Our Staff

Nephtali Matta

I cannot remember a time without Jesus or his Church. I have moved often—Wheaton is the 13th different community that I have lived in—but one of the constants growing was finding a church family in every place we lived. My family and I were blessed to be part of several great churches, and I feel most at home in church. In early college, I felt the Lord calling me to serve in ministry, so I went to seminary.

My path to serving God and his Church has been quite circuitous. I came to Wheaton in 2014 to serve in a post-prison ministry. Soon after, I found Rez and have called this church home since September 2014. This church has helped me navigate both tough and wonderful seasons of my life, and I want to help others discover that joy. I have made great friends, seen God do amazing things, and even met my wife, Alison, here!

I have discovered in my ministry journey that God never tires of new beginnings, he is much better at his job than I am at mine, and he means it when he says he will never leave us or forsake us. I’m passionate about introducing others to the healing power of Jesus and his Church because I have been transformed by this very same power.

I am a huge fan of people and their stories. I love baseball (and most sports), games, Chick-fil-A, and music. I love spending time with my wife, and together we love getting to know other people.

You can listen to Nephtali’s testimony on the Phil Vischer podcast here