Matt believes he is able to help the church best by preaching expository bible messages with application to real life and “heart” issues, and building relationships with others to grow disciples of Jesus Christ. It is Matt’s hope to communicate the goodness, greatness, grace, and mercy of God, and the need of man through what he says and how he lives. Matt believes the gospel is for more than salvation; It is the fuel and food needed for a full life for here and eternity. Matt also believes that the (local) church is where God intends truth and relationships to develop, flourish, and through it to effect the world with the message of the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ.
Matt’s philosophy of ministry can be summed up in the acrostic “CHRIST.” “CHRIST” stands for Community (interacting with others, especially believers in the local church), Heart (doing everything with enthusiasm & care), Real life (living with authenticity before God & others), Increase (growing deeper, making disciples, multiplying groups, & planting new churches), Service (giving ourselves to the Lord & others), and Treasure (Valuing what is Important to God; Himself, His Word, and people). The carrying out of this philosophy must be done with genuine love, as that is what Christ demonstrated in humbling himself to be a friend of sinners and giving his life on the cross.
Matt came to Living Vine Community Church from Kansas in August of 2015. He was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, went to college in Platteville, WI, and moved to Kansas City where he was born again and began to follow Jesus Christ in February of 1995. Outside of ministry, Matt has spent most of his career in sales, but has also been involved in the hospitality and entertainment industries. Matt spent 18 years between Kansas City and Manhattan, Kansas where he was part of four church plants and pastored two churches. Matt spent three years in Platteville, WI (2006-2009) at Rolling Hills Church where he was ordained and led ministry efforts to students at UW-Platteville. Matt has a bachelor’s degree from Mid-America Nazarene University and a Master of Divinity from Liberty University.
Matt is a faithful husband to Tina, and they have four amazing children. Matt enjoys outdoor activities, water sports, hiking, good food, movies, and people. Tina grew up on a dairy farm outside of Cuba City, WI (just down the road from Platteville). Tina has a bachelor’s degree from UW-Lacrosse where she played on the women’s basketball team. Tina was born again in the fall of 2001 and was pleasantly shocked to be proposed to one hour after she was baptized by Matt. Before kids, Tina worked seven years for the American Cancer Society. She is a great friend to all and ministers to others in many ways, especially through hospitality (she makes the best biscuits and gravy north of the Mason-Dixon line). Tina enjoys walking, running, reading, cooking, laughing, and people.