"A Pastor Who Cares" is the most accurate description of Pastor Antonio M. Matthews who is not only a servant but a Kingdom Giant with the heart of Christ the King. Pastor Matthews is passionate about the people he serves, his preaching, and his purpose. Pastor T.(affectionally called by the Laborers of Tabernacle of Praise) is anointed for the task of leading God’s people into their higher dimensions of purpose.
Pastor Matthews was officially installed as the leader and Pastor of Tabernacle of Praise (T.O.P.) on September 19, 2010. In his short tenure as Pastor, Tabernacle of Praise has experienced significant increase in its’ membership, ministry development, community outreach, organizational structure, and activism for the disinherited. Under his leadership, the T.O.P. also experienced a successful transition from their first building (which housed the ministry for 20 years) into their new worship facility on New Year’s Eve 2013.
Pastor Matthews’ passion for people has been widely recognized not only in the Kingdom but in public service. He has received many accolades that includes the Community Servant awarded by the Charles County Democratic Central Committee, The Ministerial Excellence awarded by the Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office and several certificates and plaques of appreciation by the Charles County Board of Commissioners, Charles County Representative of Delegates and the Charles County Branch of the NAACP.
In addition to his public service, Pastor Matthews has ministered extensively across the globe in over 22 countries and has performed other ministerial duties throughout every major city in the United States. Pastor Matthews has been afforded the opportunity to be featured in several Christian Magazines and on several television platforms including Impact Network and The Word Network (the largest African-American Christian Network in the world).
Pastor Matthews credits much of his innovative ideas, his out of the box approach to ministry, and his passion for outreach to his exposure to global ministry. He often says, "Exposure expands your mind and gives it the elasticity it needs to engage in unparalleled thought.”
Pastor Matthews’ formal ministerial training and education is extensive, however, he credits much of his knowledge, wisdom and ministerial success to his mentors and fathers in the faith whom have poured into him throughout his lifetime. His mentors have not just deposited ministerial counsel but life-changing wisdom for everyday life.
Pastor Matthews has a distinctive way to motivate, engage, challenge and push all of God’s people into their purpose. All those who come in contact with Pastor Matthews leaves his presence with a sense of liberation to live life without guilt and regret. He is anointed. He is God sent. He was chosen specifically to reach the unreachable and the unchurched. Pastor Matthews is a Leader, a Shepherd, but most importantly a “Pastor Who Cares”!