About Matthew Raley
I am the senior pastor of Grace Brethren Church in Chico, CA. For twelve years (1999-2011) I pastored the Evangelical Free Church in Orland, CA. In ministry, I’m passionate about revitalizing the art of biblical preaching, connecting people across generational lines, and speaking clearly about Jesus Christ in this era of instability.
I’m also a violinist. I play with the North State Symphony, a regional orchestra, and in chamber music festivals. My wife Bridget and I have two small but dangerous boys, and we all live in a small but cleanable apartment.
My first novel, Fallen, was published by Kregel in 2008. My first non-fiction book, which Kregel released in 2009, is called The Diversity Culture: Creating Conversations of Faith with Buddhist Baristas, Bohemian Artists, Agnostic Students, Aging Hipsters, Political Activists, and Everyone In Between.
I am available for speaking engagements and interviews. You can contact me at matthewraley@comcast.net.
Congraulation on your new book. As director of Western Seminary Alumni we would be happy to feature your newwst book as well as a reminder of your fiction you wrote earlier. Any personal comments or notes of value to properly introduce the readers through Western’s blog would be appreciated.
[...] of sharing their faith in a culture that seems to be increasingly unfriendly to Christians. Matt Raley addresses this in his book, The Diversity Culture. On the one side are all the diversely [...]
Matt: Through a real chain of events that would take far too long to go into; we met one of your young men believe Dan G. is involved with ministry with you. Our daughter Jeri baby sat for your folks when you were a little guy??? We went to EV Free when Bucky Buchanan was there (time flies when we are having fun) Jeri could not believe your were old enough (smile) to be preaching. Well nuff of that God Bless and will put you on our prayer list…Jeri became a widow some four years ago and now back home with us and we love it she never had children (which she has always adored) We also enjoyed your article or sermon regarding Pearls, coach has spent time being really concerned about such ministries and theShatz(spelling) had been going to a fellowship here in Chico Celebration Fellowship and Pete Reginelli has asked us to pray for this family as many lives are involved…God Bless again
Great to hear from you! Thanks for being in touch!
Matt, I’m so pleased to see your new book topic. I read and was carried through FALLEN, grateful for your perception of the angst and pitfalls in our culture–not really new, of course. We are so grateful at Shasta Bible College, Redding, for your willingness to help us with a benefit concert Friday, April 13, 7 PM with a pre-concert lecture at 6:30 on “The Arts and Ministry.” We’re truly excited about your coming. Thanks so much for fitting it into your schedule. Sincerely, Regina Hoff, Music Faculty