Author Archives: Matthew Winters

Several weeks ago, I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to reconnect with someone from my past. This was not one of those things I was quick to embrace. Something took place many years ago that affected this relationship, and I was in the dark about it for a long time. Communication ceased, and IContinue reading “The Ministry of Reconciliation”

I did it again! As the seasons of ministry change, so does the title of this blog. Why would that be? In this case, I returned to a title I used for a little over a year with my former blog site – “Honest Thoughts from a Pastor”. Here is why: Much of my ministryContinue reading “Blog Name Change”

Who are pastors? That’s an easy question to answer, right? Most of us would say these are the people who preach and minister in churches. On the surface, that is correct. The truth of who pastors are is much deeper. Pastors are people who don’t have all the answers. I have 3 degrees, and allContinue reading “Who Are Pastors?”

One crime with racist intent is too many, but we have seen multiple. The number keeps climbing. People stand back and say, “It’s just coincidence that this keeps happening” or “Not all of these crimes are about race”. We can say whatever we want, but the truth is that racism still exists. How do IContinue reading “Should the Church Be Silent About Racism?”

Some personal thoughts about what this pandemic has taught me… Life gets hectic, and we take a lot of things for granted. For almost 40 years, God has placed some absolutely wonderful people in my path. I have lived in 4 states and ministered in more churches than I can count now, at least 11Continue reading “Lessons from Quarantine”

In the Fall of 2018, I began reaching out to pastors. I was discouraged and knew that other pastors just might need as much encouragement as I did. I was right. After receiving some pretty heavy prayer requests from pastors, I asked God if He could allow this to become a ministry. He did thatContinue reading “Why Every Pastor Needs a Pastor”

The reopening of the church has been a very hot topic among pastors and parishioners alike. I see daily remarks on social media. Some churches are continuing online while others are continuing drive-in services. Some churches never stopped meeting, and others have already resumed corporate worship services. The criticisms of what churches are doing isContinue reading “The Church Never Closed”

A few weeks ago, I was invited by a pastor in Kenya to speak on the subject of “Team Leadership” to some of the leaders in his church via a Zoom call. I typically don’t turn down an opportunity to speak and teach God’s Word, especially when I can actually speak on a subject toContinue reading “Cross-Cultural Ministry Thoughts”

In light of what has been reported by some as another pastoral suicide, I have received quite a few messages about why this might happen. I will give you a glimpse into the pastor’s mind. Hang with me for a moment. It is easy for a pastor to find his identity in his job asContinue reading “Thoughts on Pastoral Suicides”

Some of you who read this are finicky and would never eat leftovers. I am not included in that number. I grew up with a grandmother who wasted NOTHING! The artist in her found a creative purpose for EVERYTHING! I picked up on some of that…at least not wasting leftovers. What does God think ofContinue reading “Leftovers, Anyone?”