On Episode 16, it is our distinct honor and privilege to welcome Matt Miofsky, lead pastor of The Gathering here in St. Louis.

Did that sound hoity-toity?

It kind of did, didn’t it?

So be it. This guy is one of my tickets to heaven!

And, he’s Jeff’s literal boss.

So, ass-kissing, we shall.

In all seriousness, Matt has been at the top of our list to have on the podcast since we launched this thing. Initially, I wanted to wait for the perfect time to have him on… and then it hit me… no better time than now… with the beginning of Holy Week leading up to Easter on Sunday.

F***ing genius, right?

Quarantine be damned.

Normally, I’m this show’s biggest critic. But, not on this one… I absolutely loved the conversation we had on this episode!

Matt, Jeff, and I have a real-life conversation about church and Jesus and the power of the resurrection. Matt gets into how the church can be the church’s own worst enemy and how Matt quite often is trying to undo a lot of the wrongs church has done to folks over the years.

We chat about the power of addiction and darkness and discuss real-life examples that happen every day that Matt and I have been witness to. We won't bore you with the impossible-to-read stories in the bible that happened thousands of years ago (which are super relevant too… but it’s nice to see this God and Jesus shit play out in our everyday lives, right?).

Right.

You see, my story (because it’s the one I know and “own” in terms of sharing) is one where the impossible became possible. And yes, it’s because of Jesus. For some of you, that may turn you off… I get it… the church way isn’t your bag. It wasn’t necessarily mine either at one point… granted, I always had faith and believed in heaven… but I never knew the power of the love of Jesus… never.

Until I leaned the fuck into him and decided to allow him to work in my heart.

And THAT decision…

That decision took me from the suffocating darkness into a life of light, love, hope, and joy.

When you have nothing to lose, why not try it a different way?

So, tune in!

Maybe you can make your decision to lean in like I did on this upcoming Easter Sunday. You can listen and watch The Gathering’s Easter Service online, and you can hear Matt describe the power and the hope of the resurrection in detail. And how THAT actually is good f***ing news! Not like the churchy, religiousy khaki-panted good news door-knockers tell you. It's more like when a friend calls you on the phone and says, "Hey... I have some great news to share with you!" And then they tell you about a new baby, a new relationship, or that some gal that you have the hots for is sweet on you... THAT KIND OF GOOD NEWS. Because that's what this shit is! You can resurrect your own life by leaning towards Jesus and you can start this Sunday. Like I did. And look at me... I'm still rough around the edges and say the "F' all the time!

Can I get an AMEN!?!

Anyway.

Just remember, as you’re enjoying Easter with us, always remember that Jesus can resurrect your (or your “friend’s”) life from the dead and the darkness that consumes us.

I promise you. This shit works, B.

Let us pray.

-Chris

Visit gatheringnow.org to join us for Easter online!