MAtthew’s Bio

co-head of Men’s ministry

Hometown: Helena, Missouri               

Family: Married to the love of my life, Lori.  We have 3 children: Aubrey who is a student at JMU, Jonah our high school son, and Cora our middle school daughter

Education: I graduated from Missouri Western State University with a degree in  Communication with an emphasis on media production.

Background: I grew up in a Christian home with a great family.  I have never really known life apart from Jesus.  I do specifically remember giving my heart to him as a youngster at a special Christmas play our church put on.  Life was full of ups and downs, doubts and triumphs.  My walk with the Lord really grew and became my own in high school.  After graduating college in 2000 and getting married, my wife and I became staff members at our church and we became campus pastors at Missouri Western State University with Chi Alpha Campus Ministries.  We loved serving the church and the students and saw God do so much in our lives and the lives of the students.  In 2005 we left vocational ministry for a “normal” job and God has been faithful in so many ways of growing us in fantastic ways.  He has never failed to be what we have needed.

Something not many people may know about me: I have been questioned by the KGB.  Really, I have.

Passion at Orchard Hills: Seeing Men and families live restored, healed, fully functional lives for Christ.

Favorite Illustration of Biblical Truth I love the illustration that Jesus is the potter and we are the clay from Isaiah 64:8 But now, O Lord, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand.

What a great thought His hands are all over our lives.  If we surrender to his molding and craftsmanship, He will shape and re-shape us so that we no longer walk bent and broken.  He will make us into who He wants us to be.