Matt Erickson

Husband to Kelly, father, avid hiker. Senior Pastor at @EastbrookChurch. MDiv @nseminary. DMin @westernsem. "Pastor as Gardener" with @EerdmansBooks in 2026.

[Matt Erickson @mathyouerickson]

I'm so excited to share that pre-orders for my first book, _The Pastor as Gardener: A Renewed Vision for Ministry_ are now available!

This book explores a vital question: How do we minister fruitfully and with hope in our present time?

[Matt Erickson @mathyouerickson]

@jordanmwarner I'll drop mine soon. Just pondering it still.

[Matt Erickson @mathyouerickson]

My wife, Kelly, asked me this question over dinner last night: “What would you say are the best American novels of the last 100 years?”

I am still thinking about it but what would you say if you could only name your top 5 American novels from the past 100 years?

[Matt Erickson @mathyouerickson]

@PBaarendse Both are amazing! Thanks, Philip.

[Matt Erickson @mathyouerickson]

@PBaarendse Such wonderful books!

[Matt Erickson @mathyouerickson]

Grateful for the opportunity to write for @missioalliance this week. "The pastor-gardener lives with this dual attention: attention to the environment of ministry paired with attention to our God who is present and acting within that environment." https://t.co/yOQZn7Ocad

[Matt Erickson @mathyouerickson]

When friends know what you love...

[Matt Erickson @mathyouerickson]

@wdavidotaylor Way too familiar...

[Matt Erickson @mathyouerickson]

https://t.co/aPLUhV9ZRz

[Matt Erickson @mathyouerickson]

"Renewing the Ecology of Ministry" - Lingering over the words of ecologists helps me see the mounting crisis for the North American church rooted in a skewed ministry ecology and the failing mindsets that result from it.

Link in comments:

[Matt Erickson @mathyouerickson]

I shared this quote from Frederick Buechner on calling in my message this past Sunday, and it captures so much so powerfully and succinctly:

“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

[Matt Erickson @mathyouerickson]

O Most Awesome and Holy God,
Three in One and One in Three,
lead us into true worship of You
in spirit and in truth,
that our humble words and fumbling adoration
might still bring us into an encounter with You​,
Who was and is and is to come—
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

[Matt Erickson @mathyouerickson]

https://t.co/FKJhHjmd3M

[Matt Erickson @mathyouerickson]

Here is "The Weekend Wanderer" for 30 May 2026 - A Pastor and a Philosopher in a Garden, Pope Leo on AI, 3 books on ill effects of technology, new stations of the cross, what kills discipleship?, speaking politics in church, and more.

Link in comments:

[Matt Erickson @mathyouerickson]

https://t.co/U2g1muixpo

[Matt Erickson @mathyouerickson]

I have enjoyed sharing about my book "The Pastor as Gardener" on multiple podcasts, but few have been as entertaining as joining with Randy Knie and Kyle Whitaker for their podcast “A Pastor and a Philosopher Walk into a Bar.” Our conversation spread into 2 episodes! @PPWBPodcast

[Matt Erickson @mathyouerickson]

Sometimes when hiking my beloved @IceAgeTrailOrg there are portions that are not that exciting.

It reminds me of how life is also like this. Sometimes we keep walking even when things are not evidently beautiful or interesting.

Sometimes we just need to take the next step.

[Matt Erickson @mathyouerickson]

Looking through some old photos I found this one that my wife took of me staring up at “The Tree of Life” (Étienne de Boré Oak) in New Orleans’ Audubon Park this past New Year’s Eve. The massive oak was planted around 1740. What is it about huge, old trees that is so captivating?

[Matt Erickson @mathyouerickson]

@PBaarendse @IceAgeTrailOrg Beautiful places! I didn't know you lived near there at one point.

[Matt Erickson @mathyouerickson]

I enjoyed beautiful hiking all weekend with my wife, Kelly, along the @IceAgeTrailOrg in central Wisconsin. One special treat was an evening hike at the golden hour that brought such beauty and so many unexpected wonders.

[Matt Erickson @mathyouerickson]

God reminds us and invites us into gratitude today:

"Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me." (Psalm 50:23a)