Northwest Oregon is a diverse region that includes both rural and urban communities. Mat lives along the Oregon coast in a rural community shaped by tourism, while his ministry extends across the broader Northwest Oregon area. The region is one of the least church-going areas of the country, and many people are open to spirituality without necessarily identifying with a particular faith or tradition. This creates both challenges and opportunities for local churches to faithfully proclaim the gospel and engage their communities.
A significant need in the region is the development of strong youth ministries and intentional discipleship opportunities. There is also a need to train and encourage men who may one day serve as pastors and leaders of small congregations. Mat seeks to meet these needs by coming alongside pastors and church leaders, fostering fellowship between InFaith churches, and helping congregations share ministry ideas, resources, and encouragement.
Through these relationships, Mat hopes to see churches become stronger and more connected while creating new opportunities to reach young people and develop faithful followers of Christ. Above all, his desire is to encourage local churches as they share the gospel and make disciples throughout Northwest Oregon.
Mat joined InFaith as a missionary candidate in 2026. He is a graduate of both Ecola Bible School and Prairie Bible College, where he met his wife, Carrie. They have been married since 2004 and have four children, all currently in their teenage years. Before joining InFaith, Mat pastored Shiloh Basin Community Church and Calvary Bible Church in Manzanita.
Mat’s wife, Carrie, grew up as an InFaith missionary kid, and the first church Mat pastored was an InFaith-affiliated church. These connections have given him a longstanding appreciation for InFaith’s ministry and its commitment to strengthening local churches and reaching communities with the gospel.