FAQs
What is this blog about? The Gospel Side is the public cud chewing of a post-Young Life Episcopal priest whose desire is to help people walk with the triune God. I post rants, resources, and things that make me smile. I post on a variety of topics: Young adults, youth ministry, culture, and the Church in its relevant, multi-ethnic, and ancient/liturgical forms.
Who are you? I am married to Kari. We like each other. We have two grown children with of active Christian faith and commitment to the church. I like NBA basketball and sailing. My paying gig is Associate Rector at The Episcopal Church of St. John the Divine in Houston, Texas. Prior to that I served as Canon for Youth and Young Adults for the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona and led a multi-ethnic church planting team at St. Jude’s in Phoenix.
What’s up with your blog name? “The Gospel side,” for my non-liturgical friends, was the side of a traditional two pulpit church from which the Gospel was read (as opposed to the Epistle side). Currently the Gospel is proclaimed from the center of the church, among the people. In his brief years on earth, Jesus brought the presence of God into the midst of the people, rather than off to the sides or hidden away in sanctuaries. The implication is that every “side,” ancient or modern, conservative or progressive, sacred or secular, are Jesus’ business.
Where are you coming from theologically? I am an ecumenical kyriarchist. Ecumenical: I think Christians should work together across boundaries and major on the majors so that we can reach a lost and hurting world with the Good News of Jesus. And kyriarchist, a term I am reclaiming from feminist theology, meaning the “rule of the Lord.” The first creed among the followers of Jesus was, “Jesus is Lord.” It was a response to the cry “Caesar is Lord,” mandated to be shouted by the crowds as Roman rulers passed through town. To say, “Jesus is Lord” was to defy all illegitimate human authority and power systems for another, higher obedience. I am reclaiming the term as one seeking to place my life under the gracious leadership of the Lord, Jesus Christ, and invite you to join me in experiencing the freedom of the reign of God in our lives.
Matt Marino+ June 2017
*Yes, Matt is available, on occasion, to speak at camps, retreats and conferences on issues of the church, youth ministry, and, of course, Jesus.
the gospel side 
Found my way over from Lee’s blog, Matt – we seem to have a shared tendency to “go long” in our writing. My cardinal rule on that? So long as you don’t bore me, I’ll keep reading 🙂
Grin. Give me the link to your blog as well. I’d love to give it a gander.
http://www.plannedpeasanthood.com is where I blog at, Matt. Pop in anytime 🙂
I like your reclaiming of “Kyriarchy” and say, “amen”!
An old Christian friend posted your article on FB. I found myself (Ev. Presbyterian) at home in your thoughts. I have felt for years that my church was “selling out” to the secularly compatible church culture. During ministry time prayers by clergy and elders with individuals coming to the altar could not be heard between the two of them for the amped sound of “praise and worship” music. I at heart am a worshipper. I don’t consider myself to have worshipped at church any longer when I go. I have heard a good word preached and have fellowshipped somewhat in coming and going. We have thrown the baby out with the bath water with regard to honoring exciting music expressing joy in worship AND have lost the tender, holy and worshipful moments of corporate worship in the “family”.
An old Christian friend posted you
r “Uncool abt Cool” article on FB. I found myself (Ev. Presbyterian) at home in your thoughts. I have felt for years that my church was “selling out” to the secularly compatible church culture. During ministry time prayers by clergy and elders with individuals coming to the altar could not be heard between the two of them for the amped sound of “praise and worship” music. I at heart am a worshipper. I don’t consider myself to have worshipped at church any longer when I go. I have heard a good word preached and have fellowshipped somewhat in coming and going. We have thrown the baby out with the bath water with regard to honoring exciting music expressing joy in worship AND have lost the tender, holy and worshipful moments of corporate worship in the “family”.
Thank you, Kay. A good word for many to hear.
A friend shared your uncool about cool message on Facebook. I really liked it. Thought you might want to know (which you may already) that at the end of it there is a Smirnoff video ad (the same as on this page). I clicked on it thinking it was part of your article. Lol! Very clever placement of Smirnoff, eh?
O how weird. Yeah, I am hoping that by allowing ads at the bottom of pages it will pay for the annual fee for my domain name. We shall see. If you keep clicking on the ads it will help. 🙂
Sorry about that. I am not really trying to pitch Vodka to folks.
I posted this in another thread (Do you seriously…) and them found that it would be better posted here:
I am a Bible Teacher in a predominately conservative venue. Specifically Bible History is my thing and I do a lot of writing and teaching com that corner…
I am new to your blog, and though we would probably have many lively conversations about our respective church backgrounds, we agree on many things too! As a teacher I often get myself in a position where my mouth runs on ahead of my mind…and I wanted to say that I really appreciate your tone here, and the thoughtful and loving manner you handle the various responses. I am learning from you.
Maybe someday we can enjoy a coke and a “lively conversation”!
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hi, should we or not have our 15 yr old son do youth group? We are Christians, but I get nervous about it.
Great question, Bonita. Generally I would say yes. But observe it and know that group’s weaknesses so that you can provide what it does not.
Well Matt, I suppose it is time for me to visit the gospel side
A good place to start might be the “Top 10 posts”