Meet the Pastor

Reverend Matthew D. Randolph

The Reverend Matthew D. Randolph

My name is Matt Randolph, and I am sincerely blessed to serve this great family of faith.  My call to Donegal is a bit unique within the Presbyterian Church, in that I was once a member here.  After college, I found myself drawn here.  Yes, the 300-year-old church and its history are fascinating, and the grounds are a refuge of beauty, but what really drew me here was the people.  Donegal was the first place that I truly felt at home in a church.

Welcome to Donegal Presbyterian Church

I believe that is what a church should be… a home… a family.  A home is where you are loved, where you are nurtured, and where you are enabled to grow.  A church is a place where you learn about God’s gracious love through Jesus Christ and are inspired to live your life in gracious gratitude.  A church… a home… a family is where you belong. Whether you have grown up in the church or are brand new, I have found Donegal to be that family.  We are a church that teaches and shares God’s gracious love above all else and looks to share that love with our communities.  We spend time learning together and then are active in various missional programs. If you would like to learn more about Donegal Presbyterian, I would love to talk with you!  Please feel free to contact me.  If you would like to join us some Sunday for worship, we would love to meet you!

A Little Bit About Me

My family moved to Lancaster County when I was about 8 years old, and I grew up not far from Donegal.  So, I am a bit of a local boy.  I graduated from Penn State in 2001, and I worked as an Engineer for about seven years.

Then a sense of call that began when I was 14 years old became too strong.  My wife and I moved to Richmond, Virginia, so that I could attend Union Presbyterian Seminary (formerly called Union Theological Seminary of Virginia).  I graduated in 2011 with a Master of Divinity and took my first call with a wonderful congregation in North Carolina.  Then in 2016, I received the call to come home… and so here I am!

On the “churchy” side of things, I am simply a Reformed Protestant, who has been influenced by the Liturgical Renewal Movement.  I love reading works from the Reformers coupled with works from both St. Augustine and St. Bernard of Clairvaux.  I also have been blessed to serve as Pilgrimage Host with the Knights Templar Holy Land Pilgrimage, an organization that takes ministers (who have never been and would not normally otherwise have the opportunity to go) to the holy sites of Israel and Palestine.

Outside of the church, my heart is with my family.  Whether I am spending time with them in Scouting, getting beat in Mario Kart 8, or watching a movie together… that is where I find myself the happiest. 

I also love being outdoors and on a trail.  Hiking and/or backpacking bring a reset to my soul.