Questions for Matt Peacock

Matt Peacock recently joined the Western Hills staff in the role of youth ministry resident. Matt will serving in our youth ministry for the next 15 months. Recently we sat down with Matt and asked him these questions. Here is how he answered them...

Western Hills Blog: What is your role at Western Hills?
Matt: My role here at Western Hills is a Youth Ministry Resident. My role here is to serve this church by helping Scott with the youth. Because both of us will be working with the youth we will be able to divide the work and put more time into other areas such as small groups, worship, and family ministries. I want my time here to be seen not as a time in which this church has two guys working with the youth, but as a time where this church has two ministers willing to serve in all facets to this church.

WHB: After already being here for 2 summers previously why did you decide to return to WH again?
Matt: This church has blessed me many times over and I want to give back to this church. I want to serve and be used by God in this place. I could have interviewed all over, but I know that this is a place of Godly people with elders that are looking towards the cross. This is a good place to be! And I want to serve here.

WHB: What do you hope happens during your time with us over the next several months?
Matt: I hope to be a minister that is always pushing this congregation towards more cross shaped lives, and in that process become more cross shaped myself. I hope to see more excitement and joy in this place. I want the community to see this congregation as the church that loves them and a place that they want to be. There are some great things going here and I want to keep them moving, never growing stagnant. And of course, I hope to teach Jesus Christ and what it means to be His disciples to the teenagers of Western Hills.

WHB: Why do you love working with teenagers?
Matt: I love working with teenagers because they are like little sponges: Teenagers are going to be filled with something. They will listen and take it all in. Teenagers, because they are still trying to find who they are, will be moldable. I think it is important that the mold they become is that of our savior Jesus Christ. Another thing that I love about working with teenagers is that they are so creative and fun. It is amazing what a teenager can do with a little direction and creative freedom. Teenagers are a unique breed of human being and are in many ways frustrating but in many ways bring so much joy. Despite the broad range a teenager may fit in, I love them all.

WHB: Are there any other big changes in your life besides coming to WH?
Matt: I just graduated from ACU, but I don't think that was the big change you were referring to. I just recently (5/11) got engaged to a beautiful, Godly woman named Megan Towery.

WHB: How did you "pop the question?"
Matt: The morning of the 11th I drove into College Station and left an invitation for her to meet me at this park in College Station that she and I have picnics at quite often. I had a blanket, rose petals, Gerber Daisies, candles, the whole bit. Something funny happened as I prepared, though. I lit the candles and so as not to start a fire went to throw the matches in the pond. When I got back to the blanket I looked down and saw this brown stuff. I had stepped in dog mess and got it on the blanket. So I was scrambling to get the blanket turned over. It was a mess. When she got there I gave here a Bible that I had wrapped with "Megan Peacock" embroidered on it. I read to her the last part of Psalm 85 which is "our verse." After I got done reading, I turned the Bible toward her and the ring was tied to the place marker. I got down on one knee and she said "Yes."

WHB: What is it about Megan that attracted you to her?
Matt: How much time do you have? Oh, where to begin? She and I were first kisses (I was hers and she was mine) way back in junior high school. So I guess I had always been attracted to her. One of the most attractive things about Megan is her servant heart. She is always ready to serve. She and I have been best friends since those junior high days and she has always been able to challenge me spiritually. We have the best time together. We can make a game out of just about anything. Just thinking about her now makes me smile. Plus, she's hot. :)

WHB: Do you see Megan feeling comfortable as a part of the WH family?
Matt: She already does. One of the best qualities of this church is its ability to embrace people. She has commented to me several times how much she love the people here and how excited she is to become a part of this church family. I personally want to thank all of you for embracing her. Obviously she is important to me and the fact that you have opened your arms to her means a lot to me.

WHB: You are quite a movie buff, what is your favorite all time movie?
Matt: This may be the hardest question you have asked. I have to be honest I have a very eclectic taste in movies. What I really mean is that I like some weird movies. This may sound like a cop-out, but I love movies so much that I never have an all time favorite, just a favorite of the moment. The favorites of the moment might be a three way split between "The Notebook" (I know, I can already hear the comments, but I am a sucker for a good love story),"Troy" (It is not Homer's original, but such a good story. Plus, who does not like a good one on one sword battle), and "Finding Neverland" (If you like Peter Pan, this ones for you.) Now that you have got me thinking, let me make a suggestion. For all who love "Star Wars" the newest one is by far the best of the prequals.

If you wish to leave Matt an encouraging word or give him your suggestions for movies just click the comments link and let him know.