the series. In it, Matt: 1) Explores how God's mission and ministry are always growing, 2) Shares some examples of God-sized goals, & 3) Compares God-sized goals to typical church ministry He does this by explaining the historical and modern context of pain and suffering in Ukraine (and by extension, anywhere). At its c...

This is the second episode of three in a series called, "God-sized and Jesus Oriented Goals." In it, Matt brings his message from Kyiv, Ukraine. He starts with a brief update about his time in Kyiv so far, and then offers several reasons why, and how we avoid setting God-sized and Jesus oriented goals in the church. At the end of the episode, Matt offers several practical steps local pastors and churches can take to help ...

This week, Matt visited and interviewed Father Yuriy Kozlovsky, PhD., at Ukrainian (Greek) Catholic University, in Lviv (https://ucu.edu.ua/en/). In this episode, Father Yuriy and Matt talk about the history of the university, its understand of their local martyrs, and how their faith community has always worked to bless the marginalized in their society. Having roots in the 1920's, the seminary which eventually became a uni...

This is the first episode of 3 in the series "God-sized and Jesus Oriented Goals."

In this episode, Matt compares two churches with contrasting approaches to ministry. The first church has a wonderful institution with a beautiful building and amazing music. The second isn't as shiny and "professional." Which would you want to come alongside? Wait...the second has a growing and inspiring ministry to the most ...

Every church deserves at least three forms of leadership in this era. In this episode, Matt challenges all churches to find ways to put the leadership they need in place:  

1. Organizational leadership who helps the church focus on its mission 

2. Pastoral leadership whose primary goal is equipping the church for the work of ministry 

3. Local mission leadership who walks with the church to meet human and spirit need...

Some key things on the horizon!  

1. We have our first Leadership Summit on February 11. The conversation will be lead by elder Jennifer Crow! She is amazing. Jennifer and Ben George helped design the conversations. Kudos to them:) The day is open to anyone who has a heart for God's mission in the world, and moving the church forward. Several people from outside our system will be there. To learn more or signup, visit: https:/...

In this episode, Matt reviews a message he delivered on Sunday, December 11 at Reedurban Presbyterian Church. There, Matt preached on Luke 1, Mary's Song, and encourages the church to consider how we are called to birth Jesus in our time and location.

This message is short, but it is encouraging and powerful. In addition, Matt asks churches to invite him to walk with them so that he can help them birth Jesus in their local towns, c...