Our Founder

Over 24 years of ministry serving as a deacon, youth pastor, and senior pastor, Matt Parker has carried a vision of building disciples. It has been his passion to bring time-tested, easily duplicatable bible training to every believer as we train up the next generation of servant leaders.

After serving as pastor of Martin's Mill Baptist Church for ten years, he and the elders led the congregation to dissolve and unify with a nearby sister church, The Bridge Fellowship, where he serves and worships with his wife and children.

The Crucible’s Fire is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to developing and providing materials, training, and encouragement to the Body of Christ. If you would like more information on how The Crucible's Fire can help you and your church train up the next generation of church leaders, please contact us. We would love to help!

Matt currently serves as a Software Engineer but has also served as an educator with his wife Tammy. They have four biological children, three adopted children, one grandchild, and several grand-dogs. They believe the most effective way to build disciples is to open your heart and your home for those who need it most. 

Since "retiring" from active pastoral ministry, Matt has found time to write and develop publications and materials to encourage and train new and seasoned believers alike. His first book is titled The Crucible's Fire: A Story of God’s Faithfulness and chronicles the ups, downs, twists, and turns of raising a child with special needs. Brynna, their youngest daughter, was born with significant challenges and hardships. The book tells the story of God's faithfulness through her first decade of life as He used her weaknesses to show His strength to the entire family and beyond. Visit our book page for links to purchase your copy in our online store, on Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.

In 2019, with the help of members of his home group, Matt developed and published the 3x5 Bible Study Guide to assist new and seasoned believers in digging deeper into God’s Word. This became the foundation for the How to Study the Bible Workshop and Online Course.

This training was incorporated in 2018 into The Crucible, a 3-day Kingdom Leadership Training offered for church leaders and layperson alike.

Matt also authors our blog, The Crucible’s Fire where he shares encouraging stories of being a foster/adoptive and special needs parent and Biblical teaching to help you in your walk as a disciple of Jesus. Subscribe now!

Tim Gandy

Founder, Tim Gandy Ministries and Vice President of The Crucible’s Fire

Tim and Matt have known each other and ministered together in various capacities for over 25 years. Tim is a faithful soldier in the Kingdom and a tireless encourager of the saints. He has led countless missionary trips to Mexico, Nicaragua, and Europe. Tim is married to Margie and they have 7 children and X grandchildren. Tim’s servant heart and selfless demeanor have served him well as he serves the King.

Tim has a God-given knack for seeing the Kingdom in everyday events and situations. His unique perspective has allowed him to mentor and disciples countless souls in his lifetime.