Matt Morton

Teaching Pastor @gracebibletx, Creekside Campus

[Matt Morton @MatthewRMorton]

Charlotte’s Web. Every time.

[Case Stephens @IAmCaseStephens]

Have you ever read a book that made you cry?

I’ve listened to songs that have made me cry. I’ve watched movies that have made me cry. But I’ve NEVER once read a book that made me cry.

Name a book in the comments that brought you to tears.

[Matt Morton @MatthewRMorton]

@IAmCaseStephens Charlotte’s Web

[Matt Morton @MatthewRMorton]

This honestly would’ve helped me in Dr. Wallace’s Advanced Greek class 20+ years ago.

[Benjamin L. Gladd @DrGladd]

With the start of the spring semester, here's a friendly reminder of how we learn Greek in the South.

Chick fil-ω Chick fil-ομεν
Chick fil-εις Chick fil-ετε
Chick fil-ει Chick fil-ουσι

🐔🍟🥤

[Matt Morton @MatthewRMorton]

And if not, I'm in a much better mental state to make the necessary adjustments. Of course, this rhythm requires me to begin my preparation early in the week - I start thinking about it and reading the passage on Monday! That leaves me the necessary time for it to percolate (4/4)

[Matt Morton @MatthewRMorton]

When it comes to sermon preparation, I've found that taking a full day away from actively thinking about my message actually results in a clearer sermon in the long run. It's counterintuitive, but I've seen it play out this way repeatedly 🧵 (1/4)

[Matt Morton @MatthewRMorton]

I usually come back to my office sometime on Saturday morning. What I have found is that when I read my notes again after a full day away, my mind notices things I couldn't see on Thursday. Often, the message is in much better shape than I thought it was before (3/4)

[Matt Morton @MatthewRMorton]

I am also evaluating the program's effectiveness for my doctoral project, so if you or or somebody you know would like to help me evaluate it, reach out via DM. Thanks!

[Matt Morton @MatthewRMorton]

If you know anybody who would benefit from it, here is the YouTube playlist: https://t.co/zRbjyWoslD

Each video also has online quizzes to complete, in order to help retain the material.

[Matt Morton @MatthewRMorton]

I am developing a short, online training program for beginning preachers. It's not meant to replace seminary, of course, but as a supplement or for a free and accessible option for those who cannot attend seminary 🧵

[Matt Morton @MatthewRMorton]

@thepastorwriter @hlsenkbeil It's a great book!!

[Matt Morton @MatthewRMorton]

What I wish I could tell my younger self: As a preacher, if you’re aiming be likable, that’s an easy target to hit. Your sermons will be pleasant and enjoyable.

But they won’t be powerful or transformative. For that, you’ll have to love people enough to risk their disapproval.

[Chase Replogle @thepastorwriter]

Fascinating conversation with @johndyer on how our screens are impacting the way we are reading and studying the Bible. We talk about his new book, People of the Screen. https://t.co/BGXSx7aW2w

[Matt Morton @MatthewRMorton]

😂 So true

[Church Curmudgeon @ChrchCurmudgeon]

It’s Monday, pastor, and you may be thinking, "I don’t think I could have preached a worse sermon."

Remember, there’s always next week.

[Matt Morton @MatthewRMorton]

@david_a_zimmerm If anybody clicks anywhere on the Tweet, to expand it, to visit your profile, etc, that counts as an engagement also. So those aren’t visible like a retweet or a like, but they count.

[Matt Morton @MatthewRMorton]

@dustinwmesser Man, I knew that black shirt would come back to haunt me! You’re not the first one to suggest that I was the evil twin on the podcast.

[Matt Morton @MatthewRMorton]

3. Say something DEBATABLE: I don't mean always trying to anger people around hot-button issues. I mean it's good to challenge presuppositions. Make statements that force people to agree or disagree, and then validate them from the text. A little controversy keeps people engaged.

[Matt Morton @MatthewRMorton]

Three suggestions to keep people engaged and interested until the end of your sermon: 🧵

[Matt Morton @MatthewRMorton]

2a. Remember that you on this particular Sunday, for this particular text, you're the expert. You've spent hours looking at it (hopefully). So don't be afraid to show some of that work in a way that illuminates it for the congregation in new ways.