ACBC Certified, ABC Certified Level One
My name is Matt McSwiggan, and I’m a pastor and biblical counsellor serving in the Barrie and Innisfil area of Ontario. I have a deep love for helping people understand how the truth of Scripture speaks into the real struggles of everyday life.
I serve as the Associate Pastor at New Life Baptist Church in Innisfil, where much of my ministry focuses on youth, families, outreach, preaching, and pastoral care. I also provide counselling through Restored Lives Counselling, where I have the privilege of walking alongside individuals, couples, and families through a wide variety of circumstances and struggles.
I hold a diploma in Professional Counselling and Applied Psychology, am a Certified Biblical Counselor through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC), and am currently pursuing a Master of Theological Studies at Heritage Theological Seminary.
My approach to counselling is rooted in the conviction that God’s Word is sufficient and that genuine, lasting change happens as we come to understand ourselves, our circumstances, and ultimately Christ through the truth of Scripture. Biblical counselling is not simply about fixing problems or changing behaviours. My desire is to help people see the hope of the gospel in the midst of suffering, sin, broken relationships, difficult circumstances, and the everyday pressures of life.
On a personal level, I’m a husband and a dad before I’m a counsellor. My wife, Jenna, and I have been married since 2018, and we have four children. Family life keeps us busy, gives me plenty of opportunities to practice what I counsel, and is one of the greatest joys God has given me.
Outside of ministry and counselling, I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors, hunting, playing hockey, and serving in my local community. Above all, my desire, whether I’m preaching, counselling, or simply sitting across the table from someone,is to point people toward the hope, wisdom, and sufficiency found in Jesus Christ and His Word.