Matt Chandler, Part 1: How the 2022 Controversy Has Impacted His Life and Ministry
Nov 29, 2023
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Matt Chandler, who experienced a controversy in 2022, shares how it impacted his life and ministry. The podcast discusses the unfolding of the incident, submitting to authority, personal reflections on health and faith, and challenges, faith, and hope for the future.
Matt Chandler highlights the importance of submitting to elders who fear the Lord, love the Bible, and genuinely care for his family, leading to restoration and renewal in his ministry.
Matt Chandler emphasizes the significance of family rites of passage and the joy of witnessing important milestones in his children's lives, inspiring others to see God's goodness in all situations.
Deep dives
Matt Chandler addresses controversy and its impact on his ministry
In this podcast episode, Matt Chandler discusses the controversy he faced in the past year and how it has affected his ministry. He talks about a situation where a woman confronted him about direct messaging another woman, leading to escalating accusations and the involvement of the elders. Matt shares his decision to submit to the elder board's authority, highlighting the importance of having elders who fear the Lord, love the Bible, and genuinely care for his family. He reflects on the process, acknowledging some frustrations and hurt, but ultimately expressing gratitude for the fruitfulness that has come out of submitting to the elders' discipline. Matt emphasizes the restoration and renewal he has experienced, with a renewed commitment to the church and an inspiring season of ministry.
The significance of family discipleship and the impact of Matt's health journey
The second part of the podcast focuses on family discipleship and Matt's personal health journey. Matt reflects on a video he made 14 years ago when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He shares his desire to witness important moments in his children's lives and the joy of being their father. Matt discusses the importance of family rites of passage and how they mark significant milestones in his children's lives. He expresses his hope that the challenges he has faced will inspire others to see God's goodness in all situations. He also mentions his upcoming celebrations, including his son's 18th birthday and his daughter's wedding, which hold special meaning for him as a father.
Lessons learned and exhortations for pastors
In the final part of the podcast, Matt offers exhortations and insights for pastors based on his own experiences. He emphasizes the need for pastors to build a team of elders who fear the Lord, love the Bible, and demonstrate genuine care for their families. He encourages pastors to cultivate a community that can provide accountability and support in both challenging and fruitful seasons. Matt shares his commitment to preaching grace and the mercy of Christ, highlighting the power of extending grace to others and the incredible fruitfulness that can result from it. He also emphasizes the importance of having a family dynamic that embraces the values of discipleship and celebrates significant moments in the lives of children.
Matt Chandler joins “The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast” to share how God has brought healing in his life and ministry following the controversy he walked through in 2022.
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