Matt duPlessis

Elder Matt duPlessis knows how to speak in front of an audience. He grew up with it; it's in his blood. His father was David duPlessis, a Pentecostal preacher who was internationally known as "Mr. Pentecost." Matt also travels throughout the world, giving presentations for SkillPath Seminars as a management trainer, but it wasn't always that way.

From his father's Pentecostal heritage, Matt quickly emerged in a pastoral role of a small house church in Berkeley. When that church decided to relocate in 1984, Matt, his wife, and three small children looked for another church. "We asked God to lead us to a church where our children could grow spiritually, and also associate with many people in the community." After their second Sunday attending College Avenue, they got their answer. "The Holy Spirit said to us that this is the place for you."

Matt continues developing his pastoral skills, occasionally delivering the message on Sunday. Through the years, Matt has enhanced his teaching with overheads and visual aids. Like the time during his message he produced a chain saw and started it up (it was electric) to make a point. "Just because we want to do things our way, we don't come in and cut up the pews because we don't like them; that is not God's way."

"College Avenue spiritually supports me, but it also gives me an opportunity to use my skills to contribute to the whole church. This is what community is all about, each person being supported and being allowed to contribute at the same time."

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