affiliations
Current
Board Member, The One America Movement
Founding Board member. Board chair (2021—__) The One America Movement’s mission is to build bridges and solve problems. We bring Americans together across racial, religious, political and geographic divides to address pressing social problems—poverty, opioids, racial tension and more. Our work is guided by faith and science. We work with experts in neuroscience, social science and conflict-resolution to design our work. And we promote the core values of our faith traditions: to treat others as we wish to be treated, and to advance a vision for a stronger and more united country.
Graduate study in theology
Matt studies theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (Wake Forest, NC). His primary research interests include the political witness of local churches, multi-faith engagement by theological conservatives, and bringing together the spheres of theologians and public policy makers. His 17 years of practical experience with the ERLC inspired this scholarly pursuit.
Co-host & Senior Producer, Crossing Faiths Podcast
Two friends, Matt Hawkins (an Evangelical Christian) and John Pinna (a Muslim) talk religion and politics. The podcast features commentary on news, politics, multifaith experiences, and expert guests. The conversations build on a decade of their collaboration, advocating in Washington, D.C. for domestic and international religious freedom. The two developed the podcast with a desire to share conversations that model friendship and collaboration despite deep differences in religion and background. Listen & subscribe via iTunes, Overcast, iHeartRadio, Spotify, or TuneIn.
Former
International Religious Freedom Roundtable
The multi-faith International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable in Washington, D.C., is a proven platform for bringing people together—despite deep political and theological differences—and building mutual understanding, respect, trust and reliance among groups and citizens. In fact, it is a model of good citizenship and governance that will contribute to the long- term security and economic interests of all countries and regions. Matt previously participated in the Roundtable as co-chair of the Congressional Working Group and, later, on the Steering Committee. He now collaborates as needed.
Adjunct faculty, Philosophy
Adjunct instructor at Columbia State Community College’s Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. Courses: Intro to World Religions, Intro to Philosophy, Intro to Ethics
Associate Fellow, ERLC Research Institute
The Research Institute, an initiative of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, engages the academy and equips the church. Assembled from among the most gifted Southern Baptist thinkers across a wide array of disciplines and institutions — law, theology, business, economics, medicine, ethics, foreign policy, and public policy — the Research Institute exists to produce public theology commentary on the complex moral questions of the day.
Board Member, Sanctity of Life Ministries
Sanctity of Life Ministries (SLM) exists to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and affirm life in the womb. We fulfill our mission by offering compassionate support, education and medical services to those who face challenging sexual health decisions. Our driving motivation is to present “Life in Christ…Life in the Womb” to the many women who come through our doors. SLM consists of the Nova Pregnancy Help Centers of Alexandria and Fairfax, which are equipped with the latest ultrasound technology and provide excellent medical care with a compassionate heart.