The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG – The Pulpit Committee at Waitsburg Christian has announced that the church has extended an offer to Waitsburg native Matthew Wyatt to be its next pastor, and he has accepted. The offer is contingent upon approval by the full congregation.

Wyatt, along with his wife, Krystal, and daughter, Mikaila, will be in Waitsburg this weekend, and will present the message to the church during Sunday's 11 a.m. service. Fellowship time will follow.

Wyatt is a 1998 graduate of Waitsburg High School. He spoke at the church in March of last year and spoke of his recovery from addiction to pain medications and his path to becoming a pastor.

For the past six years, Wyatt has been associate and youth pastor at The Ridge Church, in Lincoln, Calif. During his time in Lincoln, he grew the youth group from two to more than 130 young people, and opened the first Christian youth center in the community.

He also provided marriage and addiction counseling, and supports seniors with life changes, end of life decisions, and families in bereavement.

Wyatt's wife Krystal, grew up in Walla Walla. She currently works as a medical patient coordinator. Daughter Mikaila is a high school sophomore this year, and is an avid volleyball and basketball player.

"I lived in Waitsburg for 19 years and love this town with everything in me," Wyatt said. "To have this opportunity is deeply moving to me.

According to Pulpit Committee member Robbie Johnson, the church congregation will be asked to approve Wyatt's appointment in a ballot to be sent out next week.

Johnson hopes Wyatt can start in the new position in October.