Mateus Carvalho is a Parliamentary Intern from England.
When did you trust Christ?
Growing up in a Christian family, I went through the motions of faith until my teenage years. At 19, searching for truth, I joined a Bible school with Youth With A Mission. One day, while hiking on a remote island, we took shelter in a cabin. As worship music played, I was confronted with two realities. One was continuing to live my life on my own terms, and the other was taking a leap of faith—offering my life fully to Jesus. In that cabin, I chose to trust Him fully.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
When I started university, I moved into a house owned by a former London-based Christian ministry. Though the ministry no longer operated, I shared the home with an elderly, devout Christian. Our odd yet beautiful dynamic profoundly shaped me. He was the most servant-hearted person I’d ever met—always focused on others. Watching him, I saw Jesus’ call to serve truly lived out. His humble attitude transformed me—I learned that to follow Christ is to serve.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I expect the Forum will help me mature in my Christian walk. I'll have the opportunity to learn from others' faith journeys, reflect on my own relationship with Christ, and better understand how my faith shapes my leadership. I believe it will help me align my ministry more closely with my Christian convictions. I also expect to meet others who, like me, have a calling to serve God in the public square and share experiences of how to do so in our different contexts.
What is your ministry?
I am part of the CARE Programme, working Monday through Thursday each week with Lord Elliott of Mickle Fell, focusing on tackling the UK’s unemployment challenges. In this role, I am learning to serve faithfully and apply the theological education and practical leadership skills training I have received. I can witness my faith in and through my placement, which in turn has an impact on local and national public life.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
I founded a student ministry house during university, focused on Christian development. It offered housing where students prayed, served, worshipped, and shared fellowship daily. I initiated it at the start of my university journey, led it throughout, and it continues today with new students. Additionally, I led a digital Christian ministry that produced short-form videos on faith topics for youth and young adults. We built an audience exceeding 1 million, making us the largest Christian digital ministry in the UK and one of Europe’s largest.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
Individuals might consider supporting my training and ministry because I’m still growing. The CARE Leadership Programme has placed me in Parliament, where I’m learning firsthand how to serve effectively. Their investment would help me gain the experience and tools I need to contribute more meaningfully—whether in public life, charity, or policy. I hope that, in time, the impact I make will reflect the support I’ve received.
