Author Archives: Matthew Winters

How to begin?   For hours, I’ve been fighting with my sentences. My computer keys aren’t spilling out eloquent words. My mind doesn’t have scholarly solutions for the conflict-ridden divisiveness that’s rocking our nation. Somehow, it’s simply my heart that wants to be heard. Just my humbled heart—speaking to yours. Across our nation hearts are bentContinue reading “Encouraging Guest Post from Sally Johnson: How to Begin This Post”

Happy Father’s Day! First to my own dad…You worked hard and pushed through years of agonizing physical pain so Mom and I would have what we needed. I love you! To many influential men who have been a blessing in my life. In my years of ministry, my dad has been a few hundred milesContinue reading “On This Father’s Day”

I recently received a message from a critic. I cannot judge the intent of this individual. We all receive criticism at times. Some of us receive it more than others. I want to examine the criticism I received and make some practical application to us all as we receive criticism. Be willing to search yourContinue reading “When Criticism Comes Your Way”

Many who read this blog don’t know me that well outside what they have read. I have spoken to some personally, but many of my readers don’t know me outside of my writing. They have read about some of my struggles, but tonight, I desire to share my extremely deep need for a fresh anointingContinue reading “I Need a Fresh Anointing”

These last few weeks and months have been overwhelming. We have faced some things we have never faced while also being forced to face something we have ignored for a long time. Our nation is more divided than ever before, and agendas are being politicized while hurting people are being used as bait rather thanContinue reading “I Don’t Know What to Do!”

Of all the things I have ever done, walking into a blended family is the hardest. When my wife and I met, I had 3 children, and she had 2. Five children is already a lot. Whether we like the thought of it or not, you might as well say the exes and their newContinue reading “The Church is a Blended Family”

I have been on staff in two churches when the membership had the daunting task of selecting its next pastor. In both situations, I served in an interim worship role. In 2012, I was the candidate in consideration for what would become my first pastorate. As I said, discerning God’s will for a pastor isContinue reading “The Selection of a King and Its Relation to a Pastoral Search”

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?”