Since June 2008, Matthew E. McKimmy has been the pastor of the Richmond Church of the Brethren. We are excited to have his leadership, guidance, care, and creativity as a part of our community.

In addition to learning about Pastor Matt, you can also see what he's up to by visiting his calendar. If you've ever wondered what a pastor's schedule looks like, or if you just want to see when he'll be in his office, check it out. 

Matt's History

Prior to starting as pastor of the Richmond Church of the Brethren, Matt was completing his Masters of Divinity at Bethany Theological Seminary. He graduated with distinction in Ministry Studies in May of 2008.

Originally from southwestern Virginia, near Roanoke, Matt and his wife Becky moved to Richmond in 2005 to pursue his education. Both Matt and Becky hold undergraduate degrees from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, more commonly known as Virginia Tech. His undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Arts is in the field of Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Science and Technology Studies and a minor in Religious Studies.

Matt has been a long-time participant in the Church of the Brethren, growing up and first becoming a member of the Hollins Road congregation in Roanoke, VA and later moving his membership to the Good Shepherd congregation in Blacksburg, VA. Over the years he has worked with district youth ministry in the Virlina District, the Brethren Student Fellowship at Virginia Tech, and served as a minister in training at West Charleston Church of the Brethren near Dayton, OH and at United Theological Seminary in Trotwood, OH. More recently Matt has been invited to return to seminary on the other side of the classrom - leading occasional sessions on areas of special interest and helping to co-teach the introductory preaching course in Spring 2010. 

Personal Interests

In addition to being a pastor and practical theologian, Matt enjoys many other activities as part of his busy but well-integrated life. His many interests always seem to intertwine in interesting and creative ways.

Some of Matt's technology-related interests include digital photography, web site design, building computers, social networking (facebook, twitter, flickr, etc.), and blogging, when he finds the time! Matt is an avid supporter of Ubuntu Linux and other open-source software, as are our church's office and Computer Hardware Co-op.

Matt also enjoys expressing himself through culinary creativity. He loves cooking with fresh, wholesome ingredients, especially ones he can grow himself or buy locally! In addition to cooking for himself and Becky and the occasional carry-in meal, Matt also prepares a simple meal (usually soup and fresh-baked bread) every Monday night that's open to anyone who wants to come. 

If he's not on his computer or in the kitchen (or sometimes both!) you might find Matt in the garage, tinkering with anything he can get his hands on. Though he used to do automotive mechanical work quite often, after he and Becky decided to sell one of their cars and become a single-car family Matt has spent more time working on and riding his bicycle, which he now uses for commuting back and forth to his office and around town. 

Lastly, Matt deeply misses the hiking and backpacking opportunities of his native Blue Ridge Mountains, but still enjoys going camping, hiking, and pursuing other outdoor activities whenever he has the chance. 

Contact Pastor Matt