Matt Erickson

Wisconsin

Pastor, Writer and Speaker at Freelance

Husband to Kelly, father, avid hiker. Senior Pastor at @EastbrookChurch. MDiv @nseminary. DMin @westernsem. Writing new book with @EerdmansBooks for 2026.

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Articles

Characteristics of True Friendship: excerpts from the Book of Proverbs

5 days ago | mwerickson.com | Matt Erickson

This past weekend as part of our series, “The Pursuit of God: The Life of David,” Will Branch explored the friendship between David and Jonathan. When I think about what true friendship looks like, I often turn toward the book of Proverbs, which speaks a lot about our relationships, particularly friendship. As the book of Proverbs offers practical guidance about life, work, family, finances, friendships, integrity, and relying on God, it starts all of this discussion upon two key ideas.
The Weekend Wanderer: 21 June 2025

1 week ago | mwerickson.com | Matt Erickson

“The Weekend Wanderer” is a weekly curated selection of news, stories, resources, and media on the intersection of faith and culture for you to explore through your weekend. Wander through these links however you like and in any order you like. Disclaimer: I do not necessarily agree with all the views expressed within these articles but have found them thought-provoking.
Why Juneteenth Matters for Christians

1 week ago | mwerickson.com | Matt Erickson

Growing up in the Mississippi River Valley of western Illinois, I went to a relatively diverse middle school and high school. But I never heard about Juneteenth until much later while pastoring the diverse church where I know serve in Milwaukee.
Damage survey confirms 2 EF1 tornadoes touched down in Brainerd area

1 week ago | brainerddispatch.com | Matt Erickson |Renee Richardson

BRAINERD — Damage surveys confirmed two EF1 tornadoes with estimated peak winds of 100 mph touched down Monday, June 16, in the Brainerd lakes area. The first tornado touched down near Casino north of Pillager and traveled east toward Lake Shore and across Gull Lake for a total distance of 11.5 miles with a maximum width of 400 yards.
The Weekend Wanderer: 14 June 2025

2 weeks ago | mwerickson.com | Matt Erickson

“The Weekend Wanderer” is a weekly curated selection of news, stories, resources, and media on the intersection of faith and culture for you to explore through your weekend. Wander through these links however you like and in any order you like. Disclaimer: I do not necessarily agree with all the views expressed within these articles but have found them thought-provoking.
A Prayer - after reflecting on the life of Moses

2 weeks ago | mwerickson.com | Matt Erickson

“Never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.
Reading the Story of the Bible Three Ways

2 weeks ago | mwerickson.com | Matt Erickson

What follows is an excerpt from my sermon this past Sunday, “Faith to Face the Giant,” on the showdown between David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. I closed the sermon with some reflections on how we read the Bible, especially how we read stories, or narratives, in the Bible. I had a few people ask me about this part of the sermon, so I thought it might be helpful if I shared some of it here. This story of David and Goliath is a wonderful and memorable story.
“Faith to Face the Giant” - a message on David and Goliath from 1 Samuel 17

2 weeks ago | mwerickson.com | Matt Erickson

This past weekend at Eastbrook, we continued our summer preaching series entitled “The Pursuit of God: The Life of David.” This weekend I engaged with one of the most well-known stories from David’s life, where he faces off against Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. You can find the message outline and video below. You can access the entire series here. Join us for weekend worship in-person or remotely via Eastbrook at Home.
The Weekend Wanderer: 7 June 2025

3 weeks ago | mwerickson.com | Matt Erickson

“The Weekend Wanderer” is a weekly curated selection of news, stories, resources, and media on the intersection of faith and culture for you to explore through your weekend. Wander through these links however you like and in any order you like. Disclaimer: I do not necessarily agree with all the views expressed within these articles but have found them thought-provoking.
Crimes Against the Self

3 weeks ago | mwerickson.com | Matt Erickson

To pretend what is, is otherwise. To speak harsh sentences in the quiet of the night when no one else hears but oneself. To hold one’s breath day after day, climbing into a building that is on fire. To know what is good but pursue what is evil, letting it fasten its teeth into you. To hear the still, small Voice whispering but pretend it is not there. To feel tears rise up from the deepest wells of the soul but forbid them to come forth. To see arms outstretched for embrace yet turn away.