Mata has extensive experience in cross-cultural related programs on the congregational and community levels. Currently director of the Transformational Urban Leadership at Azusa Pacific Seminary, his skills and expertise lie in developing practical approaches to faith-rooted community development, congregational redevelopment, transcultural ministry and community conflict transformation. He was very involved in the rebuilding efforts after the 1992 Los Angeles civil unrest, helping to organize the African-American, Latino and Korean evangelical leadership.

Mata serves or has served on the boards and advisory councils of local and national organizations such as the Latino Evangelical Coalition, Korean Churches for Community Development (KCCD) and Christian Community Development Association (CCDA). He was a founding board member of West Angeles Church of God in Christ's Community Development Corporation.

He has degrees in Biblical Literature, Religion and Urban Planning.