Matthew James Gurath was born on June 19, 1975 in Fond du Lac, Wis. to David and Carol Gurath. Throughout all the years of grade school, he was blessed with a Christian education at Luther Memorial School in Fond du Lac. From early on he was guided and directed by many fine Christian role models.
Gerhardt Mueller and Teri Karnitz were the only two teachers he ever had throughout his elementary education. They made a great impact on his life, teaching him the importance of a Christ-centered education. That impact carried him through high school and college when he graduated from Immanuel Lutheran College in Eau Claire in 1997.
All this led him to enter the seminary in the fall of 1997. Throughout his secondary education years he was blessed to have a steady job at Menard’s Distribution Center. The Student Aid Fund was also a very helpful blessing which carried him through the school years.
While in the seminary Matt vicared under Pastors Rollin Reim and Michael Sprengeler out in the San Francisco Bay area in 1998. He also vicared under Pastor John Ude at Grace of Fridley, Minnesota in 1999.
“What a rewarding thing it was,” comments Pastor Gurath, “to receive a Christ-based education through all the years” of his life. He adds: “There were many pastors, teachers, and friends that lent support to enter the ministry.” The Lord led Matt to put all his energy to good use in serving His Church.
At the end of his last year at the seminary, Matt was assigned and accepted the divine call to serve as pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Coloma, Michigan.
The ordination and installation service took place on June 4, 2000. Pastor Todd Ohlmann conducted the service, and many area pastors and laymembers were present at the installation.
Pastor Gurath is engaged to be married to Priscilla Walters in the summer of 2001 at Berea Lutheran Church in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.
May the Lord bless His servant and the congregation He has appointed him to serve.