Meet the Staff: Matthew Bostrom, Director of Next Gen Ministry
Welcome to our “Meet the Staff” column, where we’ll get to know each of Hillside’s staff members a little better, “Q & A” style!
Name:
Matthew Bostrom
What is your job title?
Director of Next Gen Ministry
What are your job responsibilities?
To lead our student ministry and provide strategic vision to ensure that our kids are discipled well throughout all of our ministry programs and age transitions from birth to graduation.
How long have you worked at Hillside?
This is my first year.
Tell us a little bit about your background
I grew up in a small town in central Minnesota. I graduated from Bethel University degrees in Psychology and Ministry and a minor in Biblical and Theological Studies. Currently at Northwestern getting my masters. I have been working in Student ministry for just over a decade.
What are some favorite parts about your job and/or working at Hillside in general?
I love working with students. They are the best! I love walking alongside and helping students through the ups and downs of life while pointing them towards the love, mercy and hope found in following Jesus.
Name a favorite passage of Scripture or book of the Bible, and why you like it.
My favorite passage is John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” I love this passage because that one of the greatest witnesses to the Gospel is how we love others like Jesus.
What are some of your hobbies?
I love spending time with family and friends. I enjoy spending time outside. I love watching and playing sports. I love golfing but still am learning the game. I enjoy playing board or card games or relaxing with a good book or tv show.
What are a few of your favorite things these days?
I love podcasts! Some of the shows that I regularly listening to are: The Holy Post, Theology in the Raw, Rule of Life, and the John Mark Comer Teaching Podcast. Since going back to school, I don’t get a chance to read for fun as much as I used to. Some of my favorite books include: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, The Horse and His Boy by CS Lewis, With by Skye Jethani, and Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive series. I love a wide range of music. Can’t go wrong with country or 80’s rock. My favorite artists are U2, Relient K, and Shakira.
Household/family info
I am an uncle to five nieces and nephews!
What city (or general area of the Twin Cities) do you live in?
Bloomington, MN