Rev. Matthew A. Smuts, Pastor
God called Pastor Matt Smuts to the ministry early and often. While in elementary school at St. Peter's Lutheran Church and School in Arlington Heights, Illinois, the seed was planted as a teacher talked about the ministry. As Pastor Matt's call germinated, it took him to college atCalifornia Lutheran University, where he majored in Business Administration. During the summers, he worked atMt. Cross Lutheran Campas a counselor and as program director.
The call grew and took him toTrinity Lutheran Seminaryin Ohio. After Pastor Matt completed seminary and ordination, he followed the call to the traditional starting point for Lutheran pastors, a congregation in rural Alexandria, Minnesota. Then Pastor Matt followed the call to California, to serve at Bethlehem Lutheran church in Granada Hills. In 2006, Pastor Matt heard the call again, this time to come to Grace with Mariel, his wife of more than 15 years and their three children.
