Waypoint’s long search for new pastor has happy ending

By Chris Swords Betts

Waypoint Church received its new pastor, the Rev. Matthew Aviles of Missouri, with a warm welcome this summer.

With his tattoo-adorned arms, including the name “Jesus” prominently displayed on his right forearm, Aviles may not be your typical vision of a Baptist minister. But this Harley-riding pastor has definitely won over the hearts of his congregation, who accepted his leadership in a unanimous vote.

“We love him,” said church member Theresa Henderson. “He jumped in, and he’s part of the family.”

For Aviles, it feels like he has been in Maricopa forever.

“The church has just embraced our family,” he said.

Waypoint’s search for a new pastor was a year-long process. Aviles’ journey in that process began with several phone and Skype interviews and culminated in a visit to the church in April.

Aviles had submitted his resume to another church in California, as well as one in Tucson. However, it wasn’t long before he knew where he needed to be.

“When I first started talking to Waypoint, it was just home,” Aviles said. “I felt like I was talking to people I knew my whole life.”

Aviles said his goals for Waypoint include helping the congregation become spiritually mature and growing discipleship. He would also like to see Waypoint do some international missionary trips.

“What I love most about him is his enthusiasm,” said member Laura Ruiz. “Not just to preach, but the outreach to the community. It’s just lit a fire for everyone.”

The church meets in Maricopa Elementary School and is looking to obtain its own building. Leadership has begun viewing existing buildings, and building a new structure is also in consideration. Aviles said they will do “whatever God has planned.”

While Aviles spent a lot of time at church in his youth, it wasn’t until he was in college that faith became a part of who he was.

“I grew up in church,” Aviles said, “but I didn’t have a relationship with Christ until my early 20s. I didn’t take ownership of my faith until then.”

After he’d made some mistakes in college, Aviles said an old friend called him out of the blue and led him to the Lord.

Upon graduating with a degree in elementary education, Aviles started teaching school, but he felt something was missing. After many conversations with his pastor, Aviles began working as a youth pastor, and has continued off and on for the past 20 years.

Before leaving Missouri, Aviles felt his focus turning from the youth to the parents. He said his calling had shifted to lead and work with adults, teaching them the word of God and getting them involved in missions.

He said his life has developed through his love of learning and through being consumed by Christ.

Aviles earned his master’s degree in biblical studies in 2006, while teaching school and growing his family. He is currently pursing another master’s degree in divinity.

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This story appears in the October issue of InMaricopa.