“When our life in him is healthy and vibrant, we do not only ache to keep sinking our roots down deep in him, but we also want to stretch out our branches and extend his goodness to others.”
— David Mathis from “Habits of Grace”
In an age of distraction, busyness, and spiritual superficiality, the church desperately needs to recover what it means to cultivate a genuine biblical spirituality—one that is rooted not in human effort or religious performance, but in the transforming power of God's grace working through intentional practices. The spiritual disciplines, rightly understood as disciplines of grace, are not legalistic obligations but rather the God-given means through which we position ourselves to receive and experience His transforming presence in our lives. Without them, our faith risks becoming anemic, our growth stunted, and our witness ineffective. God has given us these means of grace not as burdens to bear, but as channels through which His Spirit works to awaken our affections, deepen our communion with Christ, and conform us to His image for the glory of God and the good of others.
Join us May 29–30, 2026, for our Cultivate Conference as we focus on the essential theme of Habits of Grace. This conference aims to equip our church to deepen its walk with the Lord and grow in spiritual maturity by exploring what it truly looks like to cultivate biblical spirituality through the faithful development of spiritual disciplines. We are honored to welcome David Mathis, author of Habits of Grace, who will be ministering to us throughout the conference, guiding us in understanding how these disciplines of grace can become life-giving rhythms that draw us closer to Christ and shape us into His likeness.
About
David Mathis
David Mathis is a Senior Teacher and Executive Editor for Desiring God, where he has championed the Christian Hedonist theology and vision for over twenty years. A frequent speaker and author of more than 750 articles, David leads and teaches with a passion for helping others enjoy Jesus more deeply.
David’s books join theological depth with practical wisdom, inviting Christians both new and old into the riches of Scripture and Christian joy. Habits of Grace unfolds the privilege of hearing God’s voice (in Scripture), having his ear (in prayer), and belonging to his body (in the fellowship of the local church). Humbled traces God’s good designs when he brings his people low. Both The Christmas We Didn’t Expect and Rich Wounds marvel over the countless glories of Christ’s person and work. Workers for Your Joy casts a vision for the happy calling and habits of church leaders. And most recently, A Little Theology of Exercise equips Christians to enjoy Christ in both body and soul.
Born and raised in Spartanburg, South Carolina, David moved to Minnesota in 2003 with the founding team of Campus Outreach Minneapolis to minister to college students through Bethlehem Baptist Church. From 2006 to 2012, he was Executive Pastoral Assistant to John Piper. Since 2012, he has served as Executive Editor, overseeing the theological and editorial standards of the ministry. David also serves as an adjunct professor at Bethlehem College and Seminary and has been part of the pastoral team at Cities Church in Saint Paul since its founding in 2015.
David and his wife, Megan, have four children, whom he coaches in baseball and softball. He enjoys running, visiting state and national parks, and supporting Minnesota sports teams alongside his childhood-favorite Clemson Tigers.
