Rev. Matt Franks

You Got This… Last Saturday I had a 9v9 under 11 game. One of the teams was playing short handed and were holding their own for the most part. Toward halftime one of the kids was having issues just catching their breath. They were rushing from one point to another they were gassed. One ball flew far enough away past the touch line. As I stood next to the player, I tried to cheer them up.

You Got This…

Last Saturday I had a 9v9 under 11 game. One of the teams was playing short handed and were holding their own for the most part. Toward halftime one of the kids was having issues just catching their breath. They were rushing from one point to another they were gassed. One ball flew…

11.6.25 Beared Theologians with Reverend Dr. Casey Sigmund We recently had the immense pleasure of hosting an insightful interview with the Reverend Dr. Casey Sigmund, a dynamic leader whose work is reigniting passion in ministry. Dr. Sigmund currently serves at St. Paul's School of Theology and is the visionary behind the Pause Play Center for Preachers. The conversation explored various aspects of preaching, including creative approaches, the importance of presence and energy, and the evolution of preaching in the digital age, with participants sharing personal experiences and insights about sermon preparation and delivery. 

11.6.25 Beared Theologians with Reverend Dr. Casey Sigmund

We recently had the immense pleasure of hosting an insightful interview with the Reverend Dr. Casey Sigmund, a dynamic leader whose work is reigniting passion in ministry. Dr. Sigmund currently serves at St. Paul's School of Theology and…

10.30.25 Bearded Theologians with Rev. Joe Graves Don't miss our latest conversation with Reverend Joe Graves, a United Methodist pastor and church planter! Joe shares his incredibly personal and practical experiences, diving into: ⛪️ His journey as part of a clergy couple and the realities of balancing leadership and family life in ministry. 🤝 The vital, but often complicated, relationship between parent churches and their plants, and why mutual support is non-negotiable.

10.30.25 Bearded Theologians with Rev. Joe Graves

Don't miss our latest conversation with Reverend Joe Graves, a United Methodist pastor and church planter! Joe shares his incredibly personal and practical experiences, diving into: ⛪️ His journey as part of a clergy couple and the realities of…

Was not ready to type these names for All Saints Sunday.

a man in a glass case of emotion is looking out of a window ALT: a man in a glass case of emotion is looking out of a window

Laura's last regional cross country race is today.

10.16.25 Beard Theologians with Chris Wilterdink The Bearded Theologians were honored to host Chris Wilterdink who is the Executive Director, Congregational Vitality & Intentional Discipleship; Director, Young People’s Ministries for The United Methodist Church. We explored a few things about discipleship. Plus, learn about resources for young people at UMCYoungpeople.org. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at #TheBeardedTheologians #UMC #ChurchPodcast #Vitality #NewEpisode #Faith

10.16.25 Beard Theologians with Chris Wilterdink

The Bearded Theologians were honored to host Chris Wilterdink who is the Executive Director, Congregational Vitality & Intentional Discipleship; Director, Young People’s Ministries for The United Methodist Church. We explored a few things about…

10.09.25 Bearded Theologians on Humility This week we sat down and talked about humility. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.

10.09.25 Bearded Theologians on Humility

This week we sat down and talked about humility. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.

10.2.25 Bearded Theologians with Rev.Justin Coleman The Bearded Theologians welcomed back Rev. Justin Coleman to discuss his work as Senior Pastor and his insights on the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, which he explored through personal experiences and spiritual practices. Justin shared his journey with Ignatian spiritual exercises and emphasized the importance of balancing scriptural, traditional, and experiential approaches in modern Methodist spirituality. You can find his article that we reference here:

10.2.25 Bearded Theologians with Rev.Justin Coleman

The Bearded Theologians welcomed back Rev. Justin Coleman to discuss his work as Senior Pastor and his insights on the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, which he explored through personal experiences and spiritual practices. Justin shared his journey with…

9.25.25 Bearded Theologians Catching Up With Rev. Matt Rawle This week Matt and Zach caught up with Rev. Matt Rawle ( to check in on how things are going. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.

9.25.25 Bearded Theologians Catching Up With Rev. Matt Rawle

This week Matt and Zach caught up with Rev. Matt Rawle ( to check in on how things are going. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen…

Be Still and Know… “Be still, and know that I am God! Psalm 46:10 NRSVUE Yesterday I was given a decoration for my office reminding me to just breath. On the soccer pitch, I was Assistant Referee 1. I kept hearing the home coach yell "Take a breath" when a player was attacking or receiving the ball. Breathing is what keeps us alive. It can help lower our anxiety and tension when things get that way. So with all that is going on in the world. TAKE A BREATH

Be Still and Know…

“Be still, and know that I am God! Psalm 46:10 NRSVUE Yesterday I was given a decoration for my office reminding me to just breath. On the soccer pitch, I was Assistant Referee 1. I kept hearing the home coach yell "Take a breath" when a player was attacking or receiving the…

9.18.25 Bearded Theologians with Rev. Kellen Roggenbuck Matt and Zach sat down with Rev. Kellen Roggenbuck who is the Executive Director of NextGen Ministries at ⁠Wisconsin Conference United Methodist Church⁠. Kellen has a new book out called ⁠Called Out: Discerning God's Plan for Your Church⁠ and the Beards talked about the book and a few other things. Check it out. Check out us out at www.beardedtheologians.com

9.18.25 Bearded Theologians with Rev. Kellen Roggenbuck

Matt and Zach sat down with Rev. Kellen Roggenbuck who is the Executive Director of NextGen Ministries at ⁠Wisconsin Conference United Methodist Church⁠. Kellen has a new book out called ⁠Called Out: Discerning God's Plan for Your Church⁠ and…

Busy week for our house next week.
Emily has her play at DCHS 9/25-27 at 7 p.m. get your tickets here: www.SeatYourSelf.biz/dchs

Laura will run in New York we are inching closer to her fundraising goal and now we have a link: app.schoolfundr.org/.../douglas-....

Douglas County HS Cross Country fundraiser | Schoolfundr Hello! I'm raising funds for Douglas County HS Cross Country fundraiser and would love your support. You can click here to make your donation - thank you!

The Douglas County High School Cross Country program is gearing up for an incredible season. With a growing team and big goals ahead, we’re asking for your support to help fuel our journey.
app.schoolfundr.org/fund/douglas...

Crushed tonight to learn of the passing of mentor of mine. Chuck was such a big supporter of me when I was starting out. Well done good and faithful servant.

Rainy day wish I could stay on the couch all day.

9.4.25 Beardcast on Psalm 1 In this episode of the show, Zach and Matt dive deep into the first psalm, Psalm 1. They explore the psalm's central themes of righteousness and wickedness, discussing its structure and balance between lament and celebration. The hosts also draw connections between the psalm's imagery and biblical creation narratives, specifically from Genesis 1 and 2. Zach and Matt highlight the significance of being "planted by a stream of water" and how this imagery relates to God's intimate knowledge of the righteous.

9.4.25 Beardcast on Psalm 1

In this episode of the show, Zach and Matt dive deep into the first psalm, Psalm 1. They explore the psalm's central themes of righteousness and wickedness, discussing its structure and balance between lament and celebration. The hosts also draw connections between the…

This week I had a therapist try to rationalize what I am going through as part of God's plan. Yeah I won't be going back.

8.28.25 Beardcast with Rev Kara Eidsion Rev. Kara Eidson has spent a decade crafting a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate Advent, and now she’s sharing it with the world. Her new book, The Advent Tree, is more than just a story; it’s a full worship resource for the Advent season. It weaves together the history of the Hebrew people leading up to Jesus’s birth with various worship materials, making it a powerful tool for churches and families alike.

8.28.25 Beardcast with Rev Kara Eidsion

Rev. Kara Eidson has spent a decade crafting a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate Advent, and now she’s sharing it with the world. Her new book, The Advent Tree, is more than just a story; it’s a full worship resource for the Advent season. It weaves…

And the… Psalm 19:14 NRSVUE Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart    be acceptable to you,    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Many people have heard this Psalm used as a prayer before a sermon. Something struck me today. I was preparing for the Assisted living center worship service that I lead from time to time. As I was reading Psalm 19, the words…

And the…

Psalm 19:14 NRSVUE Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart    be acceptable to you,    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Many people have heard this Psalm used as a prayer before a sermon. Something struck me today. I was preparing for the Assisted living center worship…

Trying to do better than yesterday.

8.21.25 Beardcast on Luke 13:10-17 This week on the Beardcast Matt and Zach look at Luke 13:10-17. Check out their thoughts on orthodoxy (right belief) vs orthopraxy (right practice). Connect with the Bearded Theologians at You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast. #BeardedTheologians #Beardcast #Theology #TheologicalDiscussion #TheologicalReflection #Podcast #Vodcast #ReligiousDiscussion #Faith #FaithJourney #Christianity #ChristianLiving #BibleStudy #Gospel #HolyDisruptions #SermonOnThePlain #Baptism #Peace #Grace #Hope #Love #Joy #Advent #Church #Discipleship

8.21.25 Beardcast on Luke 13:10-17

This week on the Beardcast Matt and Zach look at Luke 13:10-17. Check out their thoughts on orthodoxy (right belief) vs orthopraxy (right practice). Connect with the Bearded Theologians at You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox,…

Take a deep breath.

The first… The first are always the hardest during seasons of grief. I had a first last Saturday. Normally when I would ref at Aurora Sports Park I would call dad on the way home to check in on him. I went to do that last Saturday and it gut punched me hard. So I just took a breath, recognizing my pain, and shedding a few tears. But it's ok. That first is over.

The first...

Take some time to enjoy the coffee.

Taking my first day off in a while. Need to do better at this.

New pop punk album

Will be a long nap day today.

8.14.25 Beardcast Colossians 4 Closing out our series on Colossians. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.

8.14.25 Beardcast Colossians 4

Closing out our series on Colossians. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.

I want a bluy type show where the kids are teens. Really that would be them just in thier rooms, occasionally coming out to say: I am bored, i need a ride or I am hungry.then roll credits.

It Came and Went… It came and it went...I just kept telling myself last week as we prepared for my dad's celebration of life. If I can just make it to Sunday. Knowing that the viewing and the celebration of life service would be hard. If I could make it through, then I can breathe. And it came and went... Friday: the viewing was a constant stream of people some I had not seen in many years.

It Came and Went…

It came and it went...I just kept telling myself last week as we prepared for my dad's celebration of life. If I can just make it to Sunday. Knowing that the viewing and the celebration of life service would be hard. If I could make it through, then I can breathe. And it came and…