Matt Moore

Junior High Ministries

“I was raised in a family that went to church on Christmas and Easter,” says Matt Moore, 25. Matt became a follower of Christ when he got a water polo scholarship to a top-ranked Christian college. “At a retreat, I heard the Gospel preached and I grabbed it! There was so much sin in my life. I had worshiped sports, and I knew there must be something else.”

Since that time, Matt has eagerly pursued God, embracing the Christian life with zeal. Matt seems to do everything in his life with that kind of energetic enthusiasm, including working with students.

“I love junior high students,” he says. “In general, they are usually the most overlooked population. Junior high is that age when the most changes happen in life, and where students can determine their faith. It’s where they can set the course for their high school and college years.”

Matt believes junior high students have the capacity to change their campuses and to change the world. “When David killed Goliath, David was a junior higher!” he exclaims. Matt’s plans for the ministry include creating an atmosphere that draws students in. He’s a high-energy guy with high-energy plans. He says, “Once you get students’ attention, you can have them focus on the Lord.”

A recent newlywed, Matt married Kelsey Pedlowe, daughter of Pastor Mike and Sharon Pedlowe. Sharon was formerly Sharon Lubeck, Pastor Stan Lubeck’s sister. Both Sharon and Mike grew up at First B, and now Matt and Kelsey will become part of that heritage.

The youngest of three, Matt was born in Walnut Creek and raised in Danville. He comes from a sports-loving family. His dad is a retired teacher, and his mom runs the Danville Little League and is also a dental hygienist.

Matt enjoys all sports and golfs as a hobby. He reads books, mostly on ministry. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in exercise science from California Baptist University in Riverside, and is currently working on his Master of Divinity degree at Western Seminary in San Jose.

“I am a dreamer,” says Matt, “constantly seeking what vision God has for the ministry that he has placed me in. I’m passionate about God, His Word, my family and people. I love big challenges, getting in there and making it happen!”