Our Pastor
Rev. Matthew Best brings a unique blend of pastoral care, business acumen, and nonprofit expertise to Christ Lutheran Church in Harrisburg, where he serves as both pastor and executive director of Christ Lutheran Health Ministries. Officially installed on October 1, 2023, Pastor Matthew leads congregational life and is committed to fostering the church's mission of healing and community service, especially through outreach to the Allison Hill neighborhood and beyond.
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With a background in political science from Grove City College and a Master of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, Pastor Matthew has a diverse history in public service, government relations, and community-focused initiatives. His previous roles include working with members of Congress, managing operations for Project SHARE in Carlisle, and conducting research on the Lutheran Church's evolution in Finland. Ordained in 2017, he began his ministry at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in New Kingstown, Pennsylvania, and joined Christ Lutheran Church in 2023 following a unanimous Call from the congregation.
Pastor Matthew is active beyond the pulpit. He chairs the Lower Susquehanna Synod Mission Committee, serves on the Affordable Housing Task Force, and contributes to the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania as Policy Council Chair. His advocacy extends internationally as a board member of Tree 4 Hope Academy, a girls' school in Guatemala, and locally through his co-founding of the Memorial Blanket Project.
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Alongside his ministerial and leadership roles, Pastor Matthew is deeply invested in community wellness and social justice, including his participation in the ELCA Homelessness Network and leadership in the ELCA Vital and Vulnerable Congregations initiative. His commitment to compassionate outreach aligns with Christ Lutheran’s long-standing dedication to healing and hope, exemplified through its free medical clinic and dental services for underserved neighbors.
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When he isn’t serving in his professional roles, Pastor Matthew enjoys running, reading, and sharing insights on his blog. He lives in Carlisle with his wife, their four children, and their beloved rescue dog.
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As Pastor Matthew shares: “I am overjoyed to serve at Christ Lutheran Church because it is a place of healing. Together, we have the opportunity to bring God’s love to all who need it.”