Pastor Matthew Hatzung was born in Maplewood, Minnesota, a Twin Cities suburb, on August 21, 1994. He is the son of Michael and Deborah Hatzung, and has two older brothers, Jim and Dan, who is married to Gina and has four daughters. Pastor Hatzung’s schooling included Christ Lutheran School in North Saint Paul, Minnesota, Saint Croix Lutheran High School in West Saint Paul, Martin Luther College in New Ulm, and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wisconsin.
During his time at Saint Croix, Pastor gained a new appreciation for the freedom and confidence that the gospel truth of “by grace alone through faith” brings, and realized he wanted to be a pastor to work full time sharing this amazing truth with God’s people. At Martin Luther College, Pastor met his now-wife, Shannon. They reconnected and started dating in 2021 after they both received assignments to Michigan and were married on June 16, 2023.
Pastor Hatzung got his first real experience in the west when he served as a vicar (pastoral intern) at Prince of Peace in Salt Lake City. He and Shannon both enjoy travel and hiking, and are excited for the amazing opportunities to explore God’s creation that Idaho provides. Pastor also appreciates watching sports, making his own craft beers, and listening to and making music. He plays trumpet, acoustic and electric guitar, banjo, and other instruments. He looks forward to getting to know the area, serving the people of Cross of Christ, and working with them to share the gospel in the Treasure Valley and beyond.