James Matthews

I grew up the youngest of three siblings in Snohomish, Washington. My parents have always been vibrant Christians, but I, favoring myself a cynic during my middle school years, was disillusioned by the whole “church thing.” The people didn’t seem to live at all like the stories in the Bible, stories about adventures with Jesus. After a season of emptiness and rebellion in my life I came to a place where I desired to know if Christ could really do what
I had heard others claim—bring hope into my life. I thought that there may have been some greater power that assisted the people in the Bible. I was tired of hearing stories about the past; I wanted to know that, if there was a God, He was real and active. So, I challenged God to show me. Thankfully He answered. And, through a series of events, verified His reality and active presence around me. Out of that process sprung my passion to help others connect with the heart of Christ in a similar way.

I absolutely love being the pastor of Impact Middle School Ministries here at Christian Center. People often jokingly say, “James,
God must have created you for middle school ministry because you’re the only one with enough energy to keep up with those kids.” While I do appreciate the affirmation; these students are so much more profound than just energy and games. They are not just an awkward age between childhood and teenager or the “next generation” of Christianity. They play an essential role in what God is doing in the world right now and have the potential to bring the hope of Christ to every generation.

If you see me away from the church, I’ll likely be reading at City Brew Coffee, snowboarding in the winter, climbing a mountain in Glacier National Park during the summer, or hunting anything that moves in the fall.

jmatthews@kalispellchristiancenter.org
generationimpact.org