Matt Chandler: Difference between revisions

Following high school, Chandler acquired his first job, as a janitor at Pine Drive Christian School in [[wikipedia:Dickinson, Texas|Dickinson, Texas]]. Chandler first spoke in front of a crowd when he was asked to share his testimony at a high school chapel. He was then offered a job as a youth minister at a small Baptist church in La Marque, Texas, at the age of 18. Chandler moved to [[wikipedia:Abilene, Texas|Abilene, Texas]], where he attended [[wikipedia:Hardin-Simmons University|Hardin-Simmons University]]. While there, Chandler began leading the weekly Grace Bible Study at the Paramount Theater. Chandler earned a Bible degree from [wikipedia:Hardin-Simmons University|Hardin-Simmons University]]. In 1996, Chandler was hired by Beltway Park Baptist Church under pastor [[David McQueen (pastor)|David McQueen]]. In 1999, Chandler started a non-profit called Waiting Room Ministries with close friend Shane Barnard. Chandler twice started seminary classes but dropped out both times because he felt that he had acquired the tools he was learning from seminary back in bible school. He married his wife, Lauren, on July 31, 1999, and they have three children: Audrey, Reid and Norah.

Chandler's first book is titled ''[[The Explicit Gospel]]''. The book was published by [[Crossway Books]] in 2012, and was written with the help of [[Jared Wilson]]. Relevant explained that the purpose of the book was to clarify the gospel and its implications.[24] The book is divided into three main sections: The Gospel on the Ground, The Gospel in the Air and Implications and Applications.[25] His second book is titled Creature of the Word: The Jesus-Centered Church,[26] and was written with fellow Village pastor [[Josh Patterson (pastor)]] and [[LifeWay]] Vice-President [[Eric Geiger]]. His latest book, ''[[Take Heart: Christian Courage in the Age of Unbelief]]'' was published in 2018 by [[The Good Book Company]].

In June 2019, The New York Times reported that in 2015, Village Church and Chandler had placed Karen Hinkley under church discipline when she began annulment proceedings for her marriage to a man who admitted having an addiction to child pornography.[27] After initially being unable to have a face to face discussion with Chandler,[27] she later discussed the incident with Chandler, with Chandler apologizing and Hinkley accepting the apology.[28] The allegation was included in a report where Christi Bragg, a member of the church, "said that Mr. Chandler and church leaders failed to provide her family with sufficient answers and support after her family told them that her daughter had been molested." Bragg's daughter sued the church, alleging gross negligence and seeking damages. During a sermon, Chandler disagreed that the church had mishandled the case and stated that he had met with the family, which the family said was not true.[29][30] The church settled the case in 2022.[31]

In August 2022, Chandler took a leave of absence from the Village Church after reportedly exchanging multiple Instagram direct messages with a woman who was not his wife.[31] The church hired boutique law firm Castañeda + Heidelman LLP to conduct an investigation, with the church declining to share the report, stating they wanted "to honor the request of the woman Matt was messaging with not to be in the spotlight".[31] Chandler called the exchange "unguarded and unwise",[32] with church elders describing the leave of absence was "both disciplinary and developmental."[33] Chandler stated that the messages "were not sexual or romantic".[34]

Chandler married his wife Lauren in 1999. They have three children.[36]

In November 2009, Chandler had a seizure at his home[37] and was later diagnosed with anaplastic oligodendroglioma, a malignant brain tumor.[38] Chandler commented in June 2010 that he believed that God healed his cancer.[39] He received treatment at Baylor University Medical Center and was given a clean bill of health in September 2010.