Theologian & pastor Matthew Tennant's blog
The Spanish mystic and Catholic poet St. John of the Cross describes overcoming spiritual malaise in his poem “The Dark Night of the Soul” (Spanish: “La noche oscura del alma”). … Continue reading Overcoming Spiritual Malaise
At the end of the gospel of Matthew, we find the familiar words of the Great Commission. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name … Continue reading Cultivate Your Mission Field
Two weeks ago, during my sermon, I referenced the 15 times in the New Testament that Jesus said, “If anyone has ears, let them hear.” This sentiment could easily be … Continue reading Celebrating the Good
After that first Easter, the people who had been following Jesus had to figure out who they were. At first, they proclaimed the fulfillment of Jewish prophecies. They didn’t set … Continue reading Who are we?
At different times, different passages of scripture resonate more than others. Right now, my mind continues to go to all the places the Bible talks about making peace. In Isaiah … Continue reading Being Peacemakers
Ash Wednesday is February 18. This is the day that marks the beginning of our Lenten journey. Ash Wednesday invites introspection and reflection. It’s a time in the Christian calendar … Continue reading Before Lent
Throughout our Advent journey, we’ve used the prophet Isaiah as our guide. To continue our post-Christmas journey, it helps to consider pre-Christmas stops. Beginning in Isaiah 2, we looked at … Continue reading “Growing Through Suffering” a sermon from Hebrews 2.10-18
Edwards Deming was an electrical engineer who became a pioneer in systems management. He developed sampling techniques still used by the U.S. Department of the Census and the Bureau of … Continue reading What is our church designed to produce?
A perennial challenge for Christ-followers is living in the world but not becoming of the world (John 17.14-16). We seek God first (Matthew 7.7) and love our neighbors (Mark 12.30-31). … Continue reading Connecting God & the News
For the last 150 years or so, many thoughtful Christ-followers have had trouble with 2 Timothy. I don’t know if you’re one of them. I’ve struggled with it. In fact, … Continue reading Reflection on 2 Timothy 3.14-4.5
Inspired by the story of the President sharing a racist social media post, I made a reel called “Racism is not part of following Jesus.” In the deepfake video shared … Continue reading How Not to be Racist
“Do your jobs.” That’s what I would imagine Jesus saying if he were here today and asked about the government shutdown. I am addressing the U.S. Federal Government shutdown that … Continue reading What would Jesus say about the government shutdown?
Each person who commits a horrific act of violence existed before they became known as “the shooter.” They had conversations. People knew them. They interacted with people, and they consumed … Continue reading What do you say to a mass shooter?