After 10 years of youth ministry, Matt was called to serve as the Senior Pastor at RBC.  He loves his church family, and is so grateful that God has used him in this capacity.  Matt is passionate about preaching the Word, the whole Word, and nothing but the Word.  He is compelled to simply tell people what God’s Word says, and then let the chips fall where they may.  In the end, He knows that when all is said and done, he must answer to God and God alone.

While away from church ministry, Matt enjoys spending time with his family, playing disc golf, watching football, reading non-fiction, and eating at In-n-Out Burger.  Below are excerpts from a statement of Matt’s Philosophy of Ministry:

View of Scripture

“I believe the Holy Scripture is the complete written revelation and Word of God that is God-breathed, inerrant, true, and not to be altered.  It is perfect, all-sufficient and fully trustworthy.  Moreover, the Holy Scripture is the supreme and final authority in all matters of faith, practice, and other areas of life to which they speak.”

Plan of evangelism

“Biblical evangelism happens when believers leave the walls of the church and go out into the world to be witnesses of Christ Jesus. Our goal should not be to bring sinners into church so they can hear the gospel.  Our goal should be to bring the gospel to the sinners we have contact with at work, in our neighborhoods, and in our families.  Therefore, it is critical that members of the church are equipped and encouraged to practice lifestyle evangelism.”  ”On any given Sunday, unbelievers may be present at a worship service.  I prefer to clearly present the gospel at least once a month for the benefit of those who still need salvation.”

Plan for church growth (local church growth and church planting)

“I am not a proponent of most of today’s church growth strategies and techniques.  Our Lord said that He will build His church and the gates of hell shall not prevail.  We should not be consumed with attendance figures.  Church leaders should be more concerned with church health.  This requires us to be faithful in the essentials such as prayer, the ministry of the Word, discipleship, service, and evangelism.  As far as church planting is concerned, I believe it should be part of the vision of every church.  Multiplying churches has a far greater impact for the gospel than merely adding more members to a single church.”

Plan for developing leaders

“Leaders should be developed through a strategic disciple-making process that is committed to reproduction and multiplication.  This involves intentional teaching and equipping that will produce healthy Christians who will reproduce themselves in others.  The pastor, the elders, and other key leaders are all to be engaged in this disciple-making, leadership development process.”

Preference of worship style

“I prefer worship that is God-centered, doctrinally sound, and edifying to all participants.  All aspects of the service should be considered worship to our Lord.  In terms of music style, I most enjoy upbeat hymns and contemporary praise choruses.”

Plan of pastoral care and visitation

“Pastoral care and visitation is a vital function of the pastor and the elders.  They must tend the flock and know their sheep by name. However, the bulk of this ministry must be put in the hands of church members.  It is the responsibility of everyone in the body to minister to the needs of each other.  The body should be connected in such a way that when one part suffers, every part suffers with it.  I believe this is best facilitated through caring communities of small groups.”

Convictions on tongues and sign gifts

“I believe tongues and sign gifts are not normative for the church today.”

Email for Pastor Matt may be sent to pastormatt@ranchobaptistchurch.org.