Student Minister, Matt Anderson

I was blessed to be raised in a Christian home. My parents faithfully led the youth group at our local church, and my father eventually became a bi-vocational pastor. Through their example, I was exposed to Christ's redeeming love at an early age and accepted Him as my Lord and Savior when I was seven years old.

Growing up, my family moved around quite a bit — from Virginia, where I was born, to Indiana, South Carolina, back to Indiana, Kentucky, and finally Tennessee. Along the way, I earned a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Kentucky and believed that I was on track to teach high school history. However, God had other plans.

God led me first to an alternative high school and eventually to a residential treatment facility for young people facing significant challenges. It was there that I saw firsthand how deeply youth need Christ in their lives. My work there led me to TheHopeLine ministry in Tennessee, and that experience inspired me to earn a Bachelor of Religious Education from Liberty University's Theological Seminary.

During this journey, I met my wonderful wife, Kara, whom I have been married to since April 2008. We have also been blessed with two daughters — Hannah, who joined our family in August 2018, and Harper, who joined us in October 2021 — making me a proud girl dad.

Outside of youth ministry, I work for my sister at a local veterinary clinic. I enjoy spending time with family, reading (mostly history), and cheering on the Chicago Cubs.

The Bible verse I try to live my life by is 1 Corinthians 16:13–14: "Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. Do everything in love."