Inappropriate text messaging prompts board to put lead pastor on leave
Matt Chandler, founding pastor of Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas was put on leave this week by the church board of elders. The influential pastor and author also serves as President and Chairman of the Board of Acts 29 church planting network which concurred with the church and also placed him on a leave. Chandler spoke to his congregation about frequent and familiar messaging with another woman at the church. Though the communication was not hidden from his wife or the other woman’s husband, Chandler admitted the amount of messaging was not appropriate for someone in his position.
Submitted to leadership
The church released a statement writing on its website, “A few months ago, an individual approached The Village Church’s lead pastor, Matt Chandler, with concerns about the way he was using direct messaging on social media with a woman who was not his wife. Matt shared those concerns with his wife, Lauren, and two elders, Josh Patterson and Elder Chairman Jasien Swords that same evening, and submitted to their leadership in addressing the situation.
Indefinite leave of absence
Acts 29 network also put Chandler on leave stating concerns about what Chandler himself said was indicative of unhealth in his soul.
“TVC elders concluded that though Matt was not involved in a romantic relationship with this woman, in this messaging he failed to live up to the standard of conduct expected of a church elder. As a result, TVC announced this morning (August 28) that the elders are putting Matt on a leave of absence from preaching, during which he will focus on growing in the areas of his life and walk that contributed to this behavior. You can view TVC’s announcement, including comments from Matt, here.”
Please keep Matt and his family in your prayers as we know God is working even this out for his good will and is able and willing to restore all things.
https://youtu.be/k5rLHXCRNyk?t=1316