Matthew Bell Associate Pastor for Family Ministries
Pastor Matt was born and raised in Arizona. He attended Deer Valley High School and competed on the wrestling team. After graduation, he attended Arizona Christian University, serving as the Media Director and President of the Student Life Council. While studying, he served in a middle school ministry in Fountain Hills, AZ, and then served as a youth pastor in Phoenix, AZ.
In 2011, he graduated from ACU with a B.S. in Secondary Education with an emphasis in English and a minor in Bible. Upon graduation, he received the “Outstanding Student in Education” award.
Also, in 2011, he started teaching English courses at Valley Vista High School in Surprise, AZ. While working there, he took on many additional roles, including assistant wrestling coach and student council advisor. In 2012, he was awarded the “Teacher of the Year” by the VFW Post 10695.
In 2013, he graduated from Purdue University Calumet with a Master of Science in Educational Leadership.
In 2015, he started teaching 6th grade Language Arts at Canyon Ridge School in Surprise, AZ.
During his years as a teacher, he volunteered in the youth ministry for his church in Surprise, AZ. However, in 2016 he felt the call to go into full-time ministry.
Matthew came on staff at GCC in June of 2016 as the Associate Pastor for Family Ministries and was ordained on December 13th, 2016.
In 2017, Matthew started the Divinity program at Phoenix Seminary. He graduated in 2021 with his Master of Divinity in Interdisciplinary Studies.
In 2022, Matthew received a direct commission to join the United States Air Force Reserve as a Chaplain. He currently serves at Luke AFB.
He and his wife Rachel were married in 2008. They have five children and live in Surprise, AZ. In addition to studying and teaching the Bible, Pastor Matt enjoys eating sushi with his wife, watching Ohio State Football, and playing games with his children.
