Stephen G. Knopp II
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A few weeks ago while visiting a church in Chicago, I was speaking to one of the pastors about how they created a second venue for worship on their campus. In our seemingly casual conversation, he used some language that I now understand as essential to the relationship between the current ministries at Matthews UMC…
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I am a huge NC State Wolfpack fan. Emily and I purchase season tickets to all home football games every year and today I am headed to Raleigh as we face the Clemson Tigers in the ESPN Thursday night game. We love the atmosphere of game day and the opportunity to tailgate with friends we…
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Do you have fond memories of watching late night television in your grandmother’s basement? No? Me either. But if I did, those memories would include the show “Coach.” I remember how Coach became so involved with his players and assistant coaches. He seemed like the kind of coach you or I would love to have…
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We all think through a particular frame of reference as we live life and encounter new experiences. For some of us, our frame of reference is a relationship with Jesus Christ and, therefore, we filter (or at least compare) all that we see and hear through the teachings of Jesus. For many of us, our…
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On Tuesday evening (September 3rd) we will host an experience for all those who are interested in, intrigued by, or in another curious of the 801South movement from 7:00-9:00 p.m. There will be childcare available and some light refreshments. I hope to see people of all ages at the event. I would love to have…
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Established churches are great at saying that we want to reach unchurched people and then doing absolutely nothing toward that goal. Honestly I don’t think churches know what we are saying when we state we want to reach unchurched people. We are obviously well trained to satisfy church people. This is our sweet spot. This…
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I explained a primary value of reproduction through relational apprenticing in my message this past Sunday. I look forward to sharing more values this coming Sunday as we talk about the need to offer fresh expressions of the Gospel. Shannon Cotton, the Communications Director at Matthews UMC, says that I need to add pictures to…
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A couple years back, I had the opportunity to attend David Kinnaman’s You Lost Me Live event at National Community Church in Washington DC. Everyone who attended the event received a free copy of Kinnaman’s latest work You Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving the Church and Rethinking Faith. As I quickly read through…
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Simplicity is one of the greatest values driving decision making for 801South. We live in a very complicated culture here in suburban America. I see a hunger for a simpler way to do life, but there are few organizations who focus on providing the necessary steps. The reason for striving for simplicity is the need…
Five Minutes of Encouragement 