The Bagwells minister in Columbia County, a region filled with hardworking, blue-collar individuals who are humble, kind, and friendly. Despite the presence of several churches, the spiritual climate often feels like a “valley of dry bones”—pastors are few, congregations are aging, and many people are disconnected from the Gospel.
The area reflects a religious mix: some claim generational Christianity, others are Christian in name only, while many lean toward atheism or agnosticism. Like much of America, several generations have grown up unchurched. In response, Matt focuses on one-on-one discipleship with men—building relationships through Scripture, prayer, encouragement, and ongoing connection.
Matt and Terah became missionary candidates with InFaith in 2025.
Family:
Their daughter, Lynzie, affectionately describes them as a “Living Room Family”—a term that captures the heart of their home. Matt and Terah often guided their children through challenges together, using teachable moments to shape the whole family. They openly shared struggles, victories, and spiritual lessons, fostering unity through the love of Christ. This kind of relational, gospel-centered parenting is one of the many reasons Matt is so passionate about sharing the hope of Jesus with others.
Past Ministry:
Before becoming a lead pastor, Matt served as a youth pastor, where his greatest passion was teaching young people how to study the Bible for themselves. He introduced them to hermeneutics, systematic theology, apologetics, and church history—laying a strong foundation for a life of faith.
What brought them to InFaith?
Matt and Terah’s journey to InFaith is a story of God’s providence. Prior to pastoring at Shiloh Basin, Matt was part of a church where the associate pastor had once served at Shiloh Basin. That connection led to an invitation to Pastor’s Advance, an InFaith gathering at Twin Rocks Friends Camp in Rockaway Beach, Oregon.
What impacted Matt most was the strength of character he saw among the InFaith pastors. He left the event inspired, knowing he wanted to surround himself with men who pursued Christ with integrity. That desire led him and Terah to join InFaith’s mission.