Rev. Matthew and Kali Wood serve on behalf of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) in Indonesia, based in Medan. Matthew works closely with the Indonesian Christian Lutheran Church (GKLI). He helps train pastors and lay leaders by providing resources through educational workshops, translation projects and other efforts in cooperation with the GKLI.
Matthew’s hometown is Mound, Minn., and he grew up attending Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wayzata, Minn. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in theology from Concordia University, St. Paul, St. Paul, Minn., in 2006. He received his Master of Divinity in 2011 and a Master’s in Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) in 2015 from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Matthew was ordained in 2011 and served as pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Maplewood, Mo. He also worked in campus ministry at Washington University in St. Louis on behalf of Village Lutheran Church in St. Louis. Matthew’s hobbies include picnicking with his family in city parks, reading fiction, long-distance running, chess and bookbinding.
Kali’s hometown is Milwaukee, Wis., where she attended Covenant Lutheran Church growing up. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree and received specialized certification from Concordia University, St. Paul, St. Paul, Minn., in 2008. Her hobbies include baking, cooking and reading. Matthew and Kali enjoy spending time with their four beautiful children, Laurel, Eleanor, Caroline and Kermit.
