#GodAdventureByTheSea
Plymouth has a population of more than 250,000 people including more than 30,000 students.
Only 1% attend an Anglican church and 2% any other.
Where We Began
The story of St Matts began with a shared vision - between the Bishop of London, Bishop of Exeter and Bishop of Plymouth - to plant a vibrant, Spirit-filled, Jesus-centred resource church in the heart of the city.
In 2015, Olly and Ali Ryder were invited to lead that plant. Olly had been reflecting for several months on a particular verse in the Bible - ‘The name of the Lord is a strong tower the righteous run into it and they are saved.’ (Proverbs 18:10) They were amazed to discover that this is also the motto for Plymouth. As they visited the city they discovered another verse of scripture written at the top of Smeaton's Tower, one of Plymouth’s most iconic landmarks - ‘Unless the Lord builds the house the builders labour in vain’ (Psalm 127:1). They felt God was calling them to lead this new initiative and join with all the other churches in Plymouth and the South West to help everyday people discover and apply these truths to their everyday lives and experience something of the extraordinary grace and goodness of God.
Olly was licensed in June 2016, and St Matts officially launched in September of that year. What followed was a season of passion, perseverance, and people coming to know Jesus - the start of an adventure that has shaped countless lives. We are deeply thankful for all that Olly and Ali sowed into this church, and for their leadership in establishing a place of worship, family, and mission.
What’s Happened Since
St Matts has grown - in people, depth, and purpose. Over the years we’ve seen new ministries, new leaders, and new expressions of church life emerge. In early 2024, Rev Sophie Chatten and her family joined us, with Sophie stepping into the role of Vicar, bringing fresh vision and joyful leadership for this next season.
We also launched our church plant St Simons in 2024, as well as invested in student and youth ministries, expanded our team, and deepened our commitment to worship, community, and mission.
Our Ongoing Vision
We’re here for the evangelisation of the nations, the revitalisation of the church, and the transformation of society. That big-picture vision shapes everything we do.
And we’ve been working it out through four key focuses:
Empowering young people — raising up the next generation to lead, serve, and thrive in faith
Enhancing spaces — creating buildings of blessing, functional environments where people can gather, worship, and encounter God
Enriching community — building meaningful relationships, showing hospitality, and caring for the people around us
Engaging prayer — seeking God together with hunger, expectation, and dependence on His Spirit