Matthew Forbes

Associate Pastor

Bio
At age 8, I heard part of 1 John read during a time of family devotions. The Lord used His Word to convict me and draw me to trust in Him alone for salvation. God has faithfully and patiently guided every step of my walk with Him, and it has been a great adventure.

Proverbs 16:9 says, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” As I look back on how God has directed my life, this verse is a wonderful reminder. While in college, I told myself (and my future wife) I would never be a pastor.
From 2004-2013, I worked in sales, operations and finance while volunteering in student & music ministries. The Lord refocused my heart in that time, and I worked as a Student Ministries Pastor in WA state the next 7 years, before God led me to Gospel Community Church as the Associate Pastor in 2020. I’m passionate about the local church, encouraging fellow believers, and seeing people changed by God’s Word.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication from The Master’s College (2007), and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Biblical Studies from The Master’s University (2020).
I married my amazing wife Stacey in 2009. She earned her B.A. in Music from The Master’s College (2007), and has taught music in Christian schools, churches, and as a vocal instructor for 13+ years. She loves being a mom, singing, writing, and teaching. We have been blessed with two wonderful children, Avery and Jacob.

Favorites
Book of the Bible:
Romans

Books/Reading:
Dangerous Calling (Tripp), Thoughts for Young Men (Ryle), Teaching To Change Lives (Hendricks), Gospel Conversations (Kellemen), To Know and Love God: Method for Theology (Clark), Worthy (Fitzpatrick and Schumacher), Gospel Coalition articles, Unbroken (Laura Hillenbrand), Sherlock Holmes series (Doyle)

Movie:
Miracle, Moneyball, Ken Burns documentaries

Sports Team(s):
LA Dodgers, Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators

Interests:
Playing or watching any sport, research, history, time with family & friends

Food:
Anything Stacey makes!

Candy:
Black Forest or YumEarth brands

Music:
Shane & Shane, Thomas Newman, Gaither Vocal Band, classical and choral music, jazz