Ministries
LOCAL CHURCH
We believe that it is primarily through the ministry of the local church that believers are nourished, strengthened, and prepared to testify for Christ in the world.
That's why we are committed to our local church, the Esgléisa Evangèlica de Vilassar de Mar (Evangelical Church of Vilassar de Mar). It is located in Núria’s hometown, almost 30 minutes north of Barcelona along the Mediterranean Coast. The church began as a plant in the mid-'90s and has been independent since 2004.
Matt was an elder in the church for nearly 20 years. He stepped down from eldership in 2025 but continues to preach regularly. Núria is active in the Sunday school program and the music ministry.
Theological Education
In the same way that nobody should entrust their physical health to a doctor who is not properly trained, Christians should not entrust the care of their souls to pastors who are not thoroughly prepared. That's why the Facultad Internacional de Teología-IBSTE (Evangelical Seminary of Spain) exists – to help equip the next generation of gifted young people for a lifetime of biblically faithful and Christ-honoring ministry.
Matt began teaching at the seminary in the fall of 2007. At first, he filled in the gaps wherever he was needed, teaching everything from Systematic Theology to Paul's letter to the Romans to Biblical Hebrew. He is now Professor of New Testament and Hermeneutics.
In 2025, Matt began teaching at Tennent Seminary in Woodland Park, Colorado. He regularly travels to teach short residency classes at this innovative school. He's now excited to have the opportunity to invest in future leaders who will serve Christ on both sides of the Atlantic!
Speaking and Writing
Matt has opportunities to speak and teach around Spain. He has published a number of academic and popular works in Spanish. See his Academia and Recursos Leighton pages for some of those resources (mostly in Spanish).
Access Matt's CV here.