Who is the president?

Rev Gregory John Matthei

Rev Greg Matthei came to a personal faith in Jesus Christ, in 1978, forty years ago under the ministry of Pastor Angelo Scheepers. He sensed the call of God to Pastoral Ministry almost immediately and started his theological studies at the then, Cape Town Baptist College, and graduated with a Licentiate in Theology in 1986.

After completing his Theological training, he was privileged to pastor the church that gave rise to his spiritual growth, Springwood Baptist Church. Greg was then called to pioneer a Baptist work in Mitchell's Plain, this church plant became the Beacon Valley Baptist Church which is now a flourishing congregation. Greg and Ursula were then called to pastor the Westend Baptist Church in Port Elizabeth where he served for three years. The Beacon Valley Baptist Church called Greg and Ursula to become their pastoral couple for the second time. After six year of fruitful ministry in the church, Athlone Baptist Church invited Greg and Ursula to become their Pastoral Family. They are currently in their 15th year of ministry at Athlone Baptist Church.

God has blessed Greg and Ursula with a wonderful family that is actively involved in Baptist Ministry. His wife, Ursula was BWD President in 1996/97 and their daughter Yolanda Ford was BWD President in 2016/17. Their son, John, has just completed his diploma in computer science. They are blessed with two wonderful young adult granddaughters. Their son-in-law, Dean Ford, is currently serving as the pastor of Beacon Valley Baptist Church.

Greg also serves as one of the Directors at Cape Town Baptist Seminary and serves as Chairperson of the Hidden Treasure Ministry in Athlone. He was recently elected as the Interim Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Cape Town Baptist Seminary.

He was elected as the Vice-President of the Baptist Union of Southern Africa at the 2018 Assembly and was inducted as President at the 2019 Assembly. He currently serves as the President and Interim National Ministry Leader of the Baptist Union of Southern Africa. 

As the President and Interim National Ministry leader of the Baptist Union of Southern Africa Greg's desire has been to see revival in every local church.

‘Will You revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? (Psalm 85:6)