About Our Church
John 15:4
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”
Matt Watkins, Lead Pastor
I am honored to serve Abide Church as elder and pastor. After working as an attorney for nearly 17 years, God moved me into full-time ministry in 2020, and it has been a whirlwind ever since. After almost five years working with Firm Family Church, the Lord provided the opportunity to launch Abide in Summer of 2024. Chico has been my home since age 1, and I long for God's Kingdom to come and will to be done here in this community. I desire to give the Holy Spirit free reign in my life and our Church, holding nothing back. I love the Word of God, and studying and preaching is one of my greatest joys. My wife Erin and I have been married since 2003 and have four delightful children, Skylar, Henry, Luke and Abigail. I find great pleasure in spending time in Bidwell Park hiking or biking, reading, and watching classic and foreign films (you should check out Babette's Feast, it's one of my favorites).
Jason Cox, Elder
I’ve been married to my incredible wife, Ryann, since 2001, and together we’ve been blessed with four amazing daughters: Regan, Paige, Colby, and Marlo. My family is deeply connected to the community and ministry at Abide and it’s a tremendous joy to serve the Lord alongside them! For nearly two decades, I’ve worked as a web and software developer, running my own small business and solving problems with creativity and precision. When I’m not working or serving, I enjoy diving deep into conversations about Scripture, taking long reflective walks, spending quality time with my family, and occasionally sneaking away for a peaceful fishing trip. Starting in January 2025, Lord willing, I plan to dedicate more of my time to the church, expanding my responsibilities in children's and youth ministry, as well as men’s ministry. I am passionate about helping people (of all ages) grow in their faith and get serious about God. I look forward to what He has in store for our church community!
Jared Schooling, Elder
I’m honored to serve as an elder at Abide Church where you’ll often find me on Sundays leading worship alongside my sons. Married to my amazing wife Ginger, since 2007, we are blessed with two wonderful boys, Luke and Henry. I’m passionate about integrating the gospel into every area of life and love studying and discussing God's word, which has the power to set us free. My heart is devoted to uncovering truth, getting to the root of matters, and helping others do the same in their own lives. Preaching and leading worship are among my greatest joys, and it is a tremendous privilege to serve our community. Professionally, I have worked as a property appraiser since 2013, and I currently manage a team of appraisers. In my free time, I enjoy watching football, birdwatching, spending time outdoors, and playing the guitar.
Our Sermons
Explore uplifting past sermons by our dedicated teachers, who, with wisdom, passion, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, aim to lead our community in spiritual formation. We hope that all are encouraged, challenged, and inspired as our teachers help us know Jesus and make Him known.
