Pastors

Matt’s greatest passion in ministry is helping others know and walk with Jesus Christ. While growing up in Alabama, he heard from the Bible that his sins could be forgiven because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. After professing faith in Jesus he was baptized. Through the mountaintops and valleys the Lord remains faithful, granting Matt increasing amazement and joy before the God of his salvation.

After graduating high school in Knoxville, Matt moved to Virginia to attend Liberty University and then Liberty University School of Law. While in law school, his passion for preaching God’s Word grew. So, after graduating he left for Africa where he partnered with Ugandan pastors to see a new church planted in Jinja, Uganda. He later graduated from Southern Seminary, where he taught courses in politics and law at Boyce College. After also living and ministering among refugees in Louisville, KY, Matt completed a season of pastoral training at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington D.C. He then returned with a burden for Knoxville and was blessed to serve on staff at Shoreline Church.

In April 2022, the members of Island Home Baptist Church voted unanimously to welcome Matt as their next pastor. 

Outside of church, Matt loves to get outdoors, read a good book, talk around a campfire, and exercise. 

Andrew brower