meet our staff, and let us know
how we can help!
Rev. Matthew Hogue-Smith, Senior Minister
The Rev. Matthew Hogue-Smith (He/Him/His) is an ordained minister and faith-based organizer within the United Church of Christ. He was ordained by The Living Water Association, Northeast Ohio of the Heartland Conference. He has previously served at First Congressional Church of North Ridgeville, OH and First Church of Christ, Congregational Glastonbury, CT.
Matthew is known as an incredibly powerful and prophetic preacher, leaving people with thought-provoking sermons by relating scripture to the vulnerable human story. Matthew's passion is connecting with people wherever they are and sitting with them in that space, lending them his support and love. As an openly queer minister, he is cognizant of the need for ministry to be justice and equity oriented and understands that the work of the church extends beyond the walls of the sanctuary.
Recent Publications, Public Testimony, and Witness:
https://www.ctpost.com/opinion/article/Opinion-Vulnerable-migrants-coming-to-this-17454263.php
Tom Travis, Music Leader
Tom (he/him) is a native of Flint, with a degree in music from UM Flint. After completing a graduate degree in theology, Tom worked in various churches in Michigan and Ohio, plus Kansas City, Quebec and Nova Scotia.
Tom’s musical interests range from Bruno Mars to Rachmaninoff, choral music to Appalachian folk. (He has non-music interests, too). Tom has three hilarious kids (Joel, Madeline and Christian) who live too far away but he loves them to pieces. You may find Tom to be quiet but he is secretly an extrovert and the best way to discover this is to try new food with him!
Lazarre Johnson, Custodian
Lazarre (he/him) is a valuable cog in our church wheel. He takes care of our of building needs, but also is host for many of our community groups. Lazarre has a degree in production management from Mott College. He enjoys jazz and classical music, and cooking all kinds of food.
Jerry Gildner, Staff Member
Jerry (he/him) is an essential part Peoples Church of Flint’s office staff. When he isn't helping out around the office, we understand he plays a mean late-night guitar.
Samantha Lindley, Worship Production Coordinator
Samantha (she/her), is the team's slightly eccentric production coordinator. You'll see her every Sunday behind the control deck making sure service goes smoothly. She's a Flint native, attending Mott Community College for a degree in Applied Sciences: Music Technology. She loves to make music in her spare time.
Email: samanthaiswork@gmail.com
Karla Holiday, Administrative Assistant
Karla (she/her) is our Administrative Assistant. A true Flintstone, Karla has been a resident of the Fly City the majority of her life and is a graduate of Flint Central and Mott Community College. She holds several degrees including a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership & Business Communications and a master’s degree in Project Management. A people-person to her core, Karla enjoys doing what she can to be a blessing in the lives of others.
