#Inspiring Writing - Farmville Herald Meditations
http://www.farmvilleherald.com/author/Matthew.Shannon/

    The Rev. Matthew Shannon is an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. A native of St. Louis, Missouri and Virginia Beach, Virginia, Rev. Shannon earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Broadcast Journalism from Hampton University in May 2006. He received a Master of Divinity Degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta in May 2009 with a focus on Church Administration. Rev. Shannon earned a Master's Degree from Capella University in 2016, specializing in Nonprofit Management and Leadership.

 

    At the age of four, Rev. Shannon received the call to preach. He accepted his call at the age of 11. In May 1995, he preached his Initial Sermon at St. Peters African Methodist Episcopal Church in St. Louis. He has served faithfully on the ministerial staffs at St. Peter AME Church, St. Louis; Bethel AME Church, Hampton, VA and Flipper Temple AME Church, Atlanta, GA.  Rev. Shannon was ordained Itinerant Deacon in October 2006 by Bishop John R. Bryant. In September 2009, he was Elected and Ordained Itinerant Elder at the Missouri Annual Conference by Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Sr.

 

    While at Hampton University, Rev. Shannon served as an intern for Radio Disney- Norfolk and an on-air personality for Hampton University’s Radio Station- WHOV Radio. He was the narrator for the Hampton University Gospel Choir: HIS CHOSEN SOUNDS from 2005-2006 under the leadership of Dr. Royzell Dillard.  In April 2006, Rev. Shannon was honored to preach the Senior Sermon at Hampton University’s Memorial Church under the leadership of The Rev. Timothy Boddie, former Secretary of the Hampton University Minister’s Conference. Rev. Shannon was also selected by Bishop John R. Bryant to preach the Friday Hour of Power at the Missouri Annual Conference in October 2006.

 

    While attending the ITC and the Turner Theological Seminary, Rev. Shannon served as the Vice-President for the Turner Student Fellowship from 2007-2008. The major project he Co- chaired was the Purple Tie Affair honoring Retired Dean- Daniel Wesley Jacobs. He also served as the ITC Student Christian League Executive Secretary. This entailed Recording, Corresponding, and Press Secretarial duties.  One major event that he covered was the 2009 Trumpet Awards in Atlanta, GA.

 

    From February 2011 to March 2011, he served as the Supply Pastor for Praise & Deliverance AME Church in Wilmington, North Carolina. In May 2011, he transferred from the 5th Episcopal District to the 2nd Episcopal District. In May 2012, at the Virginia Annual Conference, Bishop Richardson appointed Rev. Shannon to Beulah AME Church, Farmville, VA.  While at Beulah, Rev. Shannon has started the Community Service Student Music Program, launched the Transportation Ministry, launched the 100 Friends of Beulah Campaign, and started an annual Golf Tournament.

 

   Rev. Shannon is the author of one book, which was released in November 2013, titled- “The Book of Prayers for the Seasons in Life.” He has written articles for the AME Church Review, the AME Church Christian Recorder, and the Farmville Herald newspaper.

 

   Rev. Shannon is a Nationally Acclaimed preacher on the rise. He has preached throughout the United States, including Missouri, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia; just to name a few. He inspires others through the Preaching, Music, and Media Ministries.

 

   To God be the Glory! With God, All things are possible!    -Matthew 19:26 NIV

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