Finding sacred everywhere. Especially in the space between us.

Jesus said, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20 NIV)

We dream of inspiring millions of people to live as though God is always right in the middle of our conversations and interactions. We’re all invited to create holy spaces anywhere. In every moment of human connection we can worship. Our everyday conversations should become cathedrals of connection. Our family dinners, coffee shop chats, and small talk in line at the grocery store become opportunities to commune with each other and with the power of the universe.

Our world is far too lonely, far too disconnected. We want to help you be the people who reconnect the world. BETWEEN helps thousands of people all over the world become really good at human connection by infusing your interactions with spiritual energy.

BETWEEN is simple. Sign up for our email list. Receive weekly and daily inspiration about how to infuse every interaction with a divine light. Then you go out into the world and create “church” in every interaction (and we don’t mean you evangelize and only talk about faith stuff — we just want you to treat every conversation as truly sacred).

 

How BETWEEN Works

  • Weekly Message

    Each week we share a short ~5 minute sermon video and message to inspire your interactions for the week. Let’s all approach our conversations in the next week with intention and reverence.

    (P.S. Subscribe to our YouTube)

  • Daily Content

    Participate daily in our social channels, surprise email prompts, and online discussions. The @between.church messages will guide us throughout the week. Make sure you’re following & commenting on socials!

    (P.S. Listen to our podcast)

  • Engage With Others

    The “church” really happens at your dinner tables, coffee shops, in online discussions, and in all of your daily conversations and interactions. You make BETWEEN come to life… in your REAL LIFE!

    (P.S. Start a group).

Our Vision…

Ten years from now, BETWEEN has evolved into a global beacon of sacred human connection. An inclusive faith-based movement. A new model for the future of church. What started as a humble initiative has blossomed into a movement that transcends borders, cultures, and creeds. Our vision is rooted in the belief that the most sacred space on earth is the space between people. (Read more of our 10 Year Vision below)

  • We've expanded our community to include millions of people worldwide. Those people, actively creating sacred moments of human connection in their everyday lives, are our most important work. Through our multi-pronged online platform, people from diverse backgrounds gather (online and in-person) to find belonging, inspiration, and shared purpose. They share stories together, foster empathy together, and cultivate meaningful borderless relationships.

  • Our local groups, established in cities, towns, and villages across the globe, serve as hubs for sacred connection. These highly inclusive, ecumenical and interfaith group host regular gatherings, workshops, and events that promote connection, understanding, and compassion within communities. They actively serve locally and globally in ways that are directly aligned with BETWEEN’s focus on sacred human connection — delivering the daily bread of conversation, relationships, care, and belonging.

  • BETWEEN organizes and hosts major events that bring together thousands of people from around the world. These events serve as catalysts for deep conversations, spiritual growth, and collective action. Through inspiring keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and immersive experiences, participants are empowered to build bridges and forge lasting connections.

  • Everyone thinking, working, writing, creating, and innovating at the intersection of faith and human connection finds a central home at BETWEEN. We selflessly gather, support, and uplift the creators, authors, artists, and voices who help us reimagine our sacred connections with each other.

  • We're actively involved in advocacy efforts, championing causes aligned specifically with our mission. Our advocacy and outreach efforts promote social justice, equality, and human rights — with a dedicated focus on our mission of sacred human connection. Our outreach initiatives support marginalized communities, providing resources and support to those in need.

  • We will not ask for money from the people we serve. We know it costs money to do good work, but we will think entrepreneurially to fund our work in creative ways. We will seek grant funding, we will seek sponsorships from organizations and businesses, we will sell advertising, we will leverage merchandising and valuable products, we will seek partnerships, and we will hold events. Part of creating a new model for the modern faith community is a commitment to reimagining the economics away from a tithe-based model.

  • BETWEEN will cross religious and denominational barriers. Teaching about and learning from a wide array of spiritual traditions.

    BETWEEN will provide an identity for sacred connection apostles, and will become a borderless tribe of hope-givers.

    BETWEEN's focus isn't on internal support for its members; rather, it's about outward connections. We are a global faith circle facing outward toward others. Each sacred connection forged with others is our ultimate reward.

    BETWEEN will reimagine faith community for a modern age. We are on the front lines of the resurrection of the “church.”

Our People

  • Hi. I'm Matt.

    I’m Matt Mattson. I’m the Creator & Director of Global Ministry at BETWEEN.

    I believe “church” (and faith exploration) can and should happen in our conversations with others. The space between us is sacred. It is a holy space. The way we fill that space — the choices about the way we interact with people — is our faith-come-to-life. I want your coffee shop chats, your small talk in line at the grocery store, your social media interactions, and your dinner table conversations to feel sacred and holy. Because they are. God (however you understand that idea) lives in the space between us.

    I have a fun professional background that I’m really proud of (Learn more about me here). Oh, and I live in Colorado (USA) with my wife and two daughters.

    I believe deeply that I was put on this planet to help people gather together to talk about the important stuff of life. Thanks for gathering with me here!

    I’m not a pastor or a guru or a priest. Just a person. Like you. I hope we can connect.

  • Hi. I'm Dani.

    I’m Dani Hillyer. I live in Colorado with my husband, our daughter, and our Golden Retriever. Our family enjoys everything about this beautiful state and all of the fun outdoor activities offered year round: hiking, biking, swimming, skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and all things adventurous.

    I’m currently in my third and final year of a Masters in Divinity program through McCormick Theological Seminary. I was raised in an inclusive, ecumenical congregation where I then worked as a full-time Children and Youth Director. During my work as the Children and Youth Director, I fell in love with the potential of church ministry in serving and living faithfully alongside one another.

    Along with seminary and my work for BETWEEN, I’m currently working part-time at Grace Presbyterian Church as a Pastoral Intern. I’m in the Candidacy phase of ordination through the Denver Presbytery and I’m working to become an Ordained Minister of the PCUSA (once I’ve graduated seminary and completed all of the requirements).

    Above all else, I aspire to work alongside people and help them connect deeply into their spirituality and the interconnectedness they share with the rest of the world.

  • Hi. I'm Justin.

    I’m Justin Spurlock. I have the honor of serving as the senior pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

    When I tell people I’m a pastor, sometimes people close down… Understandably so. There are a lot of people who have been hurt by religious institutions. In fact, I grew up in a not-very-inclusive religious experience. I’ve been on a journey my whole life to include more and more people. To be curious about all kinds of ideas, religions, spiritualities, and faiths. I’m inspired by all sorts of different ideas. (Watch This Video).

    I received my M.Div from McCormick Theological Seminary and I have an MA in Organizational Leadership, with additional certificates in Church Conflict Management and Religious Fundraising.

    I’m a perpetual asker - one of the reasons I think I thrive in ministry is that I’ve found that it is all about relationships. Human connection is everything!

    I live in the Denver suburbs with my wife Sarah and son Cayson. I enjoy sipping bourbon, preferably outdoors while reading a good book. I can’t wait to meet you.

  • Hi. I'm Steve.

    I’m Pastor Steve Poos-Benson. I've been a pastor for more than 30 years, and I'm so grateful to serve as Senior Pastor at Columbine United Church.

    Adventure, imagination, passion, and love are a few adjectives to describe my life. Through my speaking, teaching, writing, and insight, I'm always trying to light a spark of desire to embrace all the world offers. I work hard to build bridges of understanding between people of all faith backgrounds.

    I earned a BA from Whitworth University in Spokane Washington, a Masters of Divinity from San Francisco Theological Seminary, and a doctorate from McCormick Theological Seminary. I've authored multiple books including "SENT TO SOAR: Fulfilling Your Divine Potential for Yourself and for the World."

    In April 1999, I was at the center of a watershed moment in U.S. history - the shootings at Columbine High School. I was a first responder to the scene. The shootings defined my life for the next decade. I worked with families whose children had been killed or wounded. I also ministered to the family of one of the shooters. To say that shaped my worldview would be a massive understatement.

    I enjoy an active life outside of his work. With my wife Phoebe, we raised three children, now young adults. We live in the mountains of Colorado in the log home we both built. I swim, bike, run, hike, and practice yoga, and martial arts. Weekend afternoons you can find me either scaling a fourteen’er, or riding my Palomino horse, Magic.

    Check out my Cowboy Jesus Podcast and Blog.

  • Hi. I'm Jordan.

    I’m Jordan Warntjes, I serve as Associate Pastor at New Hope Presbyterian Church in Castle Rock, Colorado.

    I have always had an interest and passion for those on the “fringes” of society, especially those the church has hurt and burned. Rachel Held Evans said that “Church should always be safe, but never comfortable.” And that guides my faith journey to keep asking questions, to be open to new faith expressions, and to respect and love ALL people. For far too long, the church has had resistance to change, and it has made it stagnant. That’s why I am excited to be a part of BETWEEN! This opportunity to create a community of curiosity and sacred space is something many of us are missing in our lives.

    I received my Bachelor’s of Church and Ministry Leadership as well as a Bachelor’s in Theology from Trinity Christian College in the Chicago area. I then went on to receive my Masters of Divinity from Western Theological Seminary in Michigan.

    I live in the greater Denver area with my wife Michelle and our two dogs; Cal and Tucker. I am an obsessive film fan, anything from Marvel, Star Wars, to the more arthouse and Oscar nominated films. I believe we can expand our empathy and perspective through stories on film. I also enjoy playing Madden on Xbox, going for hikes and walks with my two dogs, and going to stand up comedy shows. (I think stand up comedy and preaching have A LOT in common)

    I can’t wait to connect with you all and go on this journey of deepening our spirituality together!

Contact us.

Email Matt Mattson: matt@todayiprayforyou.com

BETWEEN is a global social ministry with support from Columbine United Church, Grace Presbyterian Church, and New Hope Presbyterian Church. We are working together to inspire people all over the world to treat their interactions and conversations as worship.



We invite YOUR VOICE to contribute to the BETWEEN message.

Click here to learn how you can be featured in a BETWEEN 5(ish)-Minute Sermon.