Rev. Clifford Matthews, Jr., Pastor of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a native of West Palm Beach, Florida.  He is married to the former Raschelle Johnson, and to this union God has blessed them with one daughter Kawuana Iman and two boys, Samuel David and Joseph Michael.   

Rev. Matthews received his Master of Divinity Degree in 1992 from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, with a concentration in Pastoral Ministry. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religious Studies in 1989 from Palm Beach Atlantic College in West Palm Beach, Florida. 

Rev. Matthews is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry Program at the Gardner Webb University Divinity School in Boiling Springs, North Carolina.

Rev. Matthews is being used by God to proclaim the gospel, and his devotion to the ministry is revealed by his service.  He has served as Minister of Discipleship and Christian Development at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. He served as the under-shepherd of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Clarksville, Tennessee and Central Baptist Church in Kingsport, Tennessee.  He also served as Associate Minister at Pleasantview Baptist Church, in Louisville, Kentucky.  He interned and ministered at First Baptist Church in Lake Park, Florida. 

Under Rev. Matthews' leadership, St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church is becoming a visionary ministry that strives to meet the total needs of individuals and the community. Rev. Matthews is led of God, a good steward, and full of the Holy Spirit.  He is dedicated to God's work and he exemplifies the character of Christ in his everyday living and service.  Many look upon him with admiration and respect.