Matt Alexander

The Life of a Church Planter

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I’m a family man who has a wonderful wife of 32 years and 5 children! I began the Church Planting Journey in 2011 and I’m having the time of my life through the difficulties and Big Wins of church planting.
  • Part 2 — When Silence Ripples Through a Family: Guarding the Heart Without Building Walls

    Part 2 — When Silence Ripples Through a Family: Guarding the Heart Without Building Walls

    “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” — 1 Peter 4:8 (ESV)

    The Ripple Effect

    When friendships end suddenly, the ache doesn’t stop with the people directly involved. It ripples through entire families.

    After that couple vanished from our lives, the silence seeped into our home. Our children didn’t understand why two people they called “grandma and grandpa” had disappeared. They kept asking if we’d see them again at Christmas, if they’d come to their next birthday. Each time, we had to say, “I don’t know.”

    It’s hard to explain relational loss to children because they don’t carry the same filters adults do. They don’t calculate or rationalize — they just feel. Their trust is simpler, and when it’s broken, the wound goes deeper.

    I began to notice the ripple effect in subtle ways: our kids became more hesitant to attach to new people, slower to open up, less trusting when someone said, “We love your family.” Their hearts were learning what ours had already learned — that love sometimes disappears without warning.

    And honestly, I couldn’t blame them. I was starting to feel the same way.

    The Walls We Build

    Hurt makes builders out of us. We build walls not with bricks, but with guarded smiles and polite distance. I told myself I was just being “wiser” or “careful,” but if I’m honest, it wasn’t wisdom — it was fear.

    I was afraid of investing again, afraid of leading my family into another heartbreak. And ministry can easily disguise that fear as maturity. We tell ourselves, “We’ve learned our lesson.” But in reality, we’ve just grown numb.

    Over time, I realized that the very walls I was building to keep pain out were also keeping love out. You can’t selectively block heartbreak — you end up blocking hope, too.

    Jesus didn’t build walls after betrayal. He loved again. He invited Thomas to touch His wounds. He restored Peter by the fire. He kept His heart open, not because people were trustworthy, but because His Father was faithful.

    That’s the call for every believer, and especially for pastors: to guard the heart, but not harden it. Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Guarding your heart doesn’t mean hiding it behind iron gates; it means keeping it pure, soft, and surrendered before God.

    Facing My Own Retreat

    I wish I could say I’ve always done this well. The truth is, sometimes I’ve pulled away too quickly. After being ghosted, I found myself avoiding deeper friendships altogether. There were times someone reached out to connect, and I was polite—but distant. I’d nod, smile, and stay safely vague.

    In those moments, I was ghosting in my own way. I wasn’t disappearing physically, but emotionally I was gone. And that realization convicted me deeply.

    So, I began praying differently: “Lord, don’t let my pain make me proud. Don’t let hurt make me hard.”

    Slowly, God began softening me again. Not through grand moments, but through quiet acts of grace—unexpected encouragement, new friendships, and the gentle reminder that love is always worth the risk.

    Heart Check

    • Have you built emotional walls in the name of “wisdom”?
    • Are those walls keeping people out—or keeping God from using you to love again?
    • Who might need to see a softer, more open version of you today?

    My Prayer

    Father,
    You know how easily pain can turn into pride and fear into distance.
    Keep my heart soft where it wants to grow cold.
    Teach me to guard my heart without closing it.
    Help my family—and the families I shepherd—to risk love again,
    because You have loved us without reserve.
    Amen.

    Stay tuned for Part 3 in this Series— “Ending Friendships With Grace: A Better Way Forward”

    (if these post have been helpful, feel free to share them on your social media platforms.)

  • Part 1 — When Friends Disappear: The Ache No One Talks About

    Part 1 — When Friends Disappear: The Ache No One Talks About

    “Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.” — Psalm 41:9 ESV

    There’s a particular pain few people prepare you for—the pain of ghosted friendships. It’s when someone you love suddenly stops responding to calls or texts, not because of conflict but simply without explanation.

    When the Calls Stop Coming

    For our family, it wasn’t a distant acquaintance. It was a couple who had become like grandparents to our five children. We shared Holidays, vacations, sporting events, graduations, worship gatherings and countless family birthday meals together. They were woven into the fabric of our daily lives. We even shared a “family” group text thread….

    Then, without warning, they were gone. Not only did they leave the church but totally walked away from our family. Calls went unanswered, no response to text messages. No goodbye—only silence.

    Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months, months into years, and still nothing. You see, it was 30 days of silence before there was any response to our communication and it was a simple text saying, “God has led us away from the church to another church.” I responded by saying something like- “I totally understand God leading you to another church but obviously, we have hurt you severely, please tell us what we did that hurt you so bad, and for you to go silent on our family, we want to do our best to correct it.” To this day- Crickets….

    The hardest part wasn’t my own hurt; it was watching our children’s confusion. “Dad, did we do something wrong?” I had no answer.

    The silence was deafening. Ghosting leaves you feeling disposable, unseen, unsure of what was ever real.

    When Love Meets Silence

    As a pastor, I’ve seen many kinds of pain, but relational silence carries a special weight. You start replaying every conversation, wondering if you missed a cue or said something careless. Sometimes people simply drift; other times, the Holy Spirit gently shows you that you may have been the one who hurt someone and didn’t realize it.

    I had to stop asking only, “Why did they leave?” and start asking, “Lord, have I ever made someone feel this way?” There were moments He brought faces to mind—people I had lost touch with, relationships I let fade because the conversation would have been awkward or time was short. That realization stung.

    The truth is, I haven’t always handled friendships well either. Ministry can make it easy to move on to the next person who needs care, forgetting that the ones who slipped quietly away may still be carrying pain I helped cause.

    Psalm 139:23-24 became my prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

    Learning to Grieve and to Repent

    God used this loss not only to heal my own hurt but also to humble me. Grieving includes looking inward—asking where I might owe someone a conversation, an apology, or at least a word of gratitude left unsaid.

    Some wrongs can’t be undone, but repentance can still bear fruit. I’ve learned to reach out when the Spirit prompts, even if years have passed. Sometimes people respond; sometimes they don’t. Either way, obedience matters more than the outcome.

    Christ, who was betrayed and abandoned, never stopped initiating love. His mercy exposes my pride and invites me to live honestly before others.

    Heart Check

    • Have I been ghosted—and have I ever done the same to someone else?
    • Who might need a humble message or a coffee invitation instead of more silence?
    • What is the Spirit revealing about my part in the brokenness of relationships?
    • Can I do better? Can we do better?

    My Prayer

    Lord Jesus,
    You were betrayed and yet pursued reconciliation.
    Search my heart. Show me anyone I’ve wounded by silence or neglect.
    Give me courage to reach out, humility to repent, and grace to forgive those who’ve hurt me.
    Heal what’s broken in others—and in me. Honestly Lord, I realize that we can do better. Help us!
    Amen.

  • When Silence Speaks: A Church Planter/Pastor’s Journey Through Ghosted Friendships

    When Silence Speaks: A Church Planter/Pastor’s Journey Through Ghosted Friendships

    “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2 (ESV)

    A Burden I’ve Carried for Years

    For years, I’ve carried an unfinished piece in my drafts folder. It started as one long, raw post about something few pastors or church members ever talk about—the pain of being ghosted by people we love.

    You know what I mean. When people you’ve prayed with, cried with, served alongside, and called family suddenly disappear without a word. No explanation. No closure. Just silence.

    I wrote that post years ago out of grief and confusion. But every time I tried to publish it, I hesitated. It felt too vulnerable—too exposed. The hurt was still too fresh.

    So I left it there, unfinished.

    But over the years, the Lord began to use that very silence to do something in my own heart. He started to teach me what it means to love people without guarantees. To grieve losses without growing bitter. To examine my own role in broken relationships. And to leave others—and every season of ministry—in His hands.

    Recently, I reopened that old draft. And as I reread it, I realized that it wasn’t just a blog post anymore. It had become a testimony of how God heals even the quietest wounds.

    Why This Series Matters

    I’ve been in ministry long enough to know that ghosting isn’t rare. It happens in friendships, small groups, church families, and even among pastors. Sometimes it’s caused by conflict, sometimes by misunderstanding, and sometimes by simple drift.

    Whatever the reason, the result is the same—a hollow ache where there used to be laughter and trust.

    This series comes out of that ache. Not as a rant, not as a complaint, but as a prayerful reflection on what God has been teaching me through the pain of ghosted friendships and the importance of leaving relationships well.

    It’s been healthy for me to finally unpack this, to name the hurt out loud, and to let Scripture shape how I process it. My hope is that it will be healthy for you too—whether you’ve been the one left behind, or you’ve been the one who quietly drifted away.

    This isn’t a series about blame. It’s a call to grace. A call to humility. And a reminder that in the body of Christ, we can do better.

    My Heart Behind These Posts

    As I’ve prayed through these writings, one truth has stood out above the rest:
    God cares about how we handle relationships—how we begin them, how we nurture them, and yes, how we end them.

    We may not be able to avoid every disappointment, but we can respond biblically when those disappointments come. We can learn to love through misunderstanding, to forgive in silence, and to leave with integrity when God leads us onward.

    These posts are my attempt to walk that road honestly—with Scripture open, heart exposed, and grace in full view.

    What’s Coming Next

    Over the next few weeks, I’ll be releasing six posts that explore different aspects of this journey. Each one is written from my own experience, filtered through prayer and the hope of Christ’s redeeming love.

    Here’s what’s coming:

    1. When Friends Disappear — The Ache No One Talks About
      When the people you love most suddenly vanish, and what Jesus teaches us through the silence.
    2. When Silence Ripples Through a Family — Guarding the Heart Without Building Walls
      How to protect your heart without letting pain harden it, especially when your family feels the loss too.
    3. Ending Friendships With Grace — A Better Way Forward
      What it means to part ways in love, with honesty and peace, instead of confusion and avoidance.
    4. When Disagreement Turns to Distance — Loving When We Don’t See Eye to Eye
      How to handle conflict biblically when differences threaten fellowship.
    5. Feeling Out of Place — When Returning Feels Harder Than Leaving
      Grace for the heart that wants to come back but feels like an outsider in the place it once called home.
    6. How to Leave Well — Honoring God in Every Goodbye
      Practical, gospel-centered wisdom for moving on without leaving a trail of hurt behind.

    My Prayer

    Father,
    Thank You for not wasting our pain.
    Use this series to heal hearts, renew broken trust, and remind us that every relationship is sacred.
    Teach us to love deeply, forgive quickly, and leave well when You call us elsewhere.
    May the grace of Christ redeem the silence of our past and make our future relationships strong in You.
    Amen.

    A Final Word

    This is one of the most personal series I’ve ever written. It’s not from a place of having it all figured out—it’s from a place of still learning, still repenting, and still trusting that God’s way is better.

    If these reflections help even one person heal, reconcile, or simply choose grace where silence once lived, then the years of waiting to publish them will have been worth it.

    Stay tuned. The first post, “When Friends Disappear: The Ache No One Talks About,” will be released soon. My prayer is that together, we’ll rediscover how to love and leave in a way that honors Christ.

  • Day Four: Business, Brains, and Beefy Enchiladas

    Uno Mas Tex Mex, Dallas-Texas

    We didn’t even pretend to sleep well as we rolled out of Air B&B Tuesday morning. The DART train kept its promise of arriving every eight minutes — like clockwork — and Mother Nature added insult to injury with a full-blown Texas thunder boomer shaking the walls well past midnight. Needless to say, we were already brewing with energy as we rolled into the first full day at the SBC.

    No breakfast today — just a quick cup of joe from the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. We arrived to find something rather shocking: the business session was actually ahead of schedule. For anyone who has ever attended an SBC, you know this is borderline miraculous. Usually, business sessions drag well into lunch due to lengthy debates and procedural motions.

    But not this time. Entity heads were zipping through reports like they were trying to catch a flight. It left us wondering — was this efficiency, or just a lack of substantive business and engagement from the floor? Whatever the case, there was a real concern among the foodies in the room — if we end too early, all the carefully timed luncheons might start late or be disrupted altogether. That’s a serious problem when your lunch plans includes Brisket, Enchiladas, or a luncheon you registered for that starts at 12:00 Noon and not a minute earlier.

    To fill the gap, Convention leaders decided to insert an unscheduled worship set rather than extend business discussion. Smooth move… though social media wasn’t exactly charitable. But let’s be honest — any decision in our current culture is going to be questioned. We live in a world where leadership is scrutinized, often unfairly, and very few decisions receive universal applause. That’s true in churches, businesses, schools, and yes, conventions. I feel that X or the old Twitter is the most toxic platform for spewing SBC venom…

    When the session paused, we headed to the Baptist21 Luncheon at the Omni Hotel. Box lunch? Check. My choice was the Chicken salad sammich, chips, pasta salad, and a cookie. Tasty — but let’s be real, it wasn’t BBQ or Tex Mex.

    What made the lunch worth it was the panel of presenters: Jimmy Scroggins, Danny Akin, Juan Sanchez, Albert Mohler, and our new SBC CEO Jeff Iorg. They tackled every hot topic swirling through the Convention hall — financial transparency, the Law Amendment, the $3 million budget proposal to fund lawsuits, and the ERLC debate. Their insights were sharp, and you could tell they had a good pulse on the room. While they didn’t know the exact how each vote would end up, their words certainly helped shape the mood. At times, it felt like we had already voted and knew the final tally.

    After the lunch, we stopped back by the Luther Rice College and Seminary booth to check in with friends and chat about all the amazing things happening there. If you’re a pastor or student looking for a flexible, faithful seminary education — check them out. They offer a wide range of degree programs and even dual enrollment for Georgia high school students. I introduced my good friend John Cross, pastor of FBC Sarasota, to the Luther Rice team. We shared some laughs and stories about our dads, who were ministry friends back in the 70s and 80s. Moments like these remind you — pastor friends matter. In a world that often isolates leaders, those connections breathe life, encouragement, and accountability into the calling. After catching up with John, I made my dinner recommendations to our Luther Rice Friends and headed to the convention floor.

    By afternoon’s end, the gavel dropped on Day 1 of the Business. Which meant… it was dinner time.

    While many of our friends took our Hurtado BBQ recommendation seriously, Caleb and I joined our Worship Pastor Evan Posey and Lyfted our way to Uno Mas Tex Mex Cuisine. All I can say is: Flavor Fireworks.

    I ordered three enchiladas: two Beef Short Rib and one Cheese Enchilada. And let me tell you, if speaking in tongues were real, I would’ve launched into fluent prophecy in Hebrew, Greek, and Spanish after the first bite. (Just kidding… easy there, my Charismatic friends.) But in all seriousness — these enchiladas were heavenly. Rich, slow-braised meat, wrapped in tortillas and blanketed in flavor-packed sauce. The cheese enchilada? Melted glory, glory!

    Uno Mas is a hidden gem, and I now consider it a must-visit for anyone hunting down legit Tex-Mex in Dallas.

    With full bellies and joyful hearts, we returned to our AirBnB. Unfortunately, Snoop Dogg still wasn’t there to sign autographs — but his signature scent still lingered strong in the halls. Between that, the fire station sirens, and train crossing bells, sleeping was more of a suggestion than a reality.

    But even with all the noise — literal and figurative — we were looking forward to the last day at the SBC2025.

    More reflections to come.

    • Matt Alexander
      Fusion Church Madison

  • Day Three: Sanctuary Hills Coffee, Smoke Rings, and a Shane & Shane Doxology

    After another sleepless night thanks to our favorite DART train zipping by every eight minutes and a late-night Texas thunder boomer shaking the windows, we rose with the righteous on Monday morning and mapped out the day’s excursions. With the SBC Pastor’s Conference on deck and a fresh round of foodie dreams to chase, we were fired up.

    We kicked things off with a humble Sausage McMuffin for $2.29 — because sometimes fine dining comes in paper wrappers. We returned our rental car to the AirBnB parking deck and though we couldn’t see Snoop Dogg, we were again blessed with his lingering presence. Let’s just say, the unmistakable pungent aroma of the Doggfather’s favorite pastime was still strong in the air.

    From there, we summoned a Lyft and headed to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center to dive back into the Pastor’s Conference. But first — coffee. We stopped by the LifeWay booth, which was giving away free cups of coffee. I went with the blonde roast, and honestly, it surprised me — really smooth and flavorful. I wouldn’t be shocked if it was Sanctuary Hills Coffee from my good friends Keith and Nicole Boggs in Blaine, Tennessee. If so, hats off to them! Commercial: If you are looking to learn more about how to “Help Men Win”, reach out the Keith at REAL MOMENTUM and connect. He’s helped me more than Texas Brisket!

    By 11:15 AM, we joined the Great Migration to the SEND Network NAMB Luncheon. Imagine organizing over 7,000 boxed lunches. Turkey sandwiches, chips, cookies — the works. And yes, they handed out NAMB duffle bags to everyone. Classic NAMB move. The room was packed, the service was efficient, and the vibe was joyful. We laughed, we listened, and we left encouraged by both Vance Pittman and Kevin Ezell, who spoke powerfully about church planting, adoption, and the continued mission of reaching North America. Kevin Ezell spent time walking us through several stories in our NAMB family that tugged on our heartstrings and we heard from Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael Jr too! Powerful time.

    As a church planter, I’ll admit — despite some of the swirling controversy around NAMB in recent years — I’m still incredibly grateful for the investment they made in my life and ministry. Their ongoing support of planters is vital, and it was good to see that fire still burning.

    After the luncheon, we regrouped, caught more of the Pastor’s Conference, and began plotting dinner — and that’s when we made the call to go all in on Hurtado Barbecue.

    Let me introduce you to Hurtado’s: Born in Arlington and now firmly rooted in Downtown Dallas, Hurtado Barbecue has carved out its place in the heart of Texas BBQ culture. Known for its Tex-Mex twist on traditional smoked meats, Hurtado’s takes bold flavors seriously — and their reputation is climbing fast among Texas BBQ elites.

    I got the chance to chat briefly with their pitmaster, Jim Lero, who was gracious and kind. While he didn’t unlock any secret recipes, he did share some insight into their process — particularly the balance of heat and smoke in their Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage, which was hands-down some of the best I’ve ever had.

    Here’s what I ordered:

    • Pork Belly Burnt Ends – Smoky, tender, and seasoned with a bold crust of pepper and salt. Sweet Sauce was tacky and Delish! Each slice practically melted in my mouth.
    • Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage – The cheddar popped, the jalapeños kicked, and the casing had that perfect snap. This stuff should come with a warning label.
    • Street Corn – Creamy, smoky, tangy — everything you want in Elote and more. The corn was fire-kissed and topped with lime cream, cotija cheese, cilantro, a good drizzle of Hot Sauce and a lime wedge!

    I’ve got a new favorite BBQ joint in Texas. Sorry, Terry Black’s — you’ve got company.

    But the best part of our day wasn’t the brisket (though it came close). We made our way back to the Convention Center for what became the most impactful moment of our entire trip: the Worship and Prayer Gathering led by Shane & Shane.

    They didn’t just lead worship — they ushered us into the presence of God. With Scripture-led prayer, heartfelt songs, and moments of spontaneous praise, the room of over 10,000 Southern Baptists was drawn into unity like I’ve rarely seen. When Shane & Shane walked off the platform and the room erupted into a cappella Doxology, it felt like a taste of heaven. I promise you, it was one of those moments where — like John in Revelation — you just wanted to say, “Even so, come Lord Jesus.”

    Shane & Shane are more than worship leaders; they’re worship shepherds. Their ministry, The Worship Initiative, sends out daily devotionals, Monday through Friday, filled with Scripture, song, and encouragement. If you haven’t signed up — do it. Your heart will thank you.

    After Dr. Robert Smith closed the night with a powerful and Christ-centered message, we limped back to our luxury AirBnB — where, once again, the train bells, fire station sirens, and ambient urban noise of Dallas sang us into another night of restless “sleep.”

    One more day left… and plenty more to chew on!

    • Matt Alexander
      Fusion Church Madison

  • Day Two: Worship, Tex-Mex, and… Snoop Dogg’s Signature Scent?

    After wrestling with our Air B&B host to get settled into our “condo” and getting zero sleep thanks to a transit train rolling by every eight minutes — complete with crossing bells and horn blasts — I was more than ready to get my worship on. We headed to Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, where Dr. Jack Graham serves as Senior Pastor.

    We were blessed to worship with an incredible crowd of Jesus-followers, led by a full choir and orchestra. It was absolutely divine! Although Dr. Graham was out of town, we had the privilege of hearing a powerful message from Dr. O.S. Hawkins, and it was a WORD from God!

    Before the service, we grabbed a quick Sausage McMuffin from McDonald’s to tide us over — because we were saving room for what we hoped would be an incredible Tex-Mex lunch.

    After the early worship gathering, we made our way downtown and visited Watermark Community Church in Dallas. We were moved by a strong, biblical message from their lead pastor and sensed God doing a remarkable work through their ministry. It was a gift to experience two vibrant worship gatherings back-to-back. Who goes out of town and attends two different Worship Gatherings on a Sunday morning? Yep! We do… Why? Cause we love authentic worship and solid preaching of God’s Word!

    Now it was time for the main event — lunch. We checked our list and made a beeline for E Bar Tex Mex in East Dallas. Let me just say: from the moment we sat down, it was everything I hoped for and more. The chips were hot, fresh, and had that perfect salt crunch. The salsa? One of the best I’ve ever had — bold, balanced, and made with love. I ordered the Cheese Enchiladas, and y’all, it was Tex-Mex heaven on a plate. Rich, creamy cheese wrapped in soft tortillas, topped with just the right amount of chili con carne. The rice and beans were perfectly seasoned. Every bite took me deeper into a flavor fiesta. E Bar is the real deal.

    Needing rest from our long and restless night and busy morning, we headed back to our AirBnB. That’s when we were greeted by another surprise. The pungent aroma of what can only be described as Snoop Dogg’s signature scent — a potent cloud of marijuana wafting through the halls and seeping from neighboring units. It was rough, friends. Like, singe-your-nose-hairs rough. Welcome to the wild world of urban AirBnB adventures!

    After a bit of rest, we summoned a Lyft and rode over to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center to get registered for the SBC and to connect with our friends from Luther Rice College and Seminary. It was great to reconnect with friends and ministry partners before the official events kicked off.

    After taking in the Exhibit Hall and spending some time at the Pastor’s Conference, we grabbed another Lyft and made our way to the pinnacle BBQ spot in Dallas — Terry Black’s Barbecue. If you’ve been in Texas BBQ circles for any amount of time, you’ve heard about this place. It’s a name that carries weight, and for good reason.

    No, we did not order this much food. Just giving you an idea of what Terry Black’s has to offer!

    Terry Black’s is a family-run institution, born from generations of pitmasters who understand the sacred craft of slow-smoked meats. Their brisket? Nothing short of legendary. It’s smoked low and slow using traditional post oak wood, resulting in slices so tender and flavorful, you almost forget you’re chewing. Each piece glistens with rendered fat and is ringed with that perfect, pink smoke ring that Texas BBQ purists dream of.

    We ordered the brisket, naturally, along with their equally famous ribs — a Texas-sized portion of meaty excellence. I also had to have a link of their Jalapeño/Cheese Sausage.  BOOM!  It was so Good!!! The sides? Don’t sleep on the mac & cheese or the creamy corn. Caleb almost hurt himself! Every bite from Terry Black’s was a masterclass in how BBQ should be done: bold, authentic, and deeply satisfying.

    Terry Black’s isn’t just a meal — it’s an experience. From the scent of smoldering oak in the air to the buzz of hungry customers excited for what’s coming off the pit, the place radiates Texas pride. If you’re anywhere near Dallas, don’t leave without tasting this temple of meat.

    Another full day — worship, flavor, fellowship, and a bit of comic relief courtesy of our accommodations and Snoop Dogg being our neighbor… And we were just getting started.

    Stay tuned for Day Three!

    Matt Alexander

  • SBC Trip Kicks Off at “MEAT CHURCH”…

    DALLAS, TEXAS – DAY ONE

    If you know me, you know that food is more than just fuel — it’s a big part of the journey. In fact, all my travels are planned around where we will find our next great meal. And last week, as we touched down in Dallas, Texas for the SBC Annual Meeting, we wasted no time getting to work on our unofficial mission: experience the best eats our Homeland has to offer. Yep, my family is originally from the great state of TEXAS!

    We landed Saturday morning and headed straight for the rental car pickup. With our luggage stowed and our appetites raging, my son Caleb and I made our first official stop: In-N-Out Burger. Now, listen — when you’re out West, it’s practically a requirement. I kept it classic and went with the Double Cheeseburger. No frills, just a fresh, flavorful burger that hit the spot. The toasted bun, the crisp lettuce, and the signature sauce — all working in harmony. It was the perfect kickoff to our Texas food tour.

    Next, we journeyed south to Meat Church in Waxahachie. If you’re not familiar with Meat Church, let me enlighten you. Founded by pitmaster Matt Pittman, Meat Church is not just a BBQ supply store — it’s a brand, a movement, and a community for meat lovers. They offer everything from high-quality rubs and injections to apparel and classes on the fine art of smoking meat. I personally use a lot of their products in my backyard smoking! The staff was friendly, the merchandise was top-notch, and you could just feel the Texas BBQ culture pulsing through the walls. It’s a must-stop for any pitmaster, backyard griller, or food-lover passing through. Let me say, I had a “religious moment” at MEAT CHURCH. lol

    From Waxahachie, we headed to our AirBnB… or at least, we tried to. Let’s just say getting in was a journey in itself. I’ll spare you the details, but let’s just say the lock wasn’t cooperating. Still, we rolled with it and pressed on.

    We made our way up to Flower Mound for the 4 PM worship gathering at The Village Church, pastored by Matt Chandler. The building was buzzing with life and beautifully decorated for their VBS (Summer Camp). The worship was powerful, the preaching was solid, and the atmosphere was Christ-centered. It was a much-needed time of spiritual refreshment.

    Then came the second round of drama with our AirBnB. Once again, we faced the front door like weary travelers looking for shelter. None of our check in instructions worked and we were getting “Hangry”.. I’ll leave it at that. (Let’s just say, I now have a deep appreciation for hotels with key cards.)

    Dinner was a bit of a trek — literally. With parking nearly impossible to find in Deep Ellum, we decided to walk about 1/2 mile to Pecan Lodge in that Texas Heat, one of the most iconic BBQ spots in all of Texas. Located in the Deep Ellum district of Dallas, Pecan Lodge is legendary — and for good reason. The line often wraps around the building, and once you get a taste, you understand why.

    I ordered the Brisket and the Smoked Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage. Let me tell you — the brisket was absolute perfection. Smoky, tender, with just the right amount of bark and fat. But that sausage? Easily some of the best I’ve ever had. The balance of heat from the jalapeños and richness from the cheese made it unforgettable. Every bite was a celebration of flavor and craftsmanship. Pecan Lodge lived up to HIPE but we did encounter several other great spots on our trip.

    From burgers to brisket, worship to walking, our first day in Dallas was full of flavor, adventure, and a little bit of chaos — just the way I like it. And that was just Day One!

    More meals and memories coming soon. Until then — stay hungry, friends.

    • Matt Alexander Fusion Church Madison

  • My Take on the SBC: Worship, Business, and Future Leaders

    After 14 years of pastoring a church that began as a small church plant, my heart remains deeply invested in the life and direction of the Southern Baptist Convention. Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the 2025 SBC Annual Meeting in Dallas, Texas, and I wanted to share some reflections from my time there where I would have it for myself on my blog.

    As always, the Pastor’s Conference was a true blessing. The preaching was both inspiring and challenging, but my main takeaway wasn’t a sermon. It was the prayer and worship gathering led by Shane & Shane. That moment felt like the highlight of not just the Pastor’s Conference, but the entire Convention. It was Spirit-led, anointed, and refreshing to the soul. Thousands of young and old SBC Messengers and guests lifted up Jesus and Magnified the Lord together in a special way! In a time when we desperately need renewal, those moments of true worship reminded me of why we gather in the first place.

    The Convention itself was a mix of business and preaching. As expected, the schedule was full, and the messengers were constantly on the move — hustling to breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and spending lots of time navigating the exhibit hall. The LifeWay Coffee station was a Major HIT and I personally enjoyed talking with the Faculty and Staff in the Luther Rice College and Seminary booth! I highly recommend them to you! The business portion of the Convention seemed hurried, often staying ahead of schedule. While some of the motions and discussions were important, it felt at times like we were checking boxes instead of having meaningful deliberations.

    As far as business, we dealt with the abolishment of the ERLC, which ultimately failed. There has no doubt seemed to be a liberal shift over the years within this entity, and many — over 60% — voted to abolish it, but the measure came up short of passing. We also addressed the topic of transparency within our entities and organizations. Yet, it seemed that whoever was at the microphone immediately before the vote (any vote) was the one who swayed the messengers. I can see both the benefit and the potential harm of more financial transparency, but ultimately, the messengers chose once again to trust and support the trustees and boards of each entity.

    What struck me most, though, was a recurring theme I’ve observed over the past few years. There is a deep and widespread desire within the SBC for a true “Statesman” to rise up — someone in the spirit of the late Adrian Rogers. A leader marked by conviction, courage, clarity, and character. It seems that there are a few that are jockeying for this position, but here’s the sad reality in our current culture: many want that kind of leader, but few are willing to stand behind one. Why? Because many are stepping up to a microphone or they are running to X and other social media platforms to be that statesman themselves. It seems to me that everyone wants to be the statesman and very few want to stand another. When Dr. Rogers stood up and spoke, others listened. Many want to stand up now but very few want to listen and support. It’s a tragic irony that in our search for unity and leadership, our own pride can hinder the very thing we long for.

    There were encouraging moments, and I still believe in the cooperative mission of our Convention. But if we are going to move forward with strength, it won’t be because someone ascends to the spotlight. It will be because pastors, planters, churches, and messengers across this nation humble themselves, seek the Lord, and choose to follow servant-hearted leaders who are already among us.

    Hopefully in a future post, I will share my Tex Mex and Texas BBQ adventures from my time in Texas. But for now, I leave Dallas reminded that the most powerful moments weren’t found at a microphone, a ballot box, or on X- but in the presence of God with His people in worship and prayer.

  • Night To Shine 2018

    Night To Shine 2018

    It’s that time again!  The greatest night of 2018 will take place on February 9, 2018.  Night To Shine sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation will be held at Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Georgia. And you can participate!

    Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs, ages 14 and older. The event will take place at more than 540 churches around the world simultaneously on February 9, 2018.

    Last year at this event in Morgan County, there were over 110 guests with special needs that a were crowned Kings and Queens of the night! There were also over 300 volunteers who served in incredible ways as they shared the love of Christ with the guests and their caregivers! Well over 100 caregivers enjoyed a night of dancing, food, fun, door prizes, massages, etc.

    I would like to answer a few questions about this event and why this is more than just a Fusion Church event.

    • What is Night to Shine? A worldwide, unforgettable prom night experience that is changing Valentine’s Day weekend from simply a celebration of love, to a celebration of God’s love for people with special needs. Guests will be honored with a friendly paparazzi red carpet, crowns and tiaras, corsages, and boutonnieres, limo rides, games, dancing, food, photos, and VIP treatment. The vision is to provide a night for our guests to shine and most importantly, for Christ’s love to Shine.
    •  Why did Fusion Church apply to host Night To Shine? We see an opportunity for not only our church but for Christians to come together to provide a wonderful event for people with special needs, their families and/or their caregivers.
    • Why is the event listed as a Fusion Church event instead of a Community event? The Tim Tebow Foundation requires a church to be responsible for the event hosted in each area across the globe. Fusion Church was willing to put their name on the line to bring this special event to the East Atlanta Area.
    • Who can volunteer?  Anyone that signs up at www.fusionchurchmadison.org that is 14 years or older. Each volunteer must attend 1 of the 2 Volunteer Training opportunities prior to the event. January 14 or January 21 @ 5:00 PM at Fusion Church of Madison. Each volunteer will need to complete a background check that is required by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Your background check can be completed HERE.
    • Who can be a Honored Guest? Anyone that is 14 years of age or older that has some kind of special need. Guest can register at www.fusionchurchmadison.org
    • Who is partnering with this event from the Madison Area? The Morgan County Recreation Department, Camp Twin Lakes (the event will take place at Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge), Bizzi Photography, Zaxby’s Corporation and Chick Fil A-Madison. Many local businesses and individuals are donating time, gifts, and services such as: Hair, Nails, Limo Services, Decorations, providing DJ services, etc, etc. You can partner by contacting our Event coordinator Sherry Patrick (706-817-9582).
    • What will the guest’s parents and/or caregivers do during the event?  There will be a Caregiver Event set up w/ food, entertainment and lots of fun and encouragement! All caregivers and parents are invited to attend and can sign up when their family member registers.
    • What is the biggest need at this point?  We want everyone in our area that has special needs to attend this event. Please help us get them signed up. This is a Free Event and it is a night where everyone will be crowned a King or a Queen!  This is a Red Carpet Event and it will be an event that will bless our guests and families in a tremendous way.
    • WILL YOU PARTNER? Please consider doing one or more of the following: PRAY, Volunteer, Provide materials, Give a financial Gift!

    Let me say it again- “This is the single greatest event you will be involved in 2018 if you will simply get involved!  Join us this year and let your Light Shine! If you want to know more or have a question, please call me 706-474-0688.

    Here is last year’s recap video!  Enjoy!

    Matt

  • Thick and Thin…

    Thick and Thin…

    October is Pastor Appreciation Month!

    When I was a kid, I witnessed the friendships that my dad had with his preacher buddies! It was a unique thing to see.  Those guys went through “thick and thin” together.  They attended meetings & conferences together, cried & laughed together, golfed together and loved each other life brothers! I remember hearing my dad on the phone with those guys and them laughing and sharing their “ministry stories” and they loved each other so much. I remember hearing my dad talk about the heartache and pressure his friends were experiencing and how he walked through those valleys with them.

    This past week has been one of those times in my life when God used a pastor friend to encourage me and bless me. Philip Lehman, pastor of Discover Point Church in Conyers, invited me to attend his staff retreat where I could get away and prepare and plan for 2018. I jumped at the opportunity and God honored the week as I sought His face for the next year. Philip and the Discover Point Staff were so hospitable and took great care of me while I was there.

    This morning as I reflect on my time away, I am reminded that I have some of the greatest preacher buddies in the world. I’m not exactly sure why I have been so blessed but I praise God for Philip, Larry, Russ, Chip, Mike, John, Wilburn, Danny, Donnie, Jeff, Tony, Terry, Richard, Stan, Neal and many more. I should not have named names because  I have a ton of pastor friends! These guys have been through “Thick and Thin” with me!

    Here is the definition of “Thick and Thin”- To be able to last through and handle the good times as well as the bad times. Thick is representative of the good times, whereas thin is representative of the bad times., Here I am…  44 years old and as I look around, I have ministry friends that I would take a bullet for just like my dad did so many years ago.

    October is Pastor Appreciation Month and it’s easy as a pastor to think this is about us, but in reality, it’s about those pastors that we truly appreciate! Today, I appreciate the Pastors in my life! Thanks Philip for an amazing week…

    Matt