Richard Froese
South Peace News

Matthew Peters has inspired Bethel Baptist Church in High Prairie since he became the pastor last November.

“My goal is to make the church a place where people take God’s Word seriously, apply it to their lives and teach their children,” says Peters, who started Nov. 15.

It is his first full-time position as a lead pastor.

“My vision is to see Bethel Baptist Church as a place where people can go to for answers for their real questions.

“We certainly want to serve the community, but with more than just their physical needs, even more importantly, their spiritual needs.”

He says church ministry has a vital role in the community.

“There are many ways in which we can grow to serve the community, but the church must also recognize its unique calling,” Peters says.

“Many people can do good things for the community and that’s good.

“The church is unique because we are called to help people with the deeper issues.”

He continues to grow in his gifts, experiences and passions.

“I have a little experience in preaching, a fair amount in writing and a growing knowledge base that I hope is a blessing to others,” Peters says.

He desires to teach, disciple, and counsel people in the church and community.

“I hope to build up the church and that they would be shining lights of truth in the midst of a darkened world.”

Coming to High Prairie is a sort of homecoming for him. Peters was a speaker in summer 2022 at High Prairie Wilderness Camp led by Aaron Harbidge, a member of Bethel Baptist.

“He told me at the time the church was looking for a pastor, so we reached out to the board and got the process started,” Peters says.

Now as the pastor of Bethel Baptist, he is well-prepared for the leadership role.

Peters received a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Millar College of the Bible in Pambrun, SK.

He also completed cross-cultural mission training at Ethnos Canada in Durham, Ont.

The Peters also have a passion to have special connections with people.

“My wife, Jodie, and I enjoy have people over in our home and visiting others, as well, which we hope is useful in getting to know people and being able to truly help them where they need it,” Peters says.