About
Matt_about_7

Below is my biography that will be released with Cornerstone's new
web site. Just click on a title below to expand.

Short Bio

I was born in Ohio and then my family moved to West Frankfort, IL and finally to Ocala, FL. I grew up around the church with my father being in ministry for the last 30 years. My mom is a financial supervisor for the city of Ocala and my brother Josh and his wife Jill are finishing their degrees at Florida Christian College. My wife, Kristi, and I also attended FCC, where we met and graduated in 2004. It was about this time that I was ordained and entered ministry, serving a church in Belleview, FL before we moved to the Chicago suburbs. Soon after we arrived and all about the same time, Kristi began getting her doctorate in Psychology at Wheaton College, I worked to plant Cornerstone Christian Church, and we found out that we were expecting our son, Caleb. He was born on August 3, 2006. Kristi is now more than halfway done with her program, Cornerstone is going well, I'm now pursuing a master's degree at Wheaton college, and Caleb is a very active toddler.

Currently Playing on my iPod

Kind of nerdy, but I love Podcasts (but I never listen to my own!) Mostly politics (Michael Medved Show), Rob Bell, and several other churches. I also listen to audiobooks and hardly ever to music.

Top 3 Movies

No question about it . . . . Star Wars, Star Wars, and Star Wars. But beyond the Star Wars series (yes, ALL of them), I also like the Lord of the Ring series and the Godfather movies.

Breakfast of Champions

French toast and orange juice.

Pit Stop/Place to Refuel

Reading. I definitely "recharge" by spending a few hours with a good book.

Ethnic Food

Greek food is my favorite, but Mexican is a close second.

Recently Read

I'm spending quite a bit of time lately reading for graduate school (I'm finding that only two classes still means a tremendous amount of reading).

Just recently for fun I've read Goldsworthy's biography of
Julius Caesar, Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda, Einstein by Waltar Isaacson, The Perfect Thing by Steven Levy, What's So Great About Christianity by D'nesh D'souza, and a bunch of books by Vince Flynn.

Lived In

Growing up in a ministry family, I've lived in three states. First, I was born in Mansfield, OH then we went to West Frankfort, IL and finally my family settled in Ocala, FL. Kristi and I have livd in six different places in the nearly six years we've been married. I am happy that we have established some stability by buying a place our current home in Hanover Park, IL.

Currently Driving

A 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe that doesn't get nearly good enough gas mileage . . . and it isn't so great in the snow!

Memorable Moment

Of the memorable moments I've experienced, the birth of my son stands above the rest. It was incredible and the kind of thing that changes you forever.

Favorite Vacation Spot

Caribbean. My wife and I have only been on one cruise a few years ago, but we had a great time.

Most Interesting/Unique Job Held

I've had a lot of different jobs, but the most interesting would have to be when I owned and operated my own karate school. I spent a total of about 10 years in martial arts training and after receiving my black belt I took over the school from my instructor. It was a great success and a wonderful experience.

Currently Cheering/Rooting For

I am a HUGE Steelers fan. I've been a fan my whole life and my wife calls it "obsessive" (I just call it "committed").