Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Feb 8, 2012, 3:00 am
I think it’s time to say this. If you haven’t noticed, things have gotten kind of divisive lately. I read recently that President Obama is, statistically, the most polarizing President in history.  Sounds hard to believe after W.  Basically, that means we’re becoming more hard-bitten in ou...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Feb 6, 2012, 3:00 am
Okay, here’s the deal. Last week, John Piper invited controversy by saying that God gave Christianity a distinctively male quality.  And if men and women embrace that essential maleness, we’ll all be happier. After all, Jesus was a man who had twelve male disciples.  All of the Old Testament...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Feb 3, 2012, 3:00 am
Hey everyone, it’s been a while since I’ve done this. But there’s a blog you should all be reading.  I mean it. It’s been over a year since I’ve had a Q and A with a blogger that I want you to know.  But Caleb Wilde will fill a very important niche in your blog reader: the guy-who-hand...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Feb 1, 2012, 3:00 am
We love to preach that grace is a free gift.  Anyone can have it, without cost… …But we don’t really mean it. Just like we say that freedom isn’t really free.  Or the free market isn’t really free.  Or there is no free lunch.  We preach that God’s grace comes free of charge… …...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Jan 30, 2012, 3:00 am
Well, they’re at it again. Friday, we discussed a particular, unnamed church that’s now getting attention for its zeal in disciplining one of its 10,000 members. Of course, you know this can’t be an isolated incident. I have, right here, another church discipline contract, sent to me on the...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Jan 27, 2012, 3:00 am
When was the last time you got in trouble? Most of us remember getting grounded or spanked or our car keys were taken away.  Everyone has one event when they really really got into trouble. But have you ever been in trouble with your church? A well known church and pastor that will remain namele...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Jan 25, 2012, 3:00 am
I loved Legos when I was a kid. If I had a pile of Legos in front of me now, I would play with them. What is this? Lab Partner Lego girl? Is this offensive toy giving girls the false hope that they can be good at science? Legos don’t usually make then news, but they did this week. Lego release...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Jan 23, 2012, 3:00 am
Aloha, friends. If you asked the average person, they could probably name no more than ten religions.  But the fact is that there are thousands of religions all over the world. And I’m not the judgmental type.  I’m respectful of other cultures and beliefs that are different from my own… ...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Jan 20, 2012, 3:00 am
You know, sometimes we get so caught up with celebrity personalities, we forget to notice the little guy. There they are, plugging away, fighting the good fight, and no one seems to pay attention. Today, I want to correct that.  Because while there are the big guys like Rob and Mark and Pat kicki...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Nov 2, 2011, 4:00 am
Maybe you’ve noticed.  Jesus has a bit of a major image problem. Yep, if Jesus’ public relations committee were working for anyone else, they’d have been fired long ago.  Anyone else with such a bad rep would disappear.  The campaign would be over, the bus tour cancelled, the public appear...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Oct 31, 2011, 4:00 am
Well, it’s the big day. Honestly, I like Halloween.  I always have.  I loved dressing up and trick-or-treating as a kid.  It saddens me that we don’t get that many trick-or-treaters.  I guess a lot of parents think it’s not safe. I never understood the Christian parents who got caught up...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Oct 28, 2011, 4:00 am
Hey everyone, today I’ve got a cool guest post from Tor Constantino a lifelong believer, former journalist, current PR guy and blogger from DC. You can find him here on Twitter and on Facebook. Halloween is nearly here, and it’s a tricky (pardon the pun) holiday for Christians given its pa...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Oct 26, 2011, 4:00 am
We live in a cynical age. You’ve probably noticed it.  I don’t know how you could avoid it.  It’s everywhere. It’s in every person who feels jaded by life, by the church or by their jobs. It’s in every person who’s lost faith in people, in “the system” or in God. It’s in ever...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Oct 24, 2011, 4:00 am
It seems like everyone wants to put labels on everyone.  You know, put everyone in a box. When I tell a new acquaintance that I’m a pastor, I instantly see a thousand calculations pass through their minds about the kind of person I must be, the things I must like to do, the politics I must have,...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Oct 21, 2011, 4:00 am
You know, I’m not Catholic… …But I can see how the tradition of confession has its benefits.  But I’m not going to confess all my deep, dark sins to you today.  That would just use up a bunch of blog posts all in one shot, wouldn’t it? But in the spirit of confession, and having some w...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Oct 19, 2011, 4:00 am
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…already. Yeah, stores start peddling Christmas crap early.  But when I saw the eggnog in the grocery store this week, it just seemed weird.  Who is buying Halloween candy and eggnog? Many Christians are gearing up for another round in the battle fo...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Oct 17, 2011, 4:00 am
Three years ago, give or take a day or two, I started this blog. No one knew about it, because I told no one about it, including my wife.  No one read it, as I expected.  It truly had no people. Part of me didn’t want to tell anyone because I figured I’d quit after a month or two.  Do you k...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Oct 14, 2011, 4:00 am
You know, I’ve been thinking about something. A lot of days here on the blog, I try to take on some controversial topic.  That usually involves some kind of debate, criticism, or general negativity.  That’s kind of the way it is.  You can’t talk about controversial things without taking a ...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Oct 12, 2011, 4:00 am
I’d like to coin a new term. Last week, I went to the Catalyst conference for the third time.  And while I’m always inspired and challenged, I’m always a little bit uneasy.  Catalyst is just so huge. I go there to hear from people who are way more experienced and accomplished than I am.  ...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Oct 10, 2011, 4:00 am
Last week I asked if anyone felt like Jesus needed his driver’s license revoked… And the responses flooded in.  Tons of people felt like they had given Jesus the wheel to steer their lives, and Jesus had crashed their lives right into a ditch.  Holy crap, if Jesus even still has his driver’...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Oct 7, 2011, 4:00 am
Hey everyone.  I’ve got a double dose of blogging for you today!  First up, my friend Darrell is guest blogging for me today.  He’s a super neat guy, so be sure to leave him some blog love here, and then go check his blog out.  I’m not sitting today out though!  Erin Gabbard won a guest ...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Oct 5, 2011, 4:00 am
That's how he rolls. So, I’ve got a question for you… You know how some people like for Jesus to “take the wheel?”  You know, be their driver in life? I guess that’s a nice sentiment.  Surrender, obedience and all that.  Maybe you like that Carrie Underwood song.  Maybe you like to ...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Oct 3, 2011, 4:00 am
Is church just another business? That’s not a new question. Several months ago, everyone laughed at a video that asked “What if church was run like Starbucks?” A couple of years ago, I blogged about my irritation with churches calling their sanctuaries “worship centers” which I think ma...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Sep 30, 2011, 4:00 am
Happy Friday, everyone! Holy crap, I’m working over time just to make sure my ridiculous twenty part job (which I’m still thankful for) is covered while I’m gone next week to the Catalyst conference.  I’m almost going to need a vacation after this. But I’m excited because it’s my thir...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Sep 28, 2011, 4:00 am
Kids fight…a lot. That’s no secret.  Put two children together for five minutes and some stupid dispute is bound to break out.  The wee ones of the world may not be as pure of heart as we like to think. Bryan Allain reminded me of this when he blogged a couple of days ago about the five dumb...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Sep 26, 2011, 4:00 am
Two-thousand years ago, Jesus praised poor people and condemned rich people.  He told parables of rich men who wound up in hell, and told a wealthy man to sell everything he had. Today, unemployment is chronically high.  The stock market is unstable.  Thousands of homes are foreclosed, banks shu...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Sep 23, 2011, 4:00 am
Attention, faithful readers! Today, I have the fantastic opportunity to be guest blogging on Kathy Richard’s blog.  Kathy has been an amazing blog-friend and encouragement to me since my very earliest days of blogging.  No joke.  She’s one of my longest running fans, and I can say I’m on...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Sep 21, 2011, 4:00 am
Yesterday, my wife and I had a date. We like to schedule “us” time on a regular basis.  Every couple has to have time together when you’re not doing laundry.  I even had the date marked in my phone’s calendar. I drove hurredly through traffic to be on time.  Our date appointment was set...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Sep 19, 2011, 4:00 am
The oddest thing happened to me last Monday. I don’t count myself among the “blame America” crowd.  You know, the people who think that America is evil, has no conscience or soul, and pretty much everything it does is wrong.  See also: “the Great Satan.”  This group is made up mostly o...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Sep 16, 2011, 4:00 am
Hey everyone, time for another guest post.  Today, we’ve got Jeremy Statton, pictured left (not the baby).  He’s a freaking orthopedic surgeon, and a great guy with a post you’re going to love.  Check it out, then head over to Jeremy’s blog. My church is largely made up of young married ...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Sep 14, 2011, 4:00 am
Hey everyone, come take a walk with me.  I’m really excited to be blogging today on Modern Reject.  You know Nicole because she blogged here a couple of months ago.  Now, it’s time for me to return the favor, as Nicole is recuperating from having her third kid. What am I blogging about today...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Sep 12, 2011, 4:00 am
It’s that time of year again.  Football season is upon us. Tens of thousands of fans attended season openers in stadiums and millions watched from home. Pro football is practically the only sport I enjoy watching at all.  But it’s a love-hate relationship, with more hate and less love lately...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Sep 9, 2011, 4:00 am
Google "spiritual but not religious" and a picture of a shirtless, greasy-haired hippie weirding out everyone on the beach will be among the first results. “I’m spiritual but not religious…” Few phrases in the English language chap my delicate, pasty hide faster than that one.  It conjure...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Sep 7, 2011, 4:00 am
And we’re back!  Today, I’m participating in a synchro-blog hosted by Ally Spotts,  called “Confessions of a Christian Twenty-Something.”  There’s several other participating bloggers, so when you’re done here, check out who else is writing and maybe discover some other cool bloggers....
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Sep 5, 2011, 4:00 am
It’s Labor Day, in case you forgot. That means you should be doing something like cooking a hot dog.  Or flying a kite.  Or catching up on your favorite blogs. So, nothing to see here, people.  Move along!  I’ll be back on Wednesday. But if you are looking for something to do, I have a ne...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Sep 2, 2011, 4:00 am
Hey everyone, I’m somewhere else today! Tony Alicea writes a sweet blog, Expect the Exceptional, and he won a guest post from me.  It’s pretty awesome. So, everyone go over there, leave a comment, check out what Tony has to say.  That’s it.  Form a single file line…no pushing… Sharin...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Aug 31, 2011, 4:00 am
All right, I’m ready to talk.  For reals. After two posts and over 130 comments on the subject of baby-making, it seems some of you are curious about why I’m suddenly talking about this.  I started to get Facebook and email messages asking me what’s up. Well, this is actually a topic I’...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Aug 29, 2011, 4:00 am
So…a bunch of people have an opinion on me not having kids. It’s not like it’s news.  But seventy comments after I revealed the three things I’ve learned about childlessness, I realized this is a pretty fertile (ha) topic. The comments ranged from lots of guys cyber-slapping me on the bac...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Aug 26, 2011, 4:00 am
Here’s the thing: my wife and I have been married for five years… …and we don’t have children. What Joy I'm Missing Out On We are very happily married.  I love her to no end.  We were two of the very first among our friends to get hitched.  But now, even though birth rates apparently c...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Aug 24, 2011, 4:00 am
As bloggers, we’re all into this online “community” thing. But have you ever gotten to meet any of your online friends in person? I’ve met a few. The first one was out of the blue.  I was applying for a job.  I was sitting in the lobby, waiting for my appointment, when the lady at the d...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Aug 22, 2011, 4:00 am
What do we tell children every day of their lives? “Just believe in yourself.” Just believe in yourself, and you can do anything you set your mind to do. Geez.  We spend a lot of time trying to build up our kids self-esteem.  I’m pretty sure we worship childhood.  The last thing we want...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Aug 19, 2011, 4:00 am
The first winner of my blog post giveaway is none other than John Cowart!  For reasons unknown to me, John is one of my most loyal commentors, always with something clever to say, and often the first to chime in.  When I read this post, I knew I had to share it with you.  Leave a comment, and the...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Aug 17, 2011, 4:00 am
Four years ago, I left my church. And while I realize that I didn’t leave the Church, it seemed like a big deal at the time to leave behind our particular church, with its particular building, and everything inside it and invite people to worship in a home.  It felt like we were leaving behind a...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Aug 15, 2011, 4:00 am
Back to school! Over the next several days, millions of children and teenagers will head back to class.  There, they’ll learn important skills in math, reading, and doing holiday themed word searches and busy work. And as parents, teachers, and students get their school supplies and classrooms ...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Aug 12, 2011, 4:00 am
I guess all good things must come to an end. A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I got a letter from her grandmother, who lives in the rural Midwest. Among the topics that grandmothers talk about, she mentioned that the town’s Catholic church, her home church had closed.  The whole town had turn...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Aug 10, 2011, 4:00 am
They are everywhere.  Trolls. In children’s stories, trolls are the creatures that live under footbridges or in swamps, waiting to attack hapless passers-by. In the real world, they’re the people who sneak around blogs, waiting to attack hapless passers-by. I attract the attention of a troll...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Aug 8, 2011, 4:00 am
Our Sunday morning church ritual probably looks a lot like yours.  We have songs, prayer, a message, communion, and time for people to voice prayer requests. We get the usual mix of prayer requests.  A couple of sick people here and there.  Someone with this need or that need.  And during praye...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Aug 5, 2011, 4:00 am
Thank you, everyone who entered the Guest Post Contest last Friday! It was tough whittling down the entries to just three people who will appear here and three blogs that I’ll post for.  Seriously, if you are in need of some fresh blogs to read, you should be clicking on the names in the comment...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Aug 3, 2011, 4:00 am
Well, I’m glad we can stop talking about this whole debt “crisis,” and start arguing about important stuff… …Well, maybe not. The fact is, although the U.S. government may have averted disaster (by agreeing to borrow more money), we haven’t solved any problems.  Because no one really ...
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Matt A. posted an article on The Church of No People - Aug 1, 2011, 4:00 am
I’m writing a romantic comedy. I know, I know.  It’s going to be difficult.  After all, romantic comedies are the pinnacle of cinematic achievement. Plus, the market is already saturated with such diverse gems as Friends with Benefits, No Strings Attached, Crazy Stupid Love, and Winnie the P...
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