Matt Carter

 

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Quick Info:

Married to Jen

Children:
John Daniel, Annie, and Samuel

Education:
BA in History from Texas A&M University and a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Favorite Bible verse:
"O God, You have taught me from my youth, and I still declare Your wondrous deeds. And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come." - Psalm 71:17-18

Life Story

Matt grew up in Athens, Texas. Like many east Texas families, Matt’s parents faithfully attended their local congregation and made certain that Matt did as well. He prayed to receive Christ at 8 years of age. However, Christ was not the focus of his life on a daily basis. Matt is confident that he was saved at this point because he could no longer enjoy sin - even when he tried - but he had not yet touched the holiness of God.

He attended Texas A&M with plans to go to medical school after graduation. He was in the Corp of Cadets and was a Ross Volunteer. During his freshman year, he achieved the popularity and success he had looked forward to before college. He also began to realize that those things weren’t as fulfilling as he expected them to be.

During Christmas Break that year, he went on a ski trip with his girlfriend’s church group. Although she broke up with him early in the week, he couldn’t be more grateful that he went. As he was feeling awkward hanging out with his now ex-girlfriend’s friends, an upper-classman on the trip had compassion and befriended him. When they returned to College Station, Brett invited him to a Bible study that met on campus. Matt decided to check it out. He experienced a deeper level of worship than he had ever encountered when he did. The students around him sang a song he had never heard before, “Lord, you are more precious than silver/ Lord, you are more costly than gold.” As he joined their song, he recognized that the words were truth. He realized that his life and priorities would have to change drastically because of that truth.

He began attending Central Baptist Church and, for the first time, truly made the Lord the focus of his life. Things began to fall into place and have a sense of purpose for him. He had encountered the presence and holiness of God; his life was changed.

Vision for The Austin Stone

My vision for The Austin Stone is that it be an environment where people can connect with God and with each other. I believe those who are searching for a deep connection with God, those who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness, and those who are simply looking for Someone worth believing in will find what they are looking for at The Austin Stone. My desire is that this church be about true worship; the study of the Word; community meetings that provide opportunities for building relationships, sharing life, and accountability; and a focus on families including children and youth. I believe the best thing we can do for the children and youth who are part of our church is to help them forge relationships with adults who care about them and with their peers rather than creating a lot of programs. In relationship, they will hear truth and have opportunities to mature spiritually and become who they are called to be. My greatest hope is not that the Austin Stone has 20,000 members and a beautiful building in ten years. I would rather see 2000 members who are passionate about Christ, who love each other, and who are reaching out to their communities. I would rather see The Austin Stone planting churches around the nation and the world that teach the Word of God and encourage worship in spirit and truth. I would rather see us support missionaries who are loving the peoples of the world and bringing them the hope of the gospel. In the day to day business of the church, it is tempting for pastors to forget that they are not building their kingdom but God's. I want to remember that my job is to lift up His name. The Word promises that "… the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea." Habakkuk 2:14. I want to be part of what God is doing. My ambition is to impact the world for Him and His kingdom. That begins with the part in Austin that He has entrusted to me, and the co-laborers He has brought alongside me, but that is only the beginning…