Title

Oral History Interview with Matt Kitrel regarding her experience as a member of the ICOC, specifically her time being a part of the Gateway City Church, St Louis and St Charles.

Description

Matt Kitrel shares his personal and spiritual journey, beginning with a religious upbringing influenced by his grandparents, but feeling disconnected from faith during his early adulthood. Facing financial hardship and personal struggles, Matt and his wife Kathy were introduced to the supportive church community of Gateway City Church, St Louis, leading to their baptisms and deep involvement in church life. After a period away from the church, marked by the challenges of raising a special needs child and the grief of losing their son Timothy, Matt describes a gradual return to faith, catalyzed by a vivid dream and the encouragement of friends. He reflects on the importance of community service, the unique aspects of the St. Louis/St. Charles church, and the value of resilience, humility, and supportive relationships in spiritual growth. The interview also touches on church history, leadership changes, and advice for new disciples, emphasizing perseverance and openness in one's faith journey.

Semester

Spring 2026

Subject

International Churches of Christ

Gateway City Church

St. Louis, MO

St. Charles, MO

2016 Reach Conference

Grief Recovery

Temporal Coverage

1996 – 2026

Spatial Coverage

St. Louis, MO

St. Charles, MO

St. Peters, MO

Language

English

Date

April 29, 2026

Format

pdf

Medium

Interview

Explanation of Omeka Map Location

Location of Gateway City Church, St Charles - the location of the church where he setup and maintains the WiFi system.