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Hi, I’m Matt
rainonrocks.com explores the connection between spirituality and social justice and inspires readers to reach deep and get involved. We are a community of diverse voices from around the world who share their journeys and often don’t fit into conventional boxes. This site is a place to learn, be inspired, ask questions, and discover what keeps other wanderers doing the cool things they’re doing.
Think of it as a bloggy version of an evening with some creatively eclectic people. They’ve had a glass of wine (or two), have let their filters down, and are telling stories about their adventures as they work a little bit every day to make a difference in the world. They’re probably just a bit cynical, a little heretical, and occasionally pretty damn funny.
If you want to work at becoming more authentic & courageous in weaving together your personal journey and your work to make the world a better place, you’ll feel right at home here. rainonrocks.com explores…
- how people from different traditions find inspiration to keep doing great work
- How to thoughtfully talk with people when everyone seems to just want to yell.
- How to leave communities that don’t support your unconventional journey and how to find something better.
If you’re looking for sound bites and talking points, this might not be for you. If you’re looking for some whole new ways to think about your life and work, read on.
Who is Matt? Growing up in the Pacific Northwest has left me with more of a “journey” than “arrival” state of mind. After high school I attended a small liberal-arts college in Kansas, graduated from seminary in Indiana, and later completed a PhD in sociology from the University of Oregon with a focus on social movements and social change. The more substantial parts of life have included fifteen-years as senior pastor of two churches, five years as a university professor, a short stint as a community organizer, and most recently on staff at a university career center. I love hanging out with and learning from creative people who are thinking about how to connect their personal journey to a life of doing justice.
And where does “rainonrocks.com” come from? Besides conjuring the out-of-doors and having a nice ring, it summons a thorny metaphor: “Dripping water hollows out stone, not through force but through persistence.” (Ovid – Roman Poet 43BCE-18CE). Many of my days, interactions, and small works of justice feel quite small. I am often hard-pressed to stay hopeful and remember that there are plenty more drips out there like me (wait, that didn’t come out quite right…). Anyway, I hope rainonrocks.com reminds you that every small drop of good matters.
If you’re interested in this sort of thing, read on. Subscribe to be the first to hear about new posts, special guests, and unique workshop opportunities. Share with your friends and let me know about topics you’d like to explore. Rain on!