Montana Conference has a new vice president for administration and finance. Matthew Kirk has accepted the invitation of the conference board of directors and will bring a wide range of ministry and business experience to the role in February.
Kirk comes to the Montana Conference from Turlock, Calif., where he has been the pastor since 2015. He served as an associate pastor at the Bakersfield and Kern River churches in central California from 2012to 2015.
With a Master of Divinity from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich., and a degree in business management from Western Governors University, Kirk has also completed three units of clinical pastoral education and training through Adventist Health in Bakersfield, Calif. He has begun studies at Andrews University for a doctor of ministry degree with an emphasis in leadership.
Prior to his pastoral training and experience, Kirk served as business manager and teacher for SOULS-West College, an affiliated ministry of the Pacific Union Conference. He also provided business consulting services and spent three years as a communication specialist for the Yavapai County sheriff’s office in Prescott, Ariz.
Kirk’s wife, Mari, is a registered nurse. Together they have two children, Molly and Makson.
“We welcome the Kirk family with great joy,” says Elden Ramirez, Montana Conference president. "I thank God for guiding us throughout the search process. I strongly believe that Matthew’s experience, outside and inside of denominational work, will be a blessing to our conference. We are praying for this beautiful family as they begin their transition to Montana.”
The conference has been grateful for help from Elaine Hagele, who has ably filled this role on an interim basis, following the retirement of Sharon Staddon at the most recent conference constituency session.
Matthew, Mari, Molly and Makson Kirk will soon join the Montana Conference team, as Matthew takes up his new role as vice president for administration and finance.
