At Redeeming Grace Church, we believe the church is not a building, it’s people serving together to glorify God. We regularly highlight volunteers and staff members who serve with RGC because they make everything we do possible!
Today, we want to introduce you to Matt Sutherland, who serves as our Connect Ministry Deacon and one of our Community Group leaders.
Here is what a member of the church had to say about them:
"Matt has been someone who’s encouraged me, walked alongside me through different seasons of life, and consistently reflected the love of Christ in the way he serves others. His heart for people and his steady faith have been such an encouragement to see! I thank God for Matt — for his leadership, his friendship, and his obedience to God’s calling. It’s a blessing to have him serving in our church and in our lives! Love ya Matt!"
~ Nelson Rivera, Member of RGC
What volunteer roles are you involved in?
I currently serve as our Connect Ministry Deacon and as a Community Group leader.
How did God lead you to be involved in those areas?
When Sojourn was planted, I started serving on the Connect Team, and most of my Sunday mornings were spent opening the doors for people coming to church. I continued to serve on the Connect Team until February 2017, when Justin Pearson, Edward Hunt, & Tom Van Raaphorst approached me about becoming a deacon. In December 2018, I was installed as the deacon of the Connect Ministry at Sojourn Church. When Sojourn and RGC merged in May of 2021, the elders asked if I would continue serving as a deacon at RGC!
Being a Community Group leader never crossed my mind, as I was already serving in other areas. Kenneth Maresco and I had tossed the idea around a few times, but I told him it would have to be the right time and season, and the Spirit would have to be the one moving in that direction. The Spirit started to move when Kristo and Katie Voda were expecting their twins and in January 2024, they stepped down as leaders and asked me to continue.
How have you seen God at work in our church community?
There have been many changes at RGC over the years, and friends have come and gone. But through it all, God has remained our constant rock. We have seen him work through challenging situations—both in our own lives and in those around us. He has never abandoned us, and I feel blessed to serve in such a wonderful community with our broader church family.
How have you seen God at work in our church community?
There have been many changes at RGC over the years, and friends have come and gone. But through it all, God has remained our constant rock. We have seen him work through challenging situations—both in our own lives and in those around us. He has never abandoned us, and I feel blessed to serve in such a wonderful community with our broader church family.
-Could you tell us some interesting facts about yourself?
I really enjoy spending time at local coffee shops and seeing the vibe of each shop and how they cater to their customers. I also love trying different coffees from various countries and tasting each flavor note. I love being outdoors and going hiking; being out in nature helps me slow down and remember we serve a big God who is also a beautiful artist and loves to make beautiful things. Music is also a big part of my life, and Christian hip hop is my go-to. I love how it combines great beats with lyrics that are gospel-focused while also telling the stories of life - very similar to how the Psalms are written. Last year I was able to meet my favorite Christian Hip Hop artist, LeCrae. His music has been a helpful reminder to keep trusting and holding fast to God in both the highs and lows of life.
Would you share about how Jesus became your personal Lord and Savior?
I grew up going to church, was involved in almost every children’s activity, and attended my church’s private school. I read Scripture, knew the stories of the Bible, and could recite them; however, even though I knew the Bible and Jesus intellectually, my heart wanted nothing to do with the Bible or Jesus. I was running in the opposite direction until August of 2008 when the Holy Spirit began pursuing me radically. I was 18 at the time and had made some pretty bad decisions that had landed me in a tough spot. One night I had become so overwhelmed with the grief and sorrow of my sins that I began to cry out to someone for help. At the time, I didn't know it was Christ, but today I do. That night was the beginning of a new chapter in my life, and I praise God that I have never turned back the page or felt like I needed to.