Matt Kirkpatrick
As a young boy, I went to church, prayed, and studied the Bible. In my teenage years, I surrendered to the lure of sin and made terrible choices. I was so lost that at one point I told Jesus that I rejected Him because I was blaming Him for the terrible consequences of my sinful choices.
As a man of 27, married with 2 sons, I had been attending a Baptist church. I knew my real problem was that I was lost, separated from God because of my sin, and I thought my sin was so great He would never forgive me.
On New Year’s Eve, December 31, 1985 I was looking at the drink setting in front of me, and I heard Him say to me, “Matt, that’s enough!” In that moment my whole life changed. The darkness and dread that was draining the life out of me was lifted off me and I was filled with the Love and Life of His Presence. For the next three weeks I could barely eat or sleep, and I told everyone that I was saved.
I have been married to Brenda for 47 years. We have 3 children. Our first, Matthew is 43, married (Angela), with a daughter (Ruby). Our second, James is 41, married (Sarah), with a daughter (Grace) and a son (Liam). Our third, Ashley is 32. All 3 of my children accepted Jesus as their Savior and were baptized at Concord.
I have been a member of Concord for over 35 years. I have served, and am serving, in multiple ministries and leadership positions: Bible Class Teacher and Director, Small Group Leader, Chairman of Deacons, Transition Team member, Men’s Group Leader, Prayer Service Leader, Prayer Team Leader, and hospital, nursing home, and shut-in visitation.
My Bible verses are John 10:3, 24, 27-28
3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
24 Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.
27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.