Bishop Preston Mathena, Superintendent of the Appalachian Conference for the last fifteen years, is embarking on a new journey, retiring from his position as Superintendent and stepping in as President of the IPH Foundation.
Bishops Beacham, McGhee, Ray Willis, and Their Wives Join in Prayer Over Preston and Kathy Mathena at the Appalachian Conference 2025 Camp Meeting
Born into a blended family in War, West Virginia, in 1956, Mathena couldn’t have imagined where the Lord would take him on his life’s journey. In a little Pentecostal Holiness Church, where he met his Savior as a ten-year-old boy, Mathena knew that he wanted to be a part of the incredible adventures only He could provide. As a teen, Mathena attended Big Creek High School, where he played quarterback for the football team. At 17, just as the season began, he broke his thumb but pushed on through the pain, playing with his thumb taped up throughout every game. Following the end of the season, Mathena finally sought relief and help at a local hospital, where he met a candy striper: Kathy. Mathena and Kathy fell in love and married in college, and they will celebrate 47 years together this year.
Mathena completed a pre-engineering degree at Bluefield State College in Bluefield, WV, before continuing on to Emmanuel University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministries. While in school, he worked as a youth pastor, and following graduation, he and Kathy began serving under David and Ramona Bain in youth ministry, remaining for five years. Next, he served as pastor of Voice of Praise Worship Center in Bluewell, West Virginia, for 17 years, in which time he completed his Master’s degree from Southwestern Christian University. During his tenure at Voice of Praise, Mathena led the way in planting two churches, Destiny Outreach Ministries in Tazewell, Virginia, and Crossroads Church in Bluefield, West Virginia, out of which a third church was birthed, Life Church in Claypool Hill, Virginia.
In 1989, Mathena began his formal leadership with the Appalachian Conference when he was elected to the Christian Education Board. Just a year later, he was elected as Treasurer of the CE Board, and in 1996, his duties expanded when he was elected to the Conference Executive Council. In 2001, Mathena took on a new role when he was elected the Missions/Evangelism Director and Secretary of the Executive Council. In 2010, he was elected to his current position as Superintendent of the Appalachian Conference. Mathena’s bride, Kathy, has worked tirelessly beside him, a constant source of encouragement and powerful prayer. She served two terms as the Women’s Ministry Director and chaired the Women and Lady Ministers Committee, all while building an impressive 42-year career as a respected and cherished nurse.
At the General level of the IPHC, Mathena served on the World Missions Board from 2000 to 2017. Since he was elected Superintendent of the Appalachian Conference, he has served on the Council of Bishops, adding service to the Executive Committee of the Council of Bishops in 2022.
Looking forward, Mathena is excited to embrace this new season as President of the IPH Foundation. He stated: “There is an immense need to develop this ministry to a greater level to help strengthen our Christian colleges and universities, institutions, and other significant ministries… This is essential in helping our church fulfill its mission to advance the kingdom of God.”
In this role, Mathena will work with each of the denominational departments and other significant ministries, including Falcon Children’s Home. He will focus on building relationships with philanthropic donors and leaders, institutional giving, and establishing scholarships. He is excited to reach past the boundaries of Conference lines and get to know people throughout the IPHC on a personal level. Presiding Bishop A.D. Beacham, Jr. stated: “The IPHC is blessed to have a leader of Preston Mathena’s caliber and experience to lead the IPH Foundation. He brings the traits needed to instill confidence for people looking for avenues to invest in the kingdom of God: trustworthiness, financial experience, confidentiality, and availability.”
Kathy and Bishop Preston Mathena with Bishop Beacham and Wife Susan
If Preston and Kathy Mathena could choose one word to sum up how they’re feeling during this season of transition, it would be “gratitude.” As he looks back, he has been honored to serve in every capacity, and if he had the opportunity to do it all again, he would, saying that every position has had its joys. As he looks forward, he is excited for the opportunity to strengthen the IPH Foundation, which in turn will strengthen many of the denominational departments and their institutions.
