Pastor Matthew Cox was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He grew up in a Christian home and attended Lighthouse Baptist Church in Welcome, North Carolina, where his parents still faithfully attend today. While attending Pensacola Christian College, God did three significant works in Matthew’s life. During his sophomore year, at the age of 19, the Lord worked in his heart in a marvelous way and revealed his need for salvation. Not long after, God clearly called him to preach His Word. It was also during his time at PCC that Matthew met his wife, Karis. They have now been married for over 20 years.

At Pensacola Christian College, Matthew earned a Bachelor’s degree in Missions and a Master’s degree in Bible Exposition. He is currently continuing his studies in the Masters of Divinity (MDiv) degree at PCC.

Karis is the daughter of Pastor Gary Evans, who founded Scenic Hills Baptist Church in 1980. She was saved at the age of 13 during a revival meeting when evangelist Jerry Lewis preached a sermon on “Brokenness.” Karis earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in music ministries from Pensacola Christian College and serves the Lord faithfully in many areas of ministry at Scenic Hills Baptist Church.

While attending Pensacola Christian College, Pastor Matthew served for three years as an intern at Gulf Coast Baptist Church. During this time, he gained valuable hands-on ministry experience, serving as a Sunday school teacher, preacher, and in soul-winning and children’s ministries. He also learned the practical aspects of church life, including the day-to-day responsibilities of ministry and how a local church functions. These years proved to be invaluable in shaping and preparing him for pastoral ministry.

After completing their studies at PCC, Matthew and Karis moved to Tennessee, where Matthew served as youth pastor for nearly four years at Faith Baptist Church in Estill Springs, Tennessee, under the leadership of Pastor Randy Jackson.

On January 1, 2010, they moved to Austin, Texas, to serve at Scenic Hills Baptist Church. Pastor Matthew has now served as the pastor of SHBC for 16 years.

Pastor Matthew has a strong desire to preach through the books of the Bible verse by verse and to see the city of Austin evangelized. His heart is also burdened for planting more churches throughout the Central Texas area for the glory of God. Matthew and Karis are blessed with six children who faithfully serve alongside them at Scenic Hills Baptist Church in music and media ministries. They would love the opportunity to meet you and your family and hear your story. We invite you to come and worship with us at Scenic Hills Baptist Church this Sunday.