Hey everyone, I’m Matt. I’m a pastor with over 15 years of experience doing ministry in Los Angeles County, and have two daughters with my amazing wife Vanessa. Aside from being a philosopher, theologian, and artist, I have a great passion for integrating the best of the seminary with the church at the ground level. Think: Deep biblical research translated to the everyday person leading to authentic life transformation. The doctoral program I’ve been accepted into will help me do just that to an even greater degree!
 
Last year I completed my Master of Theological Studies with flying colors, and it helped to solidify for me how the academic world can beneficially inform things like church leadership, training and equipping of other leaders, and spiritual formation for the whole community. Now, I’ve been accepted into Bethel Seminary’s “Doctor of Ministry in Biblical and Theological Engagement” in St. Paul, MN, led by scholars I already have a great working relationship with. I'll start the degree officially on 01/31/22.
 
This will no doubt help take my pastoralship and leadership to the next level, directly leading to many lives being impacted and transformed for the Kingdom through my continued ministry. If you'd like to partner with me financially, it'd be greatly appreciated!
 
Here’s why I’m asking for this much:

Total Tuition: $22,000
Books, and plane tickets to twice-annual in-person intensives: Approx. $3,000
(The total program is expected to run for 4 years: 3 years for coursework, and 1 year for dissertation.)

I'm not seeking this for my own benefit; rather, I'm seeking it to be a good steward with my life and make the most impact for God as I possibly can. I don't know what God has planned for me in the future, but I'm going forward in faith. Anything you contribute financially will be linked to a special bank account I'll make for this Kingdom-focused and others-focused academic aim, where no funds will be used in a different way than the purposes for which they were given.

Thank you for considering to support me and partner with me in this next phase in my life. Please pray that God uses me for His glory even more tomorrow than He did today, and for Him to help me gain more of His wisdom, heart, and perspective above my own. I have one short life. I want to use it well.