The Rev. Matthew Ian Fleming

Denomination: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
Organization: Church Anew - A Ministry of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Eden Prairie, MN

Matthew is a recovering evangelical who opens up his Bible bruises with curiosity, wonder, and a dash of irreverence. Matthew’s first book (Broadleaf Books, 2024), The End is the Beginning: Revelation, Hope, and Love that Lit the Stars, wrestles with the scariest and most misunderstood book of the Bible (Revelation) through humor, story, and invitation. He is a frequent contributing writer to Faith+Lead and Church Anew and a sought after preacher.

Matthew launched and leads Church Anew, an international platform that hosts events and creates resources that express a fresh witness in the world. With four colleagues, Matthew founded Alter Guild, a podcast network with more than half a million downloads that features four shows including Cafeteria Christian and New Time Religion. Matthew is ordained in the ELCA and serves as teaching pastor to St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Matthew created original worship offerings, sermon series, and child-centered worship experiences over his decade of leadership at St. Andrew. He has shared insights at conferences across the country including Church Anew, Ignite the Church, and Luther Seminary. Constantly in demand for content creation, Matthew has developed video, podcast, spiritual practices, and retreat content for 1517 Media, The Collegeville Institute, St. Olaf College, the Episcopal Church in Minnesota, Faith+Lead, various local congregations and regional church networks.

At home, Matthew sings unrequested car-duets with his spouse, jams on banjo with their two daughters, and religiously bakes sourdough bread.