Matthew Roberts is native Appalachian through and through-reared down the mountain in the foothills of Northeast Tennessee. In 1997 he graduated magna cum laude from East Tennessee State University with a B.A. in English and Foreign Languages.

In 2001, Matt completed his M.A. in Language Acquisition and Linguistics from the University of Houston and is currently pursuing the Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Appalachian State University.

Prior to his call at Grace, Matt served as a high school teacher in Texas and North Carolina. His first exposure to leading youth ministry came as part-time youth director at All Saints Episcopal Church in Sugar Land, Texas and as interim music/youth director at Sneedville First Baptist in Sneedville, TN. These experiences were positive, and as Matt explains, "they opened my eyes to the need of a complete edification of one's self- body, mind, and spirit."

Currently as Director of Christian Education as well as our Youth and Family Minister at Grace, Matt works with four distinct youth groups: Lil' Lutherans (K-2), Luther Kids (3-5), the Jr. High Youth (6-8) and the Sr. High Youth (9-12).Additionally, Matt oversees intergenerational and family programs designed to draw the church closer in fellowship and to develop and support congregational opportunities to serve God and our community.

Matt loves working with kids and has a passion to serve God by serving others. He is also a strong advocate for family literacy, human rights, and social justice issues. Matt wholeheartedly embraces the theology of radical grace and the Lutheran emphasis placed on continuing spiritual formation.

Matt enjoys cream sodas, traveling Europe, sarcasm, independent films, and only the highest quality maple syrup. He has also been occasionally spotted as a musician, writer, and actor. Matt feels, though, his most important role in life is being a mentor, advocate, teacher, and spiritual advisor for youth.

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