Rev Matthew Boyd has been appointed as the new Minister to the congregation of West Presbyterian Church in Ballymena.
Originally from Glenarm, Matthew, (42) grew up in Broughshane and spent his formative years at High Kirk Presbyterian Church in Ballymena.
He is married to Laura, who is Principal of the Diamond Primary School in Cullybackey, and the couple have two children, Naomi, (8) and Caleb, (4)
Revealing a little about his walk with God to date, Matthew told The Church Page:
“I grew up in a Christian home and was influenced by my parents and grandparents who loved and followed Christ wholeheartedly. At a very young age, I remember being out on the farm with dad and telling him in a very childlike way that I wanted to invite Jesus into my life. Growing up, God was never a stranger, and I had lots of opportunities to learn more about Him through Church, various organisations and summer camps.
Looking back, I can clearly see how God’s hand was upon my life, leading and directing my path. I went through the usual challenges that teenagers face where I questioned my faith and explored the reality of it, however the Lord in His grace kept me close to Him.”
He added: “A significant event in my life was when I was aged 17 and I was invited by one of my teachers at Ballymena Academy, Mrs Lyle, to be involved in Portballintrae CSSM team that she and her husband, Peter, were leading. This was my first time being involved in Christian service and leadership, and the Lord used this experience to spark something within in.”
“When I finished school, I went to university and took a Business Studies degree. While I was studying, I went up New Horizon where Alistair Beggs was speaking. During one of his talks, he spoke about the privilege it was to teach the Word of God to other people. These words struck a chord with me and started me on the path towards ministry and exploring whether God was calling me into that. After university, I became Youth Worker in High Kirk, where I served for seven years, before applying to Union Theological College and the rest, as they say, is history”, smiled Matthew.
After his time at Union, Matthew served his assistantship under Rev Richard Murray at Connor Presbyterian Church before being reassigned to First Ballymena Presbyterian when Richard was called to Drumreagh Presbyterian Church.
Matthew has fond memories of his time in Connor and retains many friends there. He, Laura and the children also found a home at First Ballymena where he served as Assistant Minister, Associate Minister and latterly Assistant to the Minister alongside both Rev William Sinclair and Rev Emerson McDowell.
Naomi and Caleb were both baptised in First Ballymena and Matthew stressed how much of a blessing the congregation at First have been to him and his family.
As he embarks on his first solo charge at West Church, Matthew is aware of the responsibility this will bring while being excited by and looking forward to the challenge.
He adds: “God has been so kind in opening up this opportunity to serve Him in West. I know Revs. Daniel Kane and Linda Keys who were serving in West before me and I am keen to build on the strong, positive foundation that they have laid.”
“I am looking forward to getting to know the people in West Church and helping encourage them to grow as disciples of Jesus. I am also excited by the opportunities to partner with other churches as together we seek to reach out and share the good news of Jesus with the wider community in Ballymena”, said Matthew.
Outside Church, Matthew enjoys spending time with his young family and supporting Nottingham Forest FC.
A talented footballer himself, Matthew also plays for Raceview in the Ballymena Saturday Morning League.
Find out more about West Church, Ballymena on their website.
