Rev. Matthew Garrabrant

What brought you to Otterbein?
I serve the UMC of the East Ohio Conference. As a UM pastor I am appointed to serve the church and community I am appointed by the Bishop. The church is an outpost in the community to provide the good news of Jesus Christ and how Jesus gives hope, joy, love and peace.

How long have you been in the ministry?
The Lord began to call me into ministry in 2004. I said, “Yes” in 2005 and began the work that need to be done and the Lord opened the door of opportunity. My first appointment began in July of 2007.

Tell me about your family.
My family is a growing family. The Lord has blessed me with a wonderful wife who is the mother to our 8 children. The Lord has given us 4 boys and 4 girls.

What are your hobbies/recreational interests?
I like to be active, outside and working with my hands. I enjoy woodworking, hunting, fishing and coonhounds.

What is your favorite part of your ministry?
The joy of the Lord filling me with the Holy Spirit and that joy filling my cup and running over upon others around me.

What was your first job?
My very first job was doing chores on my parent’s dairy farm as I grew up. My first off the farm job was at the local grocery store and with training I became a meat cutter in the meat department.

What do you feel is the main focus of your ministry?
I feel God has called me to be an encourager, provide the message of hope found in Jesus, be a comfort in time of loss and promote eternal life in Heaven.

What inspires you?
The many blessings, provisions and answered prayers that the Lord has done and continues to do; inspires and motivates me to keep working for the Lord.  Everyday the Lord is so good.

What has God been teaching you lately?
I have had turned to God for direction and insight for parenting my first adult child who is in college. The prayers for your children and trusting God to protect them never end.

What is your favorite scripture?
Psalm 139:14, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

What are your favorite songs?
“Lord Prepare Me To Be A Sanctuary” is my song of meditation and preparation before preaching on Sunday morning.