Meet the Officer – Captain Matthew Sutcliffe

1. What is your current appointment, and what do you find most satisfying about it? 

Together with my wife, Jodie, we are the Corps Officers of Gungahlin Salvos in the north of Canberra. We are very excited to be back in Canberra and more excited to see God at work here in the nation’s capital. Gungahlin is a fast-growing community. In the early 1990s, about 100 people lived out this way, and now close to 100,000 people call Gungahlin home. For over half of the community, English is a second language, and it is a community where the average age is just 31. 

One of the most satisfying things about being here is connecting with the community and building community partnerships. And as that happens, we have seen people connect and reconnect with the corps and their faith. As a whole, Canberra is becoming less Christian; however, people want a place to belong and feel at home, and it is exciting to see more and more people call Gungahlin Corps home. 

2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? 

We have four kids, so life is pretty busy. However, in the last few years, we have been able to go on two cruises as a family. At first, I was a little worried about the whole idea of being stuck on a boat, but it didn’t take long for me to be hooked. I enjoy embarrassing my kids and often have been found dressed up in costume for school pick-up.

I am also a very keen supporter of the greatest NRL team to ever exist, the mighty Brisbane Broncos! So, during the winter months, I am kept busy offering my support and advice to this great team. One thing I love about this team is that it is not always about winning for them; they sometimes go out of their way to ensure football is the winner by allowing other less great teams to win. 

3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it? 

Recently, the kids introduced me to ‘Give Me Jesus’ by Upperroom. I like the simple message in the words: Give me Jesus, You can have all this world, Give me Jesus.

4. If you could have a good talk with a biblical character apart from Jesus, who would it be and what would you talk about?  

Jonah. I would like to talk about what it was like in the belly of the whale. What did he do while he was there? How long did the smell last for afterwards? Do whales scare him now? Does he like fish in general?

5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say?  

Of course! Yes, but only if God is calling. Officership isn’t easy, it is counter-cultural in many ways – but it is also very rewarding. Officership isn’t for everyone, but I believe God is still calling people to full-time commissioned officership. So, I encourage people to seek after God and his calling on your life. If he is calling, don’t say no.