Rev. Matt Parker has been appointed by the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church to serve as the Lead Pastor at Royston First United Methodist Church since June 2018. Prior to serving at Royston First UMC, Matt served churches in Bethlehem, Peachtree Corners, and Roswell.
In addition to his responsibilities in the local church, Matt is active within the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, helping with the North Georgia Conference Housing and Homeless Council, the Northeast District Committee on Ordained Ministry, and the North Georgia Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. Matt has been involved in coaching young leaders in ministry and has been a conference and retreat speaker for various churches and events.
Matt has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services from LaGrange College and a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary. Prior to serving at Royston First UMC, Matt served as the Senior Associate Pastor at Bethlehem First United Methodist Church from 2013-2018 and was the youth minister and assistant pastor at Simpsonwood United Methodist Church in Peachtree Corners from 2001-2013. Matt was also a part of the youth ministry staff at Roswell UMC in Roswell, Georgia, where his family has attended since 1983.
Matt is married to the former Michele McCarthy, and they have two daughters, Kayla and Ashlyn. Matt enjoys golf, fishing, time with his family, and University of Georgia football.
Royston First United Methodist Church 