Plant Assistant Minister

Matthew Timmins

I was born in Blackpool and most of my family is from Manchester so living in Salford for the past 5 years has felt more like home than anywhere else ever has.  I think a large part of that though has also been because of the wonderful church family I have here at The Plant who are so lovely and such a great example of when Jesus said people would know who his followers are because of their love for one another.  That's why I'm so glad to still be working at The Plant for another year as an Assistant Minister despite finishing as a Ministry Trainee last year – it's such a great place to learn about Jesus and get to know Him better whilst serving his people in the process. 

Most people when they first meet me are surprised to find out that I am a true northerner (having been born in the North West and lived here for the majority of my life) as I sound very Southern.  My parents work as publicans and so I have lived in a variety of locations through the years (including a 4 year stint in Berkshire) never really gaining a distinctive accent of my own – but picking others up very quickly.  It was hard moving around so much (and indeed feeling so nomadic accent wise) but I had Optimus Prime for company and ultimately it was for my good as my family eventually moved to a pub in Merseyside where I heard the news that Jesus Christ died on a cross for my sins and that because of this (and this only) I could actually know Him personally.  It wasn't until I came to study English Literature in Salford that I really began to take Him seriously though – seeing (especially on my course) that this world is so empty but Jesus had something to offer - life: "Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life..." (John chapter 6 verse 68).  This convinced me that I wanted to spend my life telling other people about Jesus and helping those who already knew Him to live for Him.

E-mail: matthew.timmins@theplant.net