Interview with Matthew Porter 2026
In his new book The Art of Reading, Matthew Porter unpacks how reading can bring us closer to God in an accessible and practical way. Drawing from his personal experience, Bishop Matthew includes practical pointers and exercises to encourage us to mature in our faith.
Bishop Matthew, can you tell us a little about yourself?
The most important thing to know about me is that I’m a follower of Jesus. I’m also a husband (to Sam), a father (to five grown-up sons), and have recently become a grandfather (to baby Jacob). I’m also a bishop in the Church of England, serving in the Diocese of Manchester. In the national church I chair the College of Archbishops Evangelists and have recently become Lead Bishop for Church Planting in the North of England.
The Art of Reading is the fourth book in The Art of … series. Can you tell us why and who you have written this series for?
I’m writing the series for anyone who wants to grow in character by developing good habits. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus highlighted three particular habits that help us do this (giving, praying, fasting) and there are others too. This series digs into some of these practices of discipleship, including ones we don’t talk about so much, such as this habit of reading.
Why did you want to add a book on reading to this series?
Learning to read is such an important skill, but few talk about why and how we read. When it comes to why, we obviously read for all sorts of reasons, such as for information and for entertainment, but is there a deeper overarching reason to read? I believe there is: to grow in wisdom. Also, few people talk about how we can get better at reading and make the most of it, so this book also explores that, sharing some tips that I’ve picked up over the years.
You talk about wisdom being the main goal of reading. Can you tell us a little bit more about this? And does this mean we should all be reading lofty non-fiction books only?
Wisdom should be the main goal of reading. I really believe that. Wisdom is more than gaining information, it’s about living well. This can come through inhabiting other people’s minds by reading an interesting novel, or having our imagination stirred by reading a fascinating nature or travel book. So there’s nothing wrong with reading for relaxation or getting lost in a story. However, we only live once and reading takes time, so in The Art of Reading I do challenge readers to think about what they read and why. Sometimes we can read, or watch (online or on TV) things that are unhelpful. That’s why we need to be discerning about the things we take into our minds and hearts.
Historically, wisdom has always been an important character-quality for humanity, although I wonder if wisdom might in the future become again the foundational virtue needed, especially in leaders, as we proceed into an increasingly digital future. That’s because generative AI will be useful for information yet poor on formation, with computers providing much knowledge but little wisdom.
Most people read books, but you spend time showing us how to read attentively, which is a very different practice to what many of us do. What do you mean by this, and how has it changed your reading experience?
Sometimes when I read, I don’t take in what I’m reading. I lose concentration, become I’m distracted or bored. If I really want to learn from my reading, this can be frustrating, so I’ve learned over the years how to focus and concentrate more when I read, and I share lots of small things I’ve discovered about this in the book. Also I sometimes read a book and then forget what I’ve read, so I mention some tips on how to better recall things from books and get the most out of them. Basic to it all is reading with a pencil, so that key words can be circled, phrases can be underlined and margins can be filled with scribblings.
The book includes some of your personal experiences with reading - can you share one book (apart from the Bible of course!) that has really impacted you and why?
As a teenager I found reading books difficult. I was a slow reader and preferred to spend my spare time playing sport or watching TV. As a result I had little desire to read and thought reading was for boffins. But then I had a teacher at school called Mr Freebairn; he was passionate about books and reading, and his love for writing and good literature exuded from him. He encouraged my class to dive into reading and explore its depths. I found him a great inspiration and his enthusiasm began to rub off on me. It was only then that I began to read more intentionally. I still found it hard, but I pressed on, and am so glad I did. That’s why I often advise people who struggle with reading to persevere and not to give up.
What was the most challenging element of writing this book?
Getting started. Given that so many people read, I was uncertain at first whether I should write this book at all. Then I remembered how I’d been helped many years ago by listening to an audio-tape on reading by church leader Rick Warren. Before hearing Warren’s advice, I’d never really thought about how I read or that I could get more out of my reading, but Warren’s advice encouraged me try some new things. Now, many years later, I’m sometimes asked to share my reading experience with others, with some telling me it’s revolutionised their reading. So I’ve had to learn to get over any reticence and, rather like Rick Warren, offer what I can. I hope some people find it helpful.
And what was the most rewarding element of writing this book?
It was the practical advice sections that I especially enjoyed writing. That’s because I know they can easily be put into practice. For example, in Chapter 4 I offer five ways to slow down and contemplate a text. I’ve learned all five from reading the Bible. While these techniques work for sacred texts, they also work for other forms of literature too, so I hope those suggestions encourage some to try them. And for those who are new to the Bible I’ve also offered a few simple ways to read Scripture and get the most out of it.
Have you learnt anything new whilst writing this book?
The background research to this book was fascinating. I read as much as I could in the field, which was mainly from secular authors, learning even more how good it is for us to read: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. My love for reading and for books correspondingly grew, and I recognised that we need to celebrate reading even more, especially encouraging children to feel comfortable in the presence of books and libraries.
What do you hope readers will most get out of reading this book?
I hope readers will develop a greater love of reading, as they read carefully, prayerfully and joyfully. I hope the book will help many see reading as a spiritual practice, helping them find faith and grow in faith, so they can live wisely and make a positive difference in the world. That, after all is why the writer of John’s gospel wrote his book: that people would read and believe in Christ, transforming both themselves and others.
In one sentence, how would you describe The Art of Reading?
The Art of Reading offers practical advice on why and how to read, enabling people to develop good reading habits and grow in wisdom.
Is there anything we can pray for you?
2026 has been designated the Year of Reading. I didn’t know that when I began writing the book a few years ago, so it’s incredibly timely that it’s being published in the middle of this book-year! I’ve written The Art of Reading in such a way that it should resonate both with followers of Jesus as well as those who aren’t sure about faith. So please pray it gets into the hands of people who will find it helpful.
What are you currently reading (or are looking forward to reading next?)
I read a chapter of Wardrobes and Rings (by Julia Golding, Malcolm Guite and Simon Horobin) each morning during Lent, which was great. I’ve recently started Jim Collins’ new book entitled What to Make of a Life, which is all about how to live a life of legacy. I’m also reading a section of Tony Blair’s book On Leadership most days, and am working through that. I’ve then got Bishop Jill Duff’s new book entitled Held in God’s Gaze lined up to read, which is all about how we can learn from saints of old. All these books remind me it’s so good to read!