From Machinery to Ministry: Matt's Journey of Faith
Before training for ordination, Matt’s life looked very different. Working in a hands-on role with JCB Greenshields, he faced quite the culture shock when he returned to education nearly 30 years after leaving school at 16. Now, just weeks into his curacy in Ashtead, Matt reflects on the transformative path that brought him here.
📌 What led you to pursue ordained ministry?
"What has shaped my ministry is witness—witnessing my mother and how Christianity transformed her life, and seeing how Jesus transformed the community she joined. That made me want to be part of it."
Matt’s faith journey began early, albeit unexpectedly, as a 5-year-old attending a multicultural school. He often struggled with the confusing lunchtime rota for the numerous menus catering to all the different faith groups, which led him to often miss meals —something his father saw as neglect.
"One day, my dad said, 'This boy is going to be a Catholic,' and he took me to the church to be baptised. I remember sitting there thinking, ‘What am I doing here?’ But that’s where my faith journey really began."
It wasn’t until much later, through serving at his local church, that Matt sensed his calling grow deeper.
"Church became the highlight of my week, my everything. I started to run out of hours in the week to be there serving, and that’s when I heard God say, ‘I laid this on your heart years ago—you need to respond to this now.’”
He answered that call by enrolling at Ridley Hall, Cambridge, in 2023 to study Theology.
"It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. It’s great to study scripture full-time, to be part of a Christian community, and serve Jesus.”
🙏 What spiritual practices keep you rooted in your faith?
Prayer is central to Matt’s life.
"We need to be constantly in prayer—that’s what has held me up through everything."
He also finds nourishment in scripture and connection with others.
"It’s nice to be rooted in each other through prayer. It’s nice to be aware of people’s lives as we share things.”
💬 What do you enjoy most about ministry, and what do you find challenging?
"People! I love speaking to people, meeting strangers, hearing their stories and sharing hopes and dreams."
Matt quickly noticed that being a minister opens the door for deeper conversations.
"The dog collar gives people permission to pour their hearts out. Three weeks since I was ordained —that’s what’s hit me: people want to be heard.”
But people can also present a challenge.
"You’ve got to think on your feet, be graceful, and remember—it’s not about you. You’re serving Jesus. We’re not psychiatrists; we don’t have the answers. We just need to listen, pray, and be present.”
🌱 What is your vision for growing faith across generations?
"To rely on the Gospel—it’s grown communities and congregations for a long time. We just need to make it engaging, exciting, and inviting. Jesus cares for us in every life stage.”
Matt feels blessed by Ashtead’s multigenerational community and sees opportunities to reach everyone.
🎯 What are your hopes for your curacy in Ashtead?
"My ambition is to become the best priest I can possibly be. I’ve wanted to do this for a long time, and now I’m here—I want to do it well, for Ashtead.”
As Matt begins this new chapter in Ashtead, his journey reminds us of the power of calling and the quiet strength that comes from walking faithfully, even when the path looks unfamiliar. With prayer, scripture, and deep connection at the heart of his ministry, Matt continues to serve with humility and grace—meeting people where they are and gently pointing towards hope.
🙏 Please join us in praying for Matt as he continues his curacy in Ashtead: that he may grow in wisdom, be sustained in spirit, and be a faithful witness to God’s love in every conversation and moment of ministry ahead.