Matt Smallbone

Matt Smallbone is a pastor, author, and sought-after speaker who helps people move from spiritual intention to spiritual transformation. With a rare blend of honesty, theological depth, and disarming humor in an Aussie accent, Matt creates environments where audiences don’t just think differently about faith, they begin to live differently.

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Matt serves as the Lead Pastor of Church of the City – Downtown, a thriving and influential congregation in the heart of the city. Originally from Australia, he moved to the United States in 2006 and has spent the last two decades helping people navigate the intersection of faith, emotional health, and everyday life.

Matt is known for his ability to engage both deeply committed Christians and those who are skeptical, curious, or spiritually restless. His talks are marked by compelling storytelling, cultural awareness, and practical clarity, equipping people with tangible next steps rather than just inspiration. Whether speaking in churches, conferences, or organizational settings, Matt consistently helps audiences slow down, pay attention to their inner world, and reorient their lives around what matters most.

He is the author of The Prayer Experiment, a book born out of a year-long journey of praying the Lord’s Prayer multiple times a day. What began as a personal response to insecurity became a transformative practice that reshaped his experience of God’s presence, his inner life, and his daily rhythms. This message has resonated widely, especially with those who have struggled with prayer, offering a simple, accessible pathway into a more consistent and meaningful spiritual life.

As a leader, Matt is passionate about building healthy, spiritually vibrant communities. Under his leadership, Church of the City – Downtown has become known for its culture of belonging, strong midweek formation environments, and commitment to serving the city in practical and compassionate ways.

Matt is married to Mary, a marriage and family therapist, and together they have four children and a rescue dog named Rosie.. His life and leadership are deeply shaped by his family and his desire to help people experience the presence of God in the middle of ordinary life.