Matthew Duerr - Senior Pastor

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Pastor Matt was born into a family of preachers.  Not only his father and older brother, but both of his uncles and several cousins have served the Lord as ministers.  Matt, likewise, felt called to serve the Lord. He attended Christ College Irvine to pursue a degree in Christian Education, graduating in 1982.   In 1983, Matt married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie, who is a respiratory therapist at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Stockton.  They have two children: Paul and Bethany. 

Matt's first call was to serve as the 5^th and 6^th grade teacher and athletic director of St. Peter Lutheran School in Lodi, California. Matt served the congregation at St. Peter for 14 years.  During 12 of those years, he was also the president and/or treasurer of the athletic association.  He led several Bible studies and was active in the youth group and “feeding the homeless” ministry.  He was nominated several times to “Who’s Who Among American Teachers.” 

In 1996, the congregation of Zion Reformed Church called Matt to serve as principal of Zion Middle School.  During his time as principal, he led several Bible studies and filled the church pulpit quite often for the pastor, who was suffering from cancer.  In December of 1998, the Lord called Pastor Berner to his heavenly home, and the congregation began to search for a pastor.  Matt was asked to fill that position but declined, saying, “I was called to be a teacher and your principal.”  After a year of searching, the Elders of Zion again approached Matt and asked him to become the pastor.  They pointed out that the church is just a bigger classroom.  Following unanimous votes by the consistory and the congregation, the call was officially extended and Matt was ordained as the pastor of Zion Reformed Church on April 9, 2000.

The church took a leap of faith in asking Matt to become the pastor, and the Duerrs took a leap of faith in accepting the call.  In the years following Matt's ordination, God’s blessing has been evident upon the ministry.  Emphasizing the Truth in God’ Word, the congregation has seen growth in the Lifelight Bible Study program as well as the youth Bible Study program.  Both the congregation and Pastor Matt continue to grow in God’s grace and love.  Together, they strive to serve the Lord and to bring glory to His name in all they do.