Why a Popular SDA Pastor LEFT His Faith Behind

Dr. Matthew Gamble was a Seventh-day Adventist pastor for nearly 20 years. By 2016, he was a highly sought-after speaker across the world, an accomplished author, and had turned a dying church community into a thriving spiritual family within just a few years.
And yet….he left it all behind.
Not only did Matthew leave his position in the church, but left the faith entirely.
In this episode, the guys ask Matthew to share his story: how he became a Christian, decided to become a pastor, and why he left it all behind after 20 years of successful ministry.
Check out Matt on IG: dr.matthewg...
Patreon: patreon.com/seekingsda?...
Have a question you want us to discuss? Comment? Maybe you disagree with something we said? Either way, we'd love to hear from you!
Shoot us an email at: [e-mail]

[@randalrobinson3424]

Wow. My heart goes out for Matt. As a former Adventist that was lucky enough to get out without losing my faith in God as a loving father and Jesus as my savior, I have some understanding of why so many that leave abandon faith altogether. My experience has been that salvation that comes with accepting Jesus as Lord an savior is incomplete in many ways. That initial decision got me a ticket to heaven, but all the lies I believed about my self have taken years and years and many sessions with a professional counselor to unlearn. I expect the process of unlearning lies and becoming more free to love myself and others will be a lifelong process.

[@dr.matthewgamble]

Beautiful reflection. I especially align with the sentiment of loving myself. I always thought I did but then when resigned and all of the praise and accolades disappeared I was left with myself. It was then that I realized that I didn’t love myself like I thought. It’s been a journey to discover myself more fully and in so doing I’m learning a lot about self love.

[@loriblake9399]

Former SDA also and so blessed to be closer to God now than under the dictatorship of the 27/28 Fundamentals and Fundamentalists. God our Creator is a God of Love, not coercion and fear.

[@haystacksnhell]

Kudos to you all for having this real and raw conversation. As a former SDA youth leader and Pathfinder staff who left the church and faith, I take issue with many Adventist teachings - but I still want to see better things for everyone in it. While I’m sure we disagree in plenty of areas, I appreciate that you display empathy for even those who have left. The Adventist church would be better off if more people emulated that.

[@mimiwest3256]

I appreciate Matt's honesty. Honesty and authenticity aren't things that can be practiced in Adventism. The SDA "family" is only your family if you follow their beliefs. Once you change your core beliefs, they are out. They definitely don't want to talk about why you left.

[@PatrikMolina]

"the SDA family is only your family if you follow their beliefs" lolol! this comment really made me laugh. that is not true at all.

[@nixluvsjesus]

1:19:09 this part was so heartbreaking for me. I have never been an Adventist, but can confirm that the Holy Spirit is real, and He still speaks to us to this day. His presence is so real and so tangible, and He wants a relationship with us more than we do. The "new heart, new spirit" Ezekiel 36:26 experience is so real (I have experienced it), not to mention the thousands of people around the world that are having radical encounters with Jesus and posting their testimonies online (ex-new agers, ex-muslims, ex-atheists). God is pouring out His Spirit like His Word confirms in Acts 2:17. I pray that Mr. Gamble never stops searching for the truth and seeking God (Jeremiah 29:13) I am praying for you Sir 🙏❤

[@dr.matthewgamble]

Bless your life. I welcome the prayers. There’s been more shifts since 2020 when this was recorded.

[@raymorris2483]

Thks Matt for your honesty and integrity. I just wish more could speak up like you

[@lynchan9402]

I remember Matt from Andrews. An honest, sincere person. May he find peace and purpose.

[@daytonabchnative]

This is a mind blowing testimony and your honesty shows me brother that this story of yours is a “to be continued”. I know God has something great for you planned!

[@stephencoe2231]

Commonality in this group is that there is a missing relationship with Jesus Christ so he/they don't know Holy Spirit. The sda and the ability to be self sufficient to prove a sda version of God or their own holiness in themselves. Adventism has a form of godliness and knows not the power thereof

[@j.l.cooper70]

This! I'm an Adventist that was recently baptized with the Holy Spirit at a Pentecostal church and it's changed EVERYTHING. The Adventist concept of the Holy Spirit has little power.

[@belissarius5176]

Thank you Matt for sharing. I resonate with a lot of what you said. I've done 5 ish years of youth ministry within 4 different SDA conferences and came away feeling a bit lost. I've seen first hand many of the concerns you brought up. I honestly identified as agnostic as well for a while. What ended up pulling me out of that rut was the perspective that Come and Reason Ministries put forth (originally from EGW). It has brought a new perspective and walk with God that I can be on board with. I would encourage you to check them out. I'm in the Napa area and would be happy to sit down and share the journey I've been on.

[@arthurandteresabeem7142]

We would LOVE to talk with Matt on our "Adventist Talk" show. Please send that invite to him, please. And keep in mind that we always have an open invitation to any of you guys too. How cool would that be to have an open, nice dialogue with and Adventists and Catholics. The world will know we are Christian by our love one for another. I think the world needs to see Christians unite at least in their love for Christ even if we are not going to unify on doctrine. Time to follow Christ's commandment to love one another.

[@dr.matthewgamble]

I’m here and happy to talk.

[@arthurandteresabeem7142]

@@dr.matthewgamble Great. How can I get ahold of you? Do you have a Twitter or Facebook account I could give you my contact information?

[@prgioesp]

Matt is not a victim but a seeker praying that his finds answers.

[@justinbowyer5752]

This was the most heartbreaking podcast I have heard. 🙏

[@dr.matthewgamble]

I’m curious what is heartbreaking?

[@haystacksnhell]

@@dr.matthewgambleI just listened to the entire interview and found it refreshingly honest. Thank you for sharing and for doing your best to be raw and honest throughout your career. I’m sure you’ve already heard of this but in case you haven’t, The Clergy Project could be a great complement to the men’s group you’re part of. Lastly, if you’re ever interested in sharing your story from beginning to present, I’d love to have you on the Haystacks & Hell podcast.

[@masz10676]

God is in the restoration business. He is the most Creative being in the universe. Thru a series of events that was precipitated by my on child's death all my church family left me. My husband decided to leave me within a month after she passed. We lost the business and home. I tried suicide. I ran from God bc I was angry. But He wooed me back. I give all praise honor and glory to God. I was rebaptized after over 20 years last year. But I reconnected with God over 15 years ago with the gospel not religion. The Chattanooga First church have loved us into the church. (My husband returned and baptized with me). We r all sinners. Anyone who condemns and says they r Christian is not following the Bible. I will put this gentleman in my prayer list. God bless... BTW, former PK & PW.

[@dr.matthewgamble]

Bless your life, testimony snd continued journey.

[@NevillePeter777]

@@dr.matthewgamble hey Matt, I believe I know you. I met you first in Australia as a singing evangelist at one of the camp meetings you were preaching at. Then, we met again at camp Kalakua in Florida. I was deeply touched by your testimony and my heart goes out to you. You will be in my prayers for sure and I hope we meet again. I love especially that you did not lobs stones at the church, that your differences are not doctrinal and that you don’t have any angst towards the members of the church. I also appreciate the fact that you asked for prayer. You will definitely be in my thoughts and in my prayers. Much love to you brother stay in the fight.

[@juliemorse6658]

If this is from 2020 is there going to be a new interview?

[@jimijames7703]

Heartbreaking to know he doesn’t understand that Jesus never leaves you wanting

[@built_to_serve_]

But the one who endures to the end will be saved. - Matthew 24:13 We have to strive moment by moment by God's grace

[@jimijames7703]

This is what happens when you not only have a wrong pick of God…but also what happens to a soul without Christ Jesus Help Him Lord oh Lord God touch Him

[@caleschnell]

Matthew stroke quite a chord at 25:40. I'm a layman elder at a local Seventh-day Adventist Church in northern Oklahoma. It seems to me that the death of Christ always seems to be the focal point of Christian preaching; the whole ‘paid your penalty’ rigmarole that gets repeated without much forethought. When, in actuality, the focal point Christ wanted His people to really focus upon is not merely His death but His resurrection; that through Him we may be empowered by the Spirit to live new lives in and by Him. I would agree whole-heartedly with Matt that we need to focus on what it truly means to live in a new live in Christ (that of course being not deeds to be done and sins to be shunned but that we can be a light set on a hill and the salt of the earth.) and not focus so intellectually on what it means to be a disciple of Christ but focus also equally on the *relational* aspect as well.

[@caleschnell]

I also believe that prepackaged programming on everything almost adds a layer of inauthenticity to be quite honest. I'm not saying I'm against programs that promote emotional, physical, or penultimately spiritual well-being. Regardless, it adds a layer of inauthenticity when it's almost prepackaged, formulated into a six-sided structure, and put forth as a product for consumption. Granted, I believe that's because we have become engrossed as Adventists to be very square-oriented; here's your health message, here's your three angels' messages, here's your righteousness by faith message. And when I get candid with others on the struggles of being openly living a life renewed in Christ; you can almost set yourself up to ridicule. I don't mean to put down those who may react in such a manner but I believe it really comes down to being discerning to seek out those who spiritual mature enough to be intimate and open to hear your concerns as well. The early Christian Church did not have box-oriented, indoctrination classes on who the seven heads of the Beast of Revelation are; they did not have indoctrination classes on things to avoid eating that are unhealthy and what to eat that is healthy. What they had was community of believers who struggled and thrived with one another; a community where they could be candid with one another and be open with their struggles. Just look at the Corinthian church; we do not have to look any further than that church to see the apostles struggling together to maintain the maturation and horizontal growth of the believers. We also see that they did not baptize into Apollo, Paul, or Peter; they were not sectarian as much of Christianity as sadly devolved into-54,000 different Christian churches all arguing that the Bible is the basis of their faith and spiritual experience. There are many spiritual infants in the church. That is not to be condemnatory to those who are on milk-those on do's and the don'ts or the acts that lead to death. That's why relational, horizontal growth with one another is so important. We can't just be implicitly putting a mask on and telling everyone that all is right when we walk into a church building. We must allow ourselves to be vulnerable with one another if we truly want the Holy Spirit to be fully manifested in great power.

[@midwest728]

@@caleschnell And Adventist Evanglesitc series are not prepackaged programming? Revelation seminars that are really membership drives? You are kidding me right?

[@stephencoe2231]

The sda religion has many strongholds like all cults. The guy interviewed shows all of the character and out of body experience needed to be a pastor in the sda religion. Lol. And now coaching people. Lord have mercy

[@stephencoe2231]

Sadly it sounds like you don't know Jesus personally and it is not a requirement to lead. Your faith is in membership, baptism into a religion and follow teaching Ellen and the 28. It has nothing to do with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The sda closest to that is remnant and be perfect. I can go on but it is a false gospel. Jesus plus ➕️ brain washing. The blind leading the blind.

[@stephencoe2231]

You guys have a form of honesty/godliness but de any the power thereof. Come on guys get born again, denounce the cult and get out of Babylon

[@VeloGrapher]

Not sure how this popped up on my list of recommendations but I can say “me too” with Gamble… very similar :/

[@dr.matthewgamble]

Bless your path and journey.

[@ThatLee4]

So sad to hear. He sounds like he just wants to be real.but also don't really think the grace of God is enough for him. Is it enough? How conference works seems to be a big issue too

[@dannierue]

I hope this brother can find the Answering Adventism channel here on KZbin and see through the cognitive dissonance to find the true gospel and the true Christ. Adventism cannot offer these, which is why he couldn’t find it there.

[@Jamie-Russell-CME]

Right, he needs to be a Calvinist or find himself to be elected to eternal conscious torment for not believing "the true gospel" that God doesn't love everyone. Sounds like it would have gone alot better under those "truths".

[@dannierue]

@@Jamie-Russell-CME Nope. What I am saying is if you are serving a false Christ, he cannot save you. Paul says in Galations that if you are believing any other gospel than the one he preached, you are accursed. This man clearly stated that he didn’t have a transformation when he became an SDA. Unless you are filled with the Holy Spirit, that is not possible. And you won’t be filled with the Holy Spirit if you believe a false gospel that cannot save.

[@stephencoe2231]

That's the nutshell they he doesn't know Jesus but knows someone that might know Him. If you are the 3rd person in the relationship then you are not in the relationship with Jesus Christ

[@adrielisaacs9228]

That channel is complete nonsense. All he does is talk about his childhood and how much he hated it. It doesn't provide any logical or spiritual reasons as to why. He's just an Anti-Adventist. Not a person who people should be getting their information from.

[@lindsey3481]

@@adrielisaacs9228sounds like you haven’t listened to any of his videos.

[@thedustybin]

Gods not done with you yet!

[@elinorangelo4982]

That you tube channel is come and reason.

[@caleschnell]

?

[@rebeccabilal9081]

Come and Reason ministry absolutely saved my spiritual life! My heart goes out to Matt and I applaud him for his gut wrenching honesty. I hope he’s doing better since this interview.

[@monidominic4505]

If I am the only Seventh Day Adventist in the world, I will honor God and His Sabbath. Lord thank u for pulling me out of hell fire.

[@jojoeli1732]

That was sad...really, really SAD. 🙏

[@dr.matthewgamble]

I’m curious to the sadness that came up for you as I have experienced deep sadness throughout this journey (as well as profound gratitude … including for the SDA church … as well as palpable experiences with the Holy Spirit).

[@jojoeli1732]

My life is graced with the tangible presence of God and the work of His Spirit in my mind. I perceive Him so vividly by my side, and my heart overflows with gratitude and joy for His extravagantly loving nature! Hearing about your yearning to experience the same, yet somehow haven’t to the extend you longed for, moved me. Your sincerity and dedication to walking the right and honest path for yourself, regardless of the cost, also touched my heart. Moreover, I was struck by your gentleness, sincerity, and acceptance, qualities not always present in those who have departed from the Adventist denomination. I cannot fully articulate why, but the whole situation deeply saddened me. However, I sincerely believe that your path to God might require exploring agnosticism or another direction, but with your sincerity and authenticity, the Lord will not rest until your soul finds fulfillment in Him. Sending you my warmest regards and blessings from my corner of the world - Bulgaria! :)

[@dr.matthewgamble]

@@jojoeli1732 incredible share. And yes the relationship and experience you’re having with GOD is something that I long for and trust that GOD has my best interest in mind through the dissolve.

[@Jamie-Russell-CME]

Matthew Gamble

[@lukamoser587]

@seekingwhattheysought It would be cool if you could get Billy Otto on the show! His story is quite interesting as well.

[@CaptMoo]

This one hurt so much. But Im sure God is not done with him yet/

[@drobinson6154]

I feel the same way. I will be praying for Matt. My heart is broken, but I know God is not finished with him, and that He is truly able to fill those holes of wanting.

[@Jamie-Russell-CME]

AAA Class of 2002 Lee Venden

[@niceguy9518]

Tithe was not be be sent to a centralized location (SDA Federal Reserve)

[@graceelias9028]

”Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.“ ‭‭1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬ ”If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.“ ‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

[@ronaldmonestime744]

25:06ff - The personal testimony of Spirit-filled Paul shows that still ‘fought his flesh’ continually (e.g. Rom 7:14-25) and so that he might ultimately ‘finish/arrive/win’...(1 Cor 9:24-27). Spirit-filled David was also not “exempt” from either being tempted or ever falling to temptation (cf. Psa 51)...Same thing with God-Wisdom-filled Solomon.... ...But still, God does not allow anyone to be ‘uncommonly’ tempted, nor ‘more than one can actually bear’ (1 Cor 10:13)... And God does not prevent such falls as such people, if/when they repent and thus allow themselves to be “refined” (Pro 25:4; 17:3; cf. Mal 3:3); even restored, could become instruments demonstrating His Power and Grace and thus ‘strengthening their brethren” (e.g. Luke 22:31-32) Spiritually-equipping oneself (e.g. Eph 6:16) in order to be able to keep hold of one’s Faith in God throughout all of this (cf. James 1:2-3) is what results in ultimate victory: 1 Pe1 :6-9... “Faith is the Victory” (1 John 5:4)...

[@tribeofjudah]

What mothership took $2 million?? Explain please. 🙏

[@seekingwhattheysought8247]

He’s referring to his local conference.

[@tribeofjudah]

@@seekingwhattheysought8247 That's unlawful.....illegal, don't you think?

[@Jamie-Russell-CME]

lol

[@dr.matthewgamble]

@@tribeofjudahthe General Conference of Seventh-Day Adventist is said to have roughly 1 administrator (in either the Conference, Union, Division or GC level) to every one pastor in the field. Take into the account the amount of nepotism and lack of accountability in the church the amount of support it takes to support all the administrations is nothing shy of an abomination imo. And to be balanced I’ve never started a denomination from scratch and there’s much to Adventism to be celebrated. Simply put I no longer could morally toe the line for a myriad of reasons.

[@cyprianpeters9110]

God is dealing with you. He wants to have relationship with you but you are holing on to religion so you have to leave that circle and get into a place where you could fellowship with Him Dont allow religion to bind you down for who the Son set free is free indeed.

[@HonestInput]

Three years ago, I found out that the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church is aware that Saturday may not actually be the correct biblical Sabbath day. I have access to documents from a study conducted by the General Conference in 1936, in which it was decided to keep this information confidential and maintain the church's status quo. These documents reveal that the church acknowledges the Fourth Commandment's interpretation of the Sabbath is influenced by the calendar system in use, suggesting it is incorrect to rely on the Gregorian calendar for determining the original Sabbath day.

[@midwest728]

Is there a way to get this material? I would love to read it! Thanks for consdering.

[@jlorreno]

This is not true because historical records OUTSIDE of the SDA church show that during the Greco-Roman period that the day the Romans called Saturns day was the same day that Jews called Shabbat. This is nothing to do with any SDA conspiracy theory or concealed documents. The Jews kept the sabbath through all periods of the Roman Empire. Even more evidence, church history. Again nothing to do with SDA because this is Catholicism. History of Christianity when it was the religion of the Roman Empire. The day was recorded to being changed from Saturday to Sunday by the Empire who thought they had authority over Scripture. The day has not changed in two thousand years. The only time this could’ve changed is a period before Rome’s occupation of Israel, but still we have no evidence to believe this ever occurred.

[@adrielisaacs9228]

You sound crazy - the Bible literally says that Saturday is the Sabbath. Stop spreading false information.

[@HonestInput]

@@adrielisaacs9228 saturday iis the sabbath according with the greogrian calendar which appeared in 321 ad . Saturday is the sabbath if the creation story started in 321 ad . From the creation to the Jesus saturday was not and will never be the sabbath day . I think you do not know that you do not know . Do you have any notion of chronology ?

[@HonestInput]

Do you know that Sda church used the biblical calendar to identify the 2300 year prophecy fulfillment ? Sda church knows that Saturday is not the biblical sabbath , it can not be . the 4th commandment is influenced by a method of identification which is called calendar , why are we using the calendar that comes from the papacy ?

[@Rio-uv1gs]

Mindfulness? Agnostic?... smh

[@tomdanowski5816]

That’s what he is? Super glad I didn’t waste my time listening to this leaving Adventism is a miracle but not to unbelief. Believe the gospel or perish

[@ThatLee4]

I guess he is a SADventist...

[@dr.matthewgamble]

😂

[@grantjmiller15]

I can’t help but hear a lot of arrogance and self centered self pity self seeking behavior. It’s no wonder that he struggles with his faith because he thinks he’s doing everything instead of giving any credit to Jesus. Maybe if he truly humbled himself he’ll see God working instead of himself