Featured Interview With Reverend Matthew Hogan
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in East Los Angeles and grew up all over Southern California, going to Sweden where I met my Foster Family. But for the last 20 years, I’ve lived in Arizona with my family. Currently, it’s my wife and I and four cats.
But the two things that have been constants for many years have been my wife and ministry. And she has been integral to my ministry as she has challenged me and been a source of confirmation too.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I don’t remember not being an avid reader. My parents fostered my love of reading and even writing. I guess I started writing in my pre-teen years. Then I went into journalism and wrote a number of works, but never had the follow-through to get published until recently. I was going to try to get into TV journalism until halfway through college I felt God call me into ministry. Lately, the writing has been much like my best sermons. They were messages I was compelled to get out. But my writing now is messages that need to reach a wider audience than just one congregation.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I like to read some philosophy and a little bit of mental health, but mostly I read Christian Non-Fiction. I am always open to expanding my horizons and being challenged that I am on track scripturally in all things.
My favorite authors would have to be C. S. Lewis and Brennan Manning. Both have spread my thinking and helped to solidify my thoughts into things I can communicate.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
“How to be a Christian in Today’s World: Shame or Fear of Failure vs. Living Confidently in God’s Love.” It only took a few weeks to write. But it took years to develop. It is the product of working with individuals and couples over many years, sadly many before I knew how to help. But the book is primarily for three distinct groups of Christians or fringe Christians.
Many have been beaten up by life, often their churches or families. These people are so bruised and battered that believing that God would value them is incredibly difficult. Along with these are those who believe the life they have lived is beyond forgiveness.
The second group are those that for whatever reason are struggling to be good Christians in their own strength.
The last group are those that may have been warming a pew for many years. They either never got or have forgotten the wonder and passion of an intimate relationship with the creator of all.
I use scripture and explain it plainly while having researched in depth so that it’s easy to read. And I revisit some simple truths and questions from a new perspective hopefully leaving the reader with a deeper and more peace-filled faith.
Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles
Reverend Matthew Hogan’s Website