Vinelife Leadership

Matthew Haney is the Family Pastor at Vinelife.

Get to know Matthew:

What brought you to Vinelife for the first time?

A Job Interview

Why did you stay?

It was easy to see that God was doing something amazing here and we wanted to be part of it.

What was your first step in getting involved at Vinelife?

My wife and I accepted the positions in the Family Ministry and moved our family here from Austin, Texas.

Where have you connected at Vinelife?

Kid’s Quest/ Family Ministries

What has been of your proudest moments?

In ministry, one of my proudest moments was when a boy – who had been cast out of many groups because he was causing problems – was placed into my group and we started getting connected. Over time he became one of my best students and after the group completed, he told me he had accepted Christ and wanted me to baptize him. It was one of the true highlights of my life!

What inspires you?

Seeing people willing to take their faith and share it with others.

Who inspires you?

Hands down…. my wife.

What makes you laugh?

My kids. They bring so much joy to my life

What’s a current indulgence for you?

Spicy Foods

What is one goal you have for the next year?

To connect Children’s, Youth, and Marriage ministry into one Family Ministry.

What are you passionate about now, that you used to not care about?

Building leaders. I used to only love teaching kids. Over the years, I have grown to love seeing people take the gifts that God has given them and really help them to use and develop those gifts. It’s fun to watch them grow in ways that even surprise them.

What’s your day job?

Family Pastor

What’s something new that you’re learning in your job that has surprised you?

How much I enjoy working with the staff at Vinelife. I have never experienced a more authentic, caring group of people than those that God has placed here.

Your idea of a perfect day?

Spending quality time with my family.

What’s currently in your CD player?

4Him/ 80’s music

Your childhood ambition?

To be a history teacher

Your first job?

A movie theater usher

What is your greatest memory?

Our ten year wedding anniversary. When we were first married we didn’t have much, so we were married by the Mayor of our town. Ten years later we had the big wedding that we always dreamed of as we renewed our vows. It was incredible!

What is your favorite movie?

Saving Private Ryan

What do you look for in a close friend?

Someone who is willing to accept you for who you are without trying to change you to what they think you should be.

What’s something new that you’ve learned about the Bible lately, that has surprised you?

That no matter how many times you read it, God can speak to you differently each time!

What do you think makes a good leader, someone that you’ll follow?

I think what makes a good leader is someone who is willing to lead by getting in the trenches with you and lead by example. Not just tell you what to do.

Your favorite snack?

Hot Pork Rinds

If you could have lunch with a famous person, who would it be and why?

John Wayne (The Duke!) I have always been amazed at his strength in character. I would love to talk to him about his faith, love for his country and what his favorite food was to eat (it had to be Hot Pork Rinds)!

What is your definition of a retreat?

Isn’t that where you raise the white flag and run away screaming???

What has God been showing you lately that has surprised you?

The way that so many people are seeking to be part of a group that is authentic and brings true community – like being part of a family.

Your fondest memory?(this is not the same as your proudest moment :-)

Too Easy! Marrying my wife and the birth of my children.

What’s your biggest challenge?

To squeeze 25 hours into a 24 hour day so I can get everything done.

If you were given an extra hour in a day to do whatever you want, what would you do?

Hey I found my extra hour! Now I would use it to get some SLEEP!

What is something that most people don’t know about you?

I love Red Hot Pork Rinds – did I mention that?

Who is your greatest inspiration?

My wife because she accepts me for exactly who I am and doesn’t try to change me.

What have you read recently that really inspired or excited you?

“Volunteers that stick” by Jim Wideman.

If you could vacation anywhere…where would you go?

I would take a cruise anywhere!

Your most recent purchase?

A bottle of Mountain Dew. Even though I’m trying to give it up!

What’s God doing in your life that you are celebrating right now?

I am celebrating that God brought us to a church that truly values families and makes us feel like we are home.

Email Matthew 303-449-3330 x 22 Connect with Matthew on Facebook

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