Samuel William Matthews

Dr. Samuel William Matthews of Shawnee, Oklahoma, passed away on July 28, 2025, surrounded by his family and upheld by the faith that defined his life. Born on February 7, 1949, in Cushing, Oklahoma, Sam was the son of Jack and Imogene “Jean” (Brixey) Matthews. He grew up in Cushing and graduated from Cushing High School with the Class of 1967.

Sam pursued his call to ministry at Oklahoma Baptist University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree and met the love of his life, Kathy Ruth Shipps. They were united in marriage on June 27, 1970, at Stubblefield Chapel on the OBU campus. He continued his theological education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he obtained both a Master of Divinity and a Doctorate of Ministry.

Following the Lord’s call, Sam and Kathy made their home in Shawnee, Oklahoma, where they raised their two sons, Daniel and Nathan. In 1983, Sam was called to plant a church, and Family of Faith Church was born—a ministry built on New Testament principles and the five-fold ministry gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher.

In 1989, God gave him a vision to start a university. With unwavering faith, Sam stepped forward, purchased the land, and founded what would become Family of Faith Christian University, where he served as president. His mission remained steadfast: to train laborers and penetrate the nations with the gospel.

A man of deep intercession, Dr. Matthews’ prayer life was ignited during his wife’s healing journey and shaped further through mentorship with Samuel Rees Howells. He continued to teach and minister at the Bible College of Wales and to intercede for the nations through the ministries he established: Family of Faith Church, Christian School, and University, as well as help lead International Christian Leadership Connections (ICLC).

Dr. Matthews served ICLC as a member of its Apostolic Company and on both regional and national teams. He ministered in more than 4,000 churches across over 70 nations, encouraging leaders and building apostolic teams around the globe.

Despite his far-reaching ministry, Sam found his greatest joy in his family. He loved spending time with—or talking about—his sons, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, mentor, and spiritual father to many.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Jean Matthews; his in-laws, Clifton and Tootsie Shipps; sisters-in-law, Pammie Hall and Sandie Alverson; brother-in-law, Gary Alverson; and nephews, Jonathan Hall and Michael Alverson.

Left to carry forward his legacy are his beloved wife, Kathy Ruth Matthews of the home; two sons, Daniel Matthews and his wife Yasha of Shawnee, and Nathan Matthews of Shawnee; four cherished grandchildren, Kalen, Ashlyn, Lani, and Maci Matthews; his sister, Debbie Biby and her husband Cliff of Nash, Oklahoma; and a host of extended family, church members, and friends across the world.