Again, I’m still amazed and encouraged at the faith and witness of Matt. The way he is using this to show that Jesus is His treasure should encourage us all.
Update on Chandler
Here’s the latest on Matt Chandler, from the church’s website:
Dear church,
In the first chapter of Philippians, the Apostle Paul writes that whatever imprisonments, beatings and trials he may have suffered, they all “serve to advance the gospel” of Jesus Christ. We implore you to keep the gospel of Christ as the main focus as we walk with Matt and Lauren through this trial.
On Tuesday, Dr. Barnett informed Matt and Lauren that the findings of the pathology report revealed a malignant brain tumor that was not encapsulated. The surgery to remove the tumor, the doctor said, was an extremely positive first step; however, because of the nature of the tumor, he was not able to remove all of it.
Matt, who is being released from the hospital today, is meeting with a neuro-oncologist this week to outline the next steps of the recovery process. There is a range of treatment possibilities but the exact course of action has not yet been determined. He will continue outpatient rehab.
The Lord is calling Matt and Lauren and The Village Church body to endure this trial. It will be a challenging road for Matt, his family and our church body. The gospel is our hope and the Lord is our strength. Matt and Lauren continue to find solace and hope in Christ. They weep facing this trial, but not as those without hope and perspective. The gospel clarifies their suffering and promises more of Christ through it all.
You have done a wonderful job respecting the family, and we ask that you continue to do this. They are processing all of this together and need you to give them precious space. Please do not visit them at their house unless personally invited by the Chandlers. The best way to serve the family is to continue to be faithful in prayer. Specifically, pray for the following:
* Wisdom for all the coming decisions
* Strength and peace to endure
* The kids’ (Audrey, Reid and Norah) hearts; pray the Lord is merciful as they process and that their little hearts do not grow embittered
* The Chandlers and The Village would suffer well because of the gospel and for the sake of Christ’s nameAs you hurt and weep for the family, do not do it alone. Gather with your home group and with other believers in homes and pray together. This is a time to walk together with others and to endure this trial in community. If you wish, send cards and letters to Matt and Lauren at 2101 Justin Road, Flower Mound, TX 75028.
We will continue to keep you informed as new information is made available. Please be patient with the frequency of the updates. May God strengthen us all and may His glory shine brightly through this.
That’s the story as it stands today. Please continue to remember this family, church and the Gospel’s progress through them in prayer.
Video from Matt
Video from Matt
Here’s a video from Matt Chandler reflecting on what he was facing last weekend. They showed this at his home church this weekend. Amazing stuff.
Update on Matt Chandler…
(Thanks, Benjamin!)
The Elders of The Village report:
Matt will undergo surgery Friday afternoon
Pastor Matt Chandler will have surgery Friday afternoon to remove a tumor located in the frontal lobe of his brain. The surgery will be performed by Dr. David Barnett.
Dr. Barnett told Matt that he was positive about recovery but won’t know the full results until the surgery is performed. The doctor was uncertain about the malignancy of the tumor, and a biopsy will be performed as part of the surgery.
The outpouring of support and prayers from all over the world has been overwhelming to Matt and Lauren. Continue to pray and fast on behalf of the family. The church’s monthly prayer service will be Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Highland Village, Denton and Dallas Northway worship centers. We encourage you to fast throughout that day and join us to pray that evening. If you cannot join us, pray wherever you are.
We continue to rest in the knowledge that Matt is in the sovereign hand of our heavenly Father who loves him immensely more than we can comprehend, and He alone understands the reasons for this trial. Along with your prayers, continue to give Matt and Lauren and their family time and space for their continued rest.
Pray for Matt Chandler
In light of my recent blog post, I thought I would pass along this request from Challies and Thabiti: Pray for Matt Chandler. Challies writes:
Keep Matt Chandler in your prayers: “I have a small mass In my frontal lobe,” Matt Chandler, lead pastor of The Village Church in Highland Village, Texas, wrote on his Twitter feed. “[I have a date] with the neurosurgeon early next week.”
Let’s lift this brother up and pray that God’s will is accomplished.
Matt Chandler at Southern Seminary…
I know many of you appreciate the ministry of Matt Chandler. His gifts are amazing and he consistently is used by God to bless my soul (and challenge me to holiness). This was true in a recent sermon I finally got around to listening to. Matt preached at Southern Seminary. Here’s the text, audio and video. Take time to consider his application of an amazing text for ministers.
Matt Chandler Interview
In this particular portion, he speaks of personal time with God:
Matt Chandler Stuff…
JT posted a link to an interview with Matt Chandler that really gives a great overview of how sanctification should happen in the local church. It would be worth your time to read it.
I also listened to Chandler’s latest sermon on A Little Housekeeping from Romans 12:1ff. This sermon, among other things, was a wake up call to get serious about being involved in the local church. Take time to check these things out.
Chandler on Manhood…
JT linked to Matt Chandler preaching on Biblical Masculinity.
Defining Masculinity (transcript)
Men as Husbands (transcript)
Men as Fathers (transcript)
I’ve listened to the first sermon and was challenged to be a Gospel-saturated man who cultivates the world around me. Excellent stuff.
Matt Chandler Video…
At the recent Desiring God Pastor’s Conference, John Piper sat down with Matt Chandler to discuss life and ministry. This interview is broken into 4 segments:
Part 1 – Chandler’s early life
Part 2 – More on the story including how Chandler became a pastor
Part 3 – Thoughts on being a pastor, Calvinist and Complementarian
Part 4 – Chandler and Piper with practical advice for pastors
I love Matt Chandler and I’m sure these links will show you why.