Pastor Matthew Krings
Matthew believes in a God who meets people with grace, love, and compassion. A phrase he often shares is, “God loves you, and there is nothing you can do about it.” He believes the church is at its best when people discover the depth of God’s love, grow in their faith, and find ways to share that love with others.
Ordained as an elder in the United Methodist Church, Matthew has served in ministry for more than twenty years, including youth ministry and parish ministry. Throughout his ministry, he has been passionate about helping people of all ages discover their gifts, deepen their relationship with God, and experience the joy of being part of a faith community.
Matthew’s ministry has been shaped by a belief that the church is called to welcome people, build relationships, and serve the needs of its community. He has been involved in leadership within the Northern Illinois Conference, including the Anti-Racism Task Force and the Committee on Religion and Race, and he values opportunities to listen, learn, and work alongside others. He is also deeply influenced by spiritual practices such as Centering Prayer, which help him listen for God’s presence and guidance.
Matthew is excited to serve as pastor of Sterling Wesley United Methodist Church and to be part of a congregation with a rich history of faith, service, and commitment to the Sterling community. He believes worship should be a place where people encounter God, experience meaningful connection, and are encouraged to live out their faith throughout the week. His hope is that Sterling Wesley continues to be a place where people know they are loved, welcomed, and invited to participate in God’s work in the world.
Outside of church, Matthew enjoys biking, swimming, and running. He has completed three Olympic-distance triathlons, a half-marathon, and multiple rides in the Tour de Donut. He also serves in leadership at JOY Camp each summer, where he enjoys helping young people experience the love of Jesus through faith, friendship, and community.