Rev. Stephen Matthews
Stephen is eager to meet members of the Gander, Glenwood-Appleton and Benton Communities and is excited about a return to ministry in Canada.
Stephen began ministry with the Gander, Glenwood-Appleton and Benton Congregations in September 2021. Previous to his current placement, he was Ministry Team Leader for Burwood-Croydon Uniting Church in Sydney, Australia for 12 years. During that ministry, while working across three urban congregations, he supervised students in placement as well as provided support and counselling through the church’s outreach and support program. His other placements include Bethany United Church in Carbonear, Newville Central United Church, Baie Verte Pastoral Charge, Carol Lake United Church in Labrador City and Norman’s Cove Pastoral Charge.
Stephen enjoys study and completed programs in Criminology, Law enforcement and Public Administration before graduating from Memorial University in the area of Political Science and Sociology. He has completed studies in Economics and Psychology from Dalhousie University, Theology from the Atlantic School of Theology as well as a graduate program in Church Leadership Development from Charles Sturt University in Sydney, Australia. He also completed graduate programs in Pastoral Counselling as well as Pastoral and Clinical Supervision from St Mark’s College, Canberra, Australia.
Stephen loves teaching listening skills and working with couples in pre-marriage preparation. He is a Registered Counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association and is trained in the Enliven-Prepare Marriage Program.
Stephen and his partner of 31 years, Rev Beverly Matthews, have four adult and teenage children and are servants to two rescue cats.