Over 3 years ago I was Googling (is that a word?) looking for some reviews online about a video curriculum I wanted to use at the church I was working at. All I could find were standard reviews, from those that were being paid to say positive things. Then I stumbled upon Matt McKee’s website (remember when it was on the 3cords web network?), where he was writing about the very curriculum I was interested in. He said nice things about the curriculum, but he also said some not-so-flattering things about it. Now, it’s important that you understand that he wasn’t being mean, just honest from his Children’s Ministry perspective. I was drawn to his honesty, and began to lurk on that there website of his. Eventually I started leaving comments, and even emailed him with some questions. He was sharp, quick, and funny every time I had an interaction with him.
Since that time Matt has transitioned into a very different role, yet still maintains a great understanding of all things Children’s Ministry. If you follow his blog or twitter feed, you might be tempted to just label him a technology nerd, or maybe a marketing sign snob…but he’s so much more than that. He’s one of the few people that I can talk to about doing Children’s Ministry, and he keeps that part of his expertise hidden way down there under all the geekery. Don’t believe me? I dare you to just fire off an email to him about anything Children’s Ministry related and he’ll quickly become a great resource for you too!
When did I meet Matt? I met Matt for the first time at The Orange Conference in 2009. Believe it or not he was one of the guys I shared a hotel room with at that conference. Yes, I did share a hotel room with complete strangers that I met online at the Orange Conference. Strange, but true… I’ll never forget awaking one morning and Sam Luce, Kenny Conley, and I being shocked that he was going to actually walk out of that hotel room with white pants and orange combat boots on. And believe you me…that brother can work the white pants and orange boots. I’ve met up with him again at the Orange Conference this year, and many, many, many times I’ve video chatted with him from his office.
Today Matt McKee is one of the very few friends that just calls me to see what’s going on in my life. And by the way…that’s a good way to judge a friend. Do they ever call to just call? I’d be a bad friend if I didn’t tell you to check out www.r04r.com and see what Matt is up to right now. His company can create some super great iPhone and Android apps for your church. Take the time to see what R04R can do for your church. And take the time to visit the often neglected, but rarely NOT read blog that Matt runs over at www.mattmckee.me.
