Dear Prayer Team,
I’m sorry it’s been so long since my last email.
Several months ago I encountered major technical difficulties in getting it sent out, and I’ve finally gotten those things all sorted. I’m sure you’ve been praying for me even without the regular email prompts, and I really appreciate it.
So much has happened since the last time I wrote. We turned the corner into a new year, and what an eventful year it has been!
New District Superintendent
 For the last twelve months, one of my major prayer requests has been the search for our next Allegheny District Superintendent. I’m pleased to report that today is the first official day of ministry for our new D.S. Kerry Doyal. Thank you for praying for me as I led the search team this last year. It was a lot of work, but I am thrilled with the results. In February at Stay Sharp 2020, we got to honor and celebrate Jeff & Kim Powell for their long and faithful tenure and to present Kerry and Robin.
Kerry comes on the job just in time because pastors like me need pastoring themselves during this public health crisis that has shaken the world.
Pastoring in a Pandemic
How different things are these days! My job stayed the same in its essence, but it has, at least in the short-run, fundamentally changed in its practices and rhythms. I’ve been learning a lot recently about producing videos, leading change during a crisis at a breakneck pace, and hosting Zoom meetings!
Ever since the pandemic hit, I have been reminding myself of my pastoral priorities:
1. Number the Sheep.
2. Tend the Sheep.
3. Feed the Sheep.
4. Repeat.
It’s really hard to pastor people that you can’t see in person, but it can be done. I’m finding myself walking 8-9 miles a day and making phone calls to all of our families. These have been really fruitful. I’ve had some great conversations with folks that I often don’t get much time with in “normal” days, sometimes getting deep into their lives and praying alongside them.
 Feeding sheep spiritual food is also hard when you can’t gather them together. I’ve been creating 2 videos per week, one mid-week that is about 3 minutes with a word from the Word and the plan for the coming weekend and a longer one (12-16 minutes) to go with the guides to worship at home. I’m not excited about being a video-preacher, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to ensure my flock is fed.
My biggest prayer requests for pastoring during this time are:
1. Stamina and a rhythm of rest. I think I’m living a disciplined and appropriately prioritized life right now, all things considered, but things are so strange, and it’s not easy to know if I’m doing it right. I tend towards overwork, so I would appreciate prayer for balance in this area.
2. Wisdom in leading well. We have a great elder team, and they are doing a terrific job of working together with me to lead the church through the strangeness of these days. But it’s not obvious what things we ought to be doing and when. Pray that the Lord will clearly lead us as He has been at every step.
3. Effectiveness in our mission. Our church STILL exists to bring people into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ through worship, instruction, fellowship, evangelism, and service. Nothing in that mission has changed. We have been given the mission to make disciples. Pray that I would be faithful to do my part.
Family Matters
Thank you for faithfully praying for our family.
Our daughter Robin who lives in Washington recently took a part-time job with FedEx Ground. It seems to be a great fit for her and is a big answer to prayer.
Our son Andrew recently finished his coursework for his senior year, so he is effectively a highschool graduate. He is busy every day with his blacksmith business, honing his craft and filling orders.
Our son Peter is finishing up his junior year and is ready for the mowing season to begin so that he can get busy with his lawncare business.
Our son Isaac is finishing up his sophomore year and has applied to work at Miracle Mountain Ranch as an assistant counselor this summer. Isaac is praying for wisdom for the Ranch leaders as they find out what restrictions will be in place and then make appropriate decisions about their camping ministry.
Heather Joy continues to be the beating heart of our home. I’m so thankful for how she takes care of us. Please continue to pray for her, as well.
Now that I’ve got the technology resolved, I expect to send you more of these prayer emails as the days unfold. Regardless, thank you for praying for me, my family, and our church family. We greatly appreciate your ministry of intercession! May the Lord bless you as you seek His face.
In His Grip,
-Pastor Matt
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