Matt Simpson – Elder, Pastor-Teacher
Matt was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and became a Christian in 1994.
Matt graduated from Southern Baptist theological Seminary in 2004 with a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree in Biblical and Theological Studies. He then continued at Southern Seminary and graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree from the School of Theology with an emphasis in biblical languages. Matt’s dissertation title is “A Case for the Traditional Translation of the Shema, Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one.” He served as an adjunct professor at Baptist College of Florida and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, 2010-2013.
After serving 28 years in the military, Matt retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He
served 7 years as a combat cameraman and 21 years as a chaplain in the Air Force. During his Air Force career Matt served as a volunteer in varying capacities at different civilian Baptist churches.
Matt, his wife Kristal (married 1995), and their two sons Joshua and Caleb moved to Brevard County March 2010, when Matt accepted an assignment to serve as chaplain at the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base.
Matt enjoys sharing the Gospel, having deep theological discussions, and is passionate to
maintain biblical faithfulness to his LORD Jesus Christ in the face of the ever-mounting pressures of this ungodly and carnal world. Matt also enjoys physical fitness, mainly in weightlifting and bicycling.
Ben Gonzales – Elder
Robert Wilder – Deacon
Robert was born and raised in Fernandina Beach, Florida and became a Christian in 1994.
Robert graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelors degree in Finance in 1989. He and his wife Susan (Married 1991) moved to Melbourne in the early 1990’s. Upon moving to Melbourne, Robert obtained a State Certified General Real Estate Appraisal license and appraised real estate in central and north Florida. Robert later became a Reserve Specialist with the Community Association Institute performing long-range budget planning and consulting services to resort properties world-wide since 1997.
Robert and Susan have a daughter Robyn, son Ryan, son-in-law Eric and granddaughter Layne Ivy.
Robert enjoys reading and studying the Word of God and serving the Lord. He also enjoys traveling, golfing, snowboarding (when he can make it to the mountains in winter), and working out in the gym.