Matt Papa
Minister and Recording Artist
My family moved to the Triangle from Gainesville, Georgia, in 2009 to attend Southeastern Seminary. We first moved to Youngsville to be close to family and school, then moved to Raleigh two years ago to be closer to our church – The Summit Church in Durham – our friends, and the airport, as we travel quite a bit as a band.
As a recording artist and gospel-minister, my goal is to lift high the name of Jesus and impart the good news of the Gospel to the world. My band makes records, books, and other resources, in addition to booking live concerts in hopes of creating an environment where people come face to face with God, are changed by His love, and are then sent on mission to share his love with the world. For more than a decade, I’ve been writing and recording songs that are saturated with God’s Truth. To me, a song is more than just lyrics and melody – it’s a sermon people remember.
My most recent album is Look & Live, which explores the human struggle between idolatry and worship. It is a loud and liberating call to people everywhere to break the chains of boredom, addiction, and idolatry through the beauty and glory of God.
My top tip for success is to read the Bible and pray. I also encourage everyone to find a great church. The Summit is a great one! For fun in the Triangle, my family enjoys Umstead Park, camping and fishing at Falls Lake, the North Carolina Museum of Art, and shows at the Durham Performing Arts Center. We also love the plethora of “pick-your-own” farms in the area, Museum of Life and Science and Defy Gravity – a trampoline sports arena.
