Matthew Cork

Matthew Cork obtained a BA from Azusa Pacific University in communications studies in 1991. He also earned a master’s in pastoral studies with an emphasis in church development.

Matthew is the lead pastor of Friends Church in Yorba Linda, California, and has been on staff there for 23 years. Since becoming lead pastor in 2003, he has been a key part in transitioning a church in crisis to a church of transformation. Friends Church has three campuses in North Orange County and is doing extensive ministry around the corner and around the world.

In 2007, on a trip to India, Matthew saw first-hand the plight of 300 million Dalit people and the impact education can have on improving their lives. God moved in Matthew’s heart and shaped the vision for him personally and for Friends Church as they have embarked on “becoming the catalyst church to free the Dalits in our generation.” Since then, they have built 40 educational centers throughout India, serving over 5,000 students. They also produced a full-length motion picture (released in 2013 by Lionsgate) called “Not Today,” and Matthew released his first book with Moody Publishers, Why Not Today. His second book with Moody, Broken for Good, was recently released.

Matthew lives in Yorba Linda with his wife, Mardi, and their three children, Nolan, Sophie, and Ella.