What does your job involve?
I’m responsible for security, housekeeping, grounds, parking and I work with special events.
Where were you born and raised?
Atlanta, Georgia.
How large is the family you grew up in?
I’m the youngest of three boys. My twin brother is seven minutes older than me.
When and how did you come to know Christ?
I grew up in a church, but didn’t come to know the Lord until I was 14. I had already joined the church at age 9, but was also really under the conviction that I needed to go forward and ask Christ into my life. But back then, at least at the church I went to, they didn’t lead you through the Sinner’s Prayer. They sat me down on the front row and one of the deacons asked me if I wanted to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, follow Him in believer’s baptism and join the church. I said OK, so they had me fill out a card and that was it. No one prayed with me. It was not until five years later that the Holy Spirit was really tugging at my heart. I knew that I had not made the decision to accept Christ and do what I was supposed to do. I was a leader in the youth group at that time. The pastor was surprised when I told him that I did not know Christ.
What was the first job you ever had?
When we were in high school, my brother and I mowed yards.
When and to whom did you get married?
I married Tamela (Tammie) Elaine Dutt in 1988. We met here at First Orlando. We were both in the Singles Department. She was working as the Recreation Director, as she is today, and asked me to coach a softball team.
How many children do you have?
Two, a daughter and a son.
Have you ever done any long- or short-term missionary work?
Shortly after joining First Orlando in 1981, I got involved in summer mission trips. I went to Vineland, New Jersey; Pennsylvania; and Calgary, Canada, where I helped do construction work on the first Southern Baptist seminary. It was the summer of 1987 and just a few months before the Winter Olympic Games in 1988, so we got to see some of the venues, which was really neat.
Do any moments stand out from your missionary trips?
The first time I went on a trip, it was to help prepare the meals for the team. As it turned out, I was the only cook. I was cooking for 12 to 20 people three times a day. That almost killed me. But the other things I remember about the trips is the way they always drew me closer to Christ. I guess that’s because you’re always depending on Him to help you do what you’re there to minister for. I also had the privilege of discipling some people in New Jersey and leading a woman to Christ who probably only had about another four or five years to live. Those were great memories.
Where else have you served before coming to First Orlando and after?
I had served in youth councils and in leadership roles. Before I moved here, I was ordained as a deacon at age 23 or 24. I had also served on a search committee. When I arrived here, I served as a yolkfellow and then as a deacon. I also served as a LIFE Group leader, was involved in Evangelism Explosion, had led discipleship groups and was active in the choir.
What was the turning point of your life?
Coming to First Orlando and getting really involved was a big turning point for me. We take for granted the things we learn here. In other words, how to be a good husband or a good father, things like that, are not always taught at other churches. But they are here and I grew quite a bit as a person and a Christian just by coming here.
What do you like best about your job?
God has given me the gift of service along with some administrative abilities and I enjoy being able to use them here. I love knowing that what I do and what our team does frees up the pastoral staff to do what they’re good at. I can’t do what they do, I’m not gifted that way, but I can do the things God has enabled me to do and I can do it to the best of my ability.
What is your most memorable ministry moment?
Maybe not one moment, but I really have fond memories of the discipleship groups that I’ve led. I loved leading young, single men. Any time you disciple others, God is always working on your heart so that you can be prepared to share with them. It was a tremendous time of growth for me and very special.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Romans 8:37-39: “Now, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” What this tells me is that no matter what I do, nothing can separate me from God.
What do you like to do with your free time?
Other than spending time with my family, which I really enjoy, I enjoy riding motorcycles.
If you weren’t working in ministry, what else would you be doing?
I would be working somewhere in a service-related position.
Is there something about you that people would be surprised to learn?
Some people are surprised at my sense of humor. With all the serious stuff we do, if I ever pull someone’s chain once in a while, they’re totally shocked.
Stewart Mathews: Director of Operations