Matt Overstreet: Tarnished Youth Minister
Guys like this are always labeled "former" youth ministers by the press. Of course, they are former -NOW. But, they were quite active in their ministerial duties at the time they committed their crimes. The following "former" youth minister is no exception:
Matthew Jonas Overstreet has been accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl. Overstreet allegedly began contacting the girl after she left St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Plano, Texas, where Overstreet worked as a youth group intern. Overstreet sent her explicit text messages over a period of years -beginning when she was only 12 or 13 years old. He sent her "sexual remarks" on Facebook. Then finally, his alleged deviant behavior escalated. The girl told police that Overstreet came to her house in the middle of the night (3:00AM) and sexually assaulted her on December 19.
Overstreet worked at several North Texas churches as a youth minister for the United Methodist Church. Most recently. Overstreet worked as Youth Director at Spring Valley United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas. But, after praying with the pastor about the accusations against him, Overstreet was quickly given the boot. Overstreet also had his candidacy terminated at Southern Methodist University's Perkins School of Theology. It seems they don't want to ordain pastors that might rape their youth – a good policy more churches should adapt. Police are asking other victims (if any) to come forward, as Overstreet worked with teenagers at three different churches (Garland, Plano, Dallas). Overstreet was the Youth Ministry Director at Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Garland, Texas, according to a 2007 web page cache.
Jim Overstreet, Matt's father, claims his family was "shocked" at the allegations. He said that everyone who needed to know about the case had already been informed. (Shhhh!) Matt's father told the Dallas Morning News, "I don't want his name tarnished." That's an issue Mr. Overstreet should probably take up with his son. Churches can certainly have their private matters, but if someone in that congregation might be a danger to others –everyone needs to know.
From his ZoomInfo profile:
Matt Overstreet grew up attending worship at Custer Road UMC in Plano. He graduated from Plano Senior High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society and served as the President of their Fellowship of Christian Athletes Chapter. Matt also served two summers as a counselor at Kanakuk Kamps.
Matt received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology (with minors in Religion and Communication) at Texas Christian University. He is currently in his third year of Masters of Divinity Degree Program at Perkins School of Theology (SMU).
Matt has a lot of solid experience working with youth. He considers youth ministry his passion! He served as the Middle School Youth Minister at St. Andrew UMC in Plano, and most recently he served for over two years as the Youth Director at Cornerstone UMC in Garland.
Matt hopes to help youth connect with God in their own lives. To that end, he pledges to work to deepen youth's relationships with God and others. Matt envisions a youth group whose members become empowered spiritual leaders who take their faith beyond the church walls. He is "fired up" that he has the opportunity to walk alongside the community of faith at Spring Valley! Here's his invitation: "Let's grow spiritually, and love God and youth, together!"
Matthew Jonas Overstreet was arrested on March 5. He is now free on a $15,000 bond. I'm sure most of those I hear from regarding this case will feel sorry for Matt and blame the child. (And yes, I understand these are only allegations at this point, so don't wear out your keyboard reminding me) Or, I'll hear from people who don't seem to understand the definitions of the law and where the responsibility lies. Remember, Matt was the adult in the situation. He was the authority figure. This denial and transfer of blame has been typical behavior in these situations. I think that this treating of church leaders as "holier than thou" is what helps turn so many clerical leaders into sex offenders. These leaders and ministers are often looked up to with so much "reverence" that it becomes impossible for their followers to see them do any wrong. That's what makes these crimes so disturbing. Many times, you see a group of worshipers move quickly to "forgive" and cover-up the crime, while vilifying the victims –all the while urging everyone to pray. Prayer is fine. But, pragmatic action and awareness go a long way to protecting other members from future abuse. I commend those who have taken action in this case to protect their flock. I hope others (and there will be others) follow this example, too.
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