Matt and Michelle Norman

Matt and Michelle Norman serve in Barcelona, Spain. Spain is one of the world’s most secular countries and ranks 5th in the world in its percentage of self-identified atheists. The region of Spain where the Normans serve, Catalunya, is less than one percent Protestant, and most of the population are 2 to 3 generations removed from the Church.  

The Normans seek to create and assist in the development of "safe" spaces that express the fullness of the gospel message where people can come to recognize both themselves and others as valued creations of God and live out this understanding in practical ways in their everyday lives. They focus their local ministry in two areas:  

• Partnering with Primera Església Evangèlica Baptista de Sabadell where the Normans host Mosaic, a contextualized worship space for individuals with questions about God.  
• They seek to address the felt needs of the community through various endeavors. These social ministries are facilitated through Grupo 5-14, a local Spanish association that the Normans helped restart in 2020. Through this association, they engage in ministry to immigrant mothers and their babies via a project called Mamáventura, and they feed people through a ministry called Espai Sopem. 

Matthew and Michelle Norman also serve as Senior Directors of Field Ministries for CBF Global Missions, a shared leadership role in which they help shape the vision, strategy, and support systems that equip CBF field personnel to engage in faithful, sustainable ministry around the world. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in intercultural ministry and theological leadership, they guide personnel development pathways, strengthen global partnerships, and provide pastoral care to teams living and serving in diverse contexts.

Michelle brings a strong background in nonprofit leadership and intercultural engagement, having lived and served in three countries and led community-based initiatives in education, environmental care, and social well-being through Grupo 5/14, a Spanish nonprofit based in the Barcelona area. She holds a degree from Gardner-Webb University and is known for her relational approach to ministry—shaped by listening, mutuality, and long-term investment.

Matt complements this work with deep experience in theological education and leadership development. He holds a PhD in Theology from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, where his research focused on learning-centered pedagogy and practical theology, as well as an MA in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary. In addition, as a part of his role with CBF, Matt serves as the Educational Specialist for the Learning Network of the International Baptist Theological Study Centre (IBTS) in Amsterdam. There, he designs training for pastors and church leaders, facilitates intercultural conversations on ministry and leadership, and contributes to the development of learning communities across Europe and beyond.

Your generosity in support of the Normans and their work will transform lives. Your gifts can empower, equip, and encourage communities and individuals through the power of Christ’s love.  

Please pray with us for Mosaic, that our efforts will be blessed, and people will discover this as a safe space in which they will encounter the love of Christ. Pray with us for the work of Grupo 5-14. Pray that the ministry will be sustainable locally. Please pray with us as we have conversations about God with people in our community. Pray that opportunities for these conversations will arise and that God will teach us and help relationships grow. 

Connect

Keep up with the Normans and their work on social media at www.facebook.com/partnershipcatalunya. 

Connect with Matt and Michelle at mwnorman@cbf.net