Student Pastor Candidate Matt Sands

Pastor Matt & Krisa Sands have served in the ministry for 12 years. They have two children.

We’re thankful for Pastor Jeff Webb’s ministry to our teens since 1996. On the evening of January 25th, we’ll have a special farewell service and reception for Pastor Jeff and the Webb family.

Pastor Matt & Krisa Sands will be in town with us Wednesday through Sunday, January 14-18. They are praying about whether the Lord would lead them here.

Schedule

Pastor Matt will preach to our youth group on Wednesday, January 14.

We’ll have three drop-in times and a Q & A for all parents who already have or will soon have teens in the youth group to meet Pastor Matt and Krisa:

1. Friday PM Parent Drop-in with the Sands: before Sneaker Hockey Friday, January 16 (8-9 PM, Teen Room)

2. Saturday AM Parent Drop-in with the Sands: January 17 (11 AM - 12 PM, Teen Room)

3. Sunday AM Parent Drop-in with the Sands: before the January 18 worship service (9-9:45 AM, Teen Room)

4. Sunday AM Parent Q&A with the Sands: after the January 18 worship service (11:15 AM, 107)

Pastor Matt will also meet our deacons during their January 18 afternoon meeting at 3:00 PM.

About Pastor Matt

His Heart for Missions

Pastor Matt grew up as a missionary kid in Yap, Micronesia. Living in the home of missionary, Matt was exposed to the gospel and accepted Christ as his Savior at a young age. In the years following, God has allowed many people to influence and challenge him spiritually to help him grow in his spiritual walk. While living in Yap. Matt was able to be involved with the church ministry and served in the youth program. Even though he was in high school, God began to use him to help and serve others. 

His Pastoral Training

Pastor Matt attended Bob Jones University for both his undergrad and graduate studies (in Bible and pastoral studies respectively). He served as a graduate assistant dorm counselor/mentor. While at Bob Jones, Matt met his wife Krisa and they were married in 2012.

His Pastoral Experience

Pastor Matt has 12 years of pastoral experience. He served with Pastor Crockett as an intern and ministry assistant at Grace for two summers in 2009 and 2010 and was able to come back as the principal at Indiana Christian Academy in 2014. In 2017, Matt came on staff at Grace to work with the teenage students. While he still teaches a couple classes at ICA, Matt loves working with the teens in the youth ministry at Grace. Matt was ordained to Gospel ministry March 23, 2019. Pastor Crockett was on his ordination counsel.

Pastor Matt & Krisa Sands with their son and daughter in December 2025.

His Heart for Public Schools

Pastor Matt has been active volunteering and teaching in local public schools. The Lord has allowed many public school students to come to Grace’s youth group. Many of them have made professions of faith and become active Christ followers. Under Pastor Matt’s leadership, the youth group has grown numerically and spiritually.

Pastor Matt likes the outdoors, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying opportunities to serve at Grace Baptist Church, Indiana Christian Academy, and in local public schools.
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