Pastor Matt Approved

08/29/2026

🎙️ I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to recently sit down with Dr. Eric Cook on the Union Baptist Association Podcast.

We had a great conversation about something that will always be close to my heart—student ministry. After spending 25 years in youth ministry, it was fun to look back on how God called me into ministry, some of the lessons I learned along the way, and just how much student ministry has changed over the years.

I’m so thankful for the 25 years God allowed me to spend investing in students and families. There are a lot of great memories, a lot of lessons learned, and a lot of people who impacted my life far more than they probably realize.

Thanks to Dr. Cook and Quinn Medlin and the Union Baptist Association for giving me the opportunity to share a little of my story!

🎧 If you’d like to listen, check out the episode here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5VVHhDkVd7K40rO4Dpi8bV?si=584f83eb40154cff

Leadership Lab Podcast · Episode

07/17/2026

🚨New Episode Alert!🚨

Pastor Matt and the Transit Students Senior Mission Team are on the ground in Honduras!

Check out Episode 7 at https://youtu.be/_V7J9ImO1WQ

07/04/2026

Episode 6 of the Pastor Matt Approved Podcast is LIVE!
This week, I'm joined by our new Student Pastor, Justin Eshenbaugh! We talk about his journey back to Hopewell, how God called him into ministry, and what he's looking forward to as he begins serving our students.

If you've ever wondered how God can bring someone's story full circle, you won't want to miss this conversation. Plus, there are plenty of laughs, stories, and a few surprises along the way!

🎧 Watch now on YouTube and let us know what your favorite part of the conversation was!

https://youtu.be/H0u-eGxD-5k

06/19/2026

It’s our anniversary! Check out Episode 5 when my wife joined me on the podcast.

05/31/2026

🎙️ NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🎙️

Episode 5 of the Pastor Matt Approved Podcast is LIVE!

This week, I’m joined by my favorite guest of all time—my wife, Ashley Wilkinson! ❤️

We talk about life transitions, navigating change, ministry, marriage, and some of the lessons God has taught us along the way. We also share a few laughs, some stories from our journey together, and what we're learning as we step into a new season of life and ministry.

Whether you're facing a transition of your own or just need a little encouragement, this conversation is for you.

🎧 Listen now and be sure to like, share, and subscribe!

Episode 5 of the Pastor Matt Approved Podcast is finally here! This...

04/02/2026

🚨 IT’S HERE 🚨�
Episode 4 of the Pastor Matt Approved Podcast just dropped!

Featuring Wyatt Morgan & Grace Uljua 🎙️�🔥 Taylor Swift vs. Lamentations (yes, really)�🔥 DNOW recap�🔥 Beach Camp 2026 preview

Laughs, chaos, and some powerful moments—you need to check this one out.
👉

Episode 4 of the Pastor Matt Approved Podcast is finally here—and it was worth the wait! Pastor Matt is joined by special guests Wyatt Mogana and Grace Uljua...

03/07/2026

Teaching some pretty amazing students this weekend!

02/19/2026

If you haven’t signed up for the NC Baptist Disciple Making Conference next Tuesday, there’s still time!

It’s a great one-day conference to grow as a leader, sharpen your skills, and be encouraged alongside others who are passionate about making disciples.

Ashley Michele Whitley Wilkinson and I will be leading a breakout session on how to incorporate different learning styles into student ministry — with practical tools you can use right away.

We’d love to see you there! 🙌

02/07/2026

God never asked us to run on empty. Rest isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom.

Pause. Pray. Rest.

02/01/2026

Such a beautiful reminder.