Alumni Spotlight: Matthew Black 


Matthew Black, a junior at Cedarville University and a Word of Life Bible Institute alumnus, is living proof of how God can use a love for God, His Word, and His people to shape a meaningful career, whether in a ministry or a secular career. With a deep love for media and storytelling, Matthew has worked on projects ranging from Christian music events to feature films, always keeping his focus on eternal impact.  
 
In this Q&A, he shares how his time at WOLBI transformed his faith and equipped him for his journey into the media and film industry. 
 
Q: What led you to attend Word of Life Bible Institute, and how did your time there impact your faith? 

A: From a young age, I knew I wanted to attend Word of Life after hearing how deeply it impacted my parents’ lives. Their stories inspired me, and during my senior year of high school, I officially decided to attend WOLBI in Florida. Before attending, I understood the ‘what’ of the Bible, but WOLBI helped me grasp the ‘why’ and the ‘who’ behind it. This deeper understanding strengthened my relationship with Christ and gave me a firm foundation for my faith. 

Q: What experiences or lessons during your time at WOLBI had the most lasting impact on your life? 

A: My year at WOLBI was filled with challenges and growth, but God’s grace was evident throughout. During my first semester, I accepted the role of SRA over media, which allowed me to grow in leadership and management. Serving as Video Supervisor during summer camp was especially pivotal. One of the most impactful moments, however, was the loss of my friend and classmate, Elijah Beaty. His unwavering faith and motto, “It’s worth it,” continue to inspire me. I still wear a bracelet with that motto as a reminder that even though something may be challenging, it’s worth it—especially when it’s for the advancement of the Gospel. 

Q: You are passionate about your work in media and film. What sparked that passion, and how has it shaped your endeavors? 

A: My passion for media and film began in 2018 when I served at the Pines on the Audio-Visual team during Camp Crew. That summer planted the seed for my interest in media. Later, Dylan Franklin, Word of Life’s Marketing Coordinator, invited me to shadow him for a day and learn how to use a camera. Seeing my photos posted by WOL that day made me realize how much I loved working behind the lens. Over the next few years, I honed my skills, eventually training students as Video Supervisor at WOLBI. 

Today, I’m a junior at Cedarville University, studying Broadcasting and Digital Media with a Bible minor. I work as a videographer for the university’s Marketing Department and as a Video Director for the live production team. I also run a freelance business, collaborating with Christian artists and events, including For King and Country and Winter Jam. Recently, I contributed to the post-production of A Drummer Boy Christmas LIVE, which was a full-circle moment for me, showing God’s provision and guidance. 

Q: What are the most rewarding aspects of your work, and how does your faith influence your leadership? 

A: The most rewarding part of my work is seeing how far God has brought me and continuing to give back to ministries like Word of Life. My focus isn’t on fame but on using my talents to spread the Gospel and make a lasting impact. One memorable moment was after photographing a concert when I had the opportunity to share the Gospel with a student and lead them to Christ. That experience reminded me that my work is about more than photos or videos—it’s about eternal impact. My faith shapes the type of content I create and influences how I interact with others, allowing me to be a positive light on both Christian and secular sets. 

Q: What advice would you give to current students who are seeking God’s direction for their future? 

A: Pray. Seek counsel from trusted mentors at WOL, your church, or professionals in your area of interest. Be proactive in pursuing opportunities—whether that’s in ministry or your career. Word of Life is a greenhouse for growth, so use it wisely to prepare for the next chapter in your life. Don’t just sit around; prioritize deepening your faith and planning your next steps. 

Accomplishments and Recognitions 

  • Cedarville: Lambda Pi Eta National Communication Association, Dean’s Honors List 
  • Word of Life Bible Institute: SRA, Academic Honors 
  • IMDb Film Credit: 2nd Assistant Editor on A Drummer Boy Christmas LIVE 

Connect with Matthew 


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