Name: Matt Wallis      
 
But please call me: Pastor Matt
 
Position: Associate Pastor
 
How I became a Christian: I grew up in the Church of the Nazarene. When I was 12 years old, I accepted Christ and was baptized at summer camp in Lake Placid at the old 4H campground.
 
How I ended up at FUMC Brandon: The Bishop of the Florida Conference assigned (appointed) me here.
 
The most important thing I do around here is: I am charge of our Missions ministry here at FUMC.
 
Education: Graduated from Bayshore High School in Bradenton, FL in 1988; Manatee Area Votech Center, Certified Corrections Officer Course, 1989-90; Florida State University, Bachelor of Science in General Communications with a minor in Religion, 1998; Asbury Theological Seminary-Florida Campus, Master of Divinity, 2004.
 
Family facts: Married to Billie for 19 years. We have four children: Joshua, 18, is a freshman at USF; Aaron, 15, is a freshman at Bloomingdale HS; Caleb, 13, is in 7th grade at Mulrennan Middle School; Katie, 11, is in the 5th grade at Valrico Elementary.
 
How I spend my free time: With my family, reading, working on Billie’s van to keep it running and in nice shape, watching the Bucs or Cubs games or watching movies.
 
Where I’ve lived besides Brandon: Sterling, IL; Bradenton, FL; Bristol, FL; Paisley, FL; Eustis, FL; and Perry, FL.
 
Something else that’s interesting about me: I am related to former Supreme Court Justice, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and former President, Rutherford B. Hayes.