Matthew Dobson

Matthew Dobson is a devoted servant-leader, storyteller, and community advocate whose life’s work bridges faith, history, and public service. Rooted in the red clay and quiet backroads of North Santa Rosa County, Florida, he carries a deep love for both people and place—a love that has shaped his ministry and his mission.

Matthew serves as Pastor of Cora Baptist Church in Jay, Florida, where he faithfully leads a congregation committed to worshiping God, praying for all, and serving the community through Spirit-empowered ministry. Known for his warm, engaging preaching style, he has a gift for bringing Scripture to life through practical application, heartfelt storytelling, and vivid illustrations drawn from rural life and local heritage. His messages often echo with themes of perseverance, faith, and the enduring grace of God.

In addition to his pastoral calling, Matthew serves in public health leadership as the Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County and has also provided leadership as Interim Health Officer in Okaloosa County. In these roles, he works at the intersection of community wellness and leadership, guiding initiatives that strengthen families, promote healthy living, and build collaborative partnerships across the region. His leadership reflects a commitment to service, innovation, and compassion—values that mirror his faith.

Matthew is also a passionate historian and writer. For more than five years, he has authored Woodland Tales, a beloved column in the Tri-City Ledger that captures the people, places, and stories of North Santa Rosa County. Through these writings, he preserves the voices of the past—pioneer families, forgotten landmarks, and everyday heroes—ensuring their legacy continues to inspire future generations. His work has grown into a multi-volume collection of stories and ongoing historical research, including an extensive documentary project on the rich history of Chumuckla Springs.

As a novelist, Matthew blends history and imagination to create stories that resonate across generations. His work often draws from real events and local settings, weaving together themes of faith, heritage, and redemption. His storytelling reflects a deep belief that the past still speaks—and that its lessons can guide the present.

Beyond the pulpit and the page, Matthew is a family man who treasures the moments that matter most. He often reflects on the influence of family, faith traditions, and shared memories, drawing inspiration from both personal experiences and the close-knit community he calls home.

Whether preaching a sermon, leading a public health initiative, or telling a story rooted in the soil of North Florida, Pastor Matthew Dobson remains guided by a simple yet profound purpose: to serve others, honor God, and keep the light of faith and history burning for generations to come.

He holds the distinction of being the first American to ever win the Walt Disney World Marathon (2004). His experiences as a military chaplain, health advocate and competitive athlete continues to influence his inspirational messages. He spends a lot of time outdoors, particularly in the woodland and forest settings. He explains, "Nature has always had a way of bringing me back to myself. I gain strength from hearing birds sing, crickets chirp, and wind blow through the trees.