Matt Chandler’s Apostasy Exposed in Light of Scripture

Matt Chandler is supposed to be a great Bible teacher but nothing in his “apology” to The Village Church last Sunday was remotely biblical. He used no biblical terminology to describe his behavior and therefore acknowledged no sin. 

Chandler has forsaken the biblical doctrine of sin and sanctification.  Even worse, he has left behind the biblical gospel.  I just listened to a recent message of his on redemption.  It was theologically awful.  He makes no mention of the blood of Christ which is the ransom price that redeems us from the curse of the law.  Further, our problem is not rebellion against God.  It is a “shrunken heart” that is “dry and locked up in drought, hurt and confusion.“ 

The offense of the cross has largely been removed from the testimony of the church.  I will demonstrate my point later.  A cross-less Christianity has emerged in their life stories.  He is tickling ears.  There is no explicit gospel.

Last Sunday (Aug. 28), Chandler and the other lead pastor, Josh Patterson, used morally neutral language to describe Chandler’s words and actions with a married woman in the church.  For example, familiarity, coarse & foolish joking, unguarded, unwise, developmental, disorienting, embarrassed, stupid, unhealth, etc.  This diluted the seriousness of the situation and amounted to a cover up.

Chandler is a nationally recognized Bible teacher who is not using the Bible to evaluate his heart or judge his actions.  

Moreover, we are not told the extent and nature of these digital interactions with the woman.  I think we would be horrified to read the private messages.  I doubt Chandler would survive as lead pastor if they were made public.

There is so much information left out by Chandler and Patterson in their combined 18 minute presentation on August 28.  You can watch here from minutes 18:01-36:34.  

I have transcribed their exact words including their broken phraseology and interruptible speech (e.g. “um”) below.  Then I make comment under sub headers that convey the main thought.  This is the first section.  

Two more sections follow.  They are titled, “We Have No Further Comment” Regarding Jen Wilkin and A Cross-less Christianity. 

 ## 

Matt Chandler’s Apostasy Exposed in Light of Scripture
Section 1  

This Is The Day The Lord Has Made 

Patterson: Good morning church family.  How are we?  Good.  I feel like I may need to reintroduce myself.  My name is Josh Patterson and I shaved.  So I’m not so sure how it looks, so keep your comments to yourself.  My kids have made plenty.  

I go to the Scriptures and find great comfort in this.  “This is the day that the Lord has made.”  “This is the day that the Lord has made.”  And there are times when we as a church family gather as a church family to discuss family matters.  And that is one of those days. 

Comment: The use of verse 24 in Psalm 118:19-24 is completely out of context.  It is about Jesus becoming the chief cornerstone in God’s plan of salvation.  That is worth rejoicing!  

##

Let Us Rejoice And Be Glad In It 

Patterson: And so I realize that you walked in and I don’t know how you walked in, or how you came in, or what you are anticipating, or what you are navigating, but here is what I know to be true.  “This is the day that the Lord has made.”  

And that particular Scripture goes on to say, “And let us rejoice and be glad in it.”  And we rejoice and we are glad in this day because no matter what this day has, no matter what this day brings, God has and is, and always will, superintend over all things.  And he is superintending over this very day.

And so some of what we are going to discuss this morning, in fact a lot of it, is going to be challenging.  It is going to be a little bit disorienting.  And I want to prepare your heart for that.  But I do want to anchor your heart in the reality that this is the day that the Lord has made. 

Comment: Patterson doesn’t understand that Psalm 118:24 is a glad exhortation to rejoice in the person and work of Jesus Christ.  He should be using a passage that fits the occasion.  This is not a time of joy and laughter but of mourning and weeping (cf. James 4:9-10).

God is “superintending over this very day” but he doesn’t say how.  He should point out that God in his holiness and sovereignty has brought to light serious issues in Chandler’s life.  Instead he uses the word “challenging” and “a little bit disorienting.”  If Patterson and Chandler were open and honest about the nature and extent of the communication with Chandler’s close female friend, it would be a lot disorienting.   

##

It’s Okay Not To Be Okay

Patterson: You know, I think about our vision statement, I think about our mission statement.  Our mission statement is this.  “We want to love God, we want to love people, and we want to make disciples.”  And by God’s grace our vision, and the first line of that vision, is for us to be a welcoming home. 

One of the things that I love about The Village Church, and I am  going into my 19^th year serving you as a congregation as one of your pastors, is that this has been, and will remain a place, where it is okay not to be okay.  And that follow up to that is we just don’t want to stay there.  It is okay to not be okay, we just don’t want to stay there. 

Comment: This is bad.  He is setting the stage for Chandler.  We are a “welcoming home” for Matt and “it is okay” for him “not to be okay.”  Of course, we don’t want him to “stay there.”  Matt has been “there” for a long time meaning there have been other serious issues in his life.

This is The Village Church doctrine of sin.  “You’re not okay.”  A far cry from Paul’s apostolic indictment of us in Romans 3:9-18.  Once you lose grip on the Bible’s teaching about sin, you quickly lose grip on the gospel itself.  At the heart of the gospel, “Christ died for our sins according the Scriptures.” (1 Cor. 15:3)  In other words, he suffered the justified wrath of God in our place.  He satisfied the demands of God’s justice (Rom. 3:21-26).  He was the propitiation for our sins in his blood (Rom. 3:25; 1 John 2:2; 4:10; Heb. 2:17).

And since The Village Church has jettisoned the doctrine of sin, they have also thrown overboard the doctrine of sanctification (i.e., how you grow in holiness).  One of the basic tenets of sanctification is the identification of sin and subsequent mortification of sin.  That is the “killing” of sin (Rom. 8:13) in your life by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

##

A Safe Place for You & Me

Patterson: And for us to be a welcoming home, it has to be a safe place for you, it has to be a safe place for our community, it has to be a safe place for all of us including the leaders of this church.  It’s got to be safe place for me.  It’s got to a be a safe place for other pastors and leaders and staff members. 

Comment:  What is a “safe place?”  This is not the definition of a biblical church.  After Ananias and Sapphira were put to death for their lying, Scripture says, “And great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard of these things…But none of the rest [unbelievers] dared to associate with them.” (Acts 6:11, 13b) 

The Village Church is based on a seeker sensitive approach, not a New Testament approach to evangelism that commands men to repent, believe in Christ as Savior, and follow him as Lord.   

Yes, we want the church to be place where men and women can confess their sins and experience the forgiveness of God; but the church is not a safe haven for those who refuse to turn from their sin.  Sinners and saints must be called to account.

##

The Aroma of Grace

Patterson: And so as we wade into what we are wading into this morning, I pray that the aroma of this room is the grace of Jesus Christ.  He has been gracious to us and let us ask him to present and with us in our time together.

Comment: Jesus is gracious but he is not licentious.  I don’t think Patterson’s aroma is the aroma of Christ’s grace.  It reeks the foul odor of greasy grace.  

##

A Startling & Honest Welcome

Patterson: Father, I do come before you, and I know Lord that is somewhat of a startling welcome, it is an honest one.  And  I pray that hearts would be ready to receive and hear.  And Lord I do ask even right now that the power of your Spirit would begin working comfort, nearness, protection, care.  I ask that you would be with us and among us today and in the days to come.  We pray and we ask this all in Christ’s name.  Amen.

Comment: The startling welcome is supposedly an honest one but nothing is revealed.  It is left to Chandler to spin the message and manipulate the people’s emotions. 

##

I Plan on Being the Lead Pastor for the Next 20 Years

Chandler: Hey guys.  I know it just feels like “Oh my gosh what is coming?”  So, so, let me, I’m, I’m the lead pastor of this church, I plan on being the lead pastor of this church for the next 20 years, um, but I do need to, phew [emotional].  It’s harder seeing you, phew [emotional]. 

Comment: Right out of the gate Chandler declares (or decrees) he plans on being the lead pastor for the next 20 years.  Bad start!  He shouldn’t even be in ministry given his past and present. 

He is completely out of touch and puts himself forward as completely in charge.  He demonstrates no humility.  He evidences no contrition.  And he doesn’t have a clue the elders could remove him from ministry.  They are the ones’ determining whether or not he returns to preaching, teaching, and leading.  In Chandler’s mind it is all a given. 

##

A Woman Approached Me.  I Didn’t Think I Had Done Anything Wrong.

Chandler: Several months ago, um, a woman approached me, um, outside here in the foyer, um, she had some concerns for how I was DM’ing on Instagram with a friend of hers.  Um, I, I didn’t think I had done anything wrong in that; my wife knew that; her husband knew that; um, and, and yet there were a couple of things that she said that were disorienting to me.

Comment: The “several months ago” was in February.  That is, six or seven months ago.  He should be specific but that works against him.  People are going to rightfully want to know why it has taken so long to tell the church and why have the elders allowed him to teach all this time.

There is a reason they are finally going public but they don’t disclose it.  The question is why now?  We don’t know the answer yet.  For example, were they under pressure by the two woman or else they would go public?   

The woman raised “concerns for how I was DM’ing on Instagram with a friend of hers.”  He doesn’t state the concerns but the concerns are about the “how.”  That is, the content.  I hope this woman comes forward (if anonymously) to tell us what happened in the foyer.

One can naturally assume the woman confronted Chandler on behalf of her friend.  I hope she too tells her story.  Matt Chandler’s version cannot be trusted as is evident in what he says next.

“I didn’t think I had done anything wrong.”  I don’t believe him for a moment.  He knew the nature and extent of his direct messaging with the married woman was wrong.  This is part of his cover up.  He is claiming there was no lack of integrity on his part.  All was normal, good, and healthy.  But then his deceit rises to another level.  This next part is extremely serious.

“My wife knew that; her husband knew that.”  Knew what?  That they were friends?  That they wrote each other?  Sure, but I bet they had no idea how frequent, how crude, how vulgar, and how familiar the messaging actually was.  I have little doubt both spouses would have ended the relationship if they were copied on the messages!  If they were reading the messages!  Chandler implies both approved the content of the messaging.   That is devious!

He continues, “Yet there were a couple of things that she said that were disorienting to me.”  Speak English Matt!  Does he mean “confusing to me” or “concerning to me” or “frightening to me.”   He hides behind vague words.  And he doesn’t tell us what the “couple of things” were.  

##

I Told Lauren This Is What Was Said To Me Tonight

Chandler: Um, and so I immediately, um, came into the room.  I found the chairman of the elder boards, Jasien Swords, found Josh Patterson, another lead pastor, and said “this is what this person just told me,” uh, and then I went home.  Lauren wasn’t with me that night.  I told Lauren this is what was said to me, um, tonight.

Comment: Because he was disoriented (I hope he had a compass to find his way), he “immediately, um, came into the room.” He is putting himself forward as accountable.  He had no choice!  The cat is out of the bag.  He has been confronted.  The direct messages on Instagram are hard evidence.  His goose is cooked. 

Then he says, “I told Lauren this is what was said to me, um, tonight.”  Once again he is not open or honest.  What did the woman say?  Moreover, he didn’t need to tell is wife anything if she already knew about the nature and extent of messaging.   

He doesn’t tell us how his wife responds or anything about his wife’s perspective on the whole matter.  She is put forward as supportive and knowledgeable of the relationship.  In reality, Matt betrayed his wife, Lauren.  He acknowledges no sin against her.  Later, he makes a mere reference to embarrassing her.  If Chandler ever repents he will publicly acknowledge his sin against both spouses.

##

Our Conversations Were Unguarded and Unwise

Chandler: Um, from there the elders began to look into, because that’s what they’re supposed to do, because we cannot be a church where anyone is above the Scriptures, and above the high heavenly call into Christ Jesus, and so they looked into, um, the conversation between me and, um, this other woman and, uh, they had some concerns.  Um, and those concerns were not that our messaging was romantic or sexual, it, it was that our conversations were unguarded and unwise.

Comment: The conversations were not immoral.  Chandler never uses biblical categories or biblical terminology to describe his sinful actions.  Throughout he uses morally neutral language.  He’s supposed to be a great Bible teacher but he doesn’t use the Bible in explaining himself.  The conversations were “unguarded and unwise.”  What does that mean?  Does “unguarded” mean he told no one knew about the about the nature and extent of his conversations?  Does “unwise” mean it could have led to a romantic or sexual relationship?  He is hiding beyond morally neutral words he does not define.

##

Frequency and Familiarity, Coarse and Foolish Joking

Chandler: And because I don’t ever want there to be secrets between us, the concerns were really about frequency and familiarity.  We believe in brother-sister relationships here, um, and yet there was a frequency that moved past that; there was a familiarity that played itself out in coarse and foolish joking; that is unbefitting of someone in my position as a lead pastor; and as an elder I am held to a higher standard and fell short of that higher standard.  

Comment: The hiding continues and yet Chandler manipulates the church by saying, “I don’t ever want there to be secrets between us.”  Yet, he makes sure to keep secret all kinds of secrets. 

For example, how frequent were the direct messages? Are their scores, hundreds, or thousands of them?  And, how long did this intense messaging go on?  Three months, three years, or far longer?  All this is concealed. 

Furthermore, there is no mention of their relationship beyond Instagram.  Did they see each other?  Meet with each other?  Hang out with each other?  All this should be addressed.  You can be sure their interaction was not confined to Instagram.  Given the approval of both spouses, they probably related as couples too. 

Then he says the familiarity (i.e., “relaxed friendliness and intimacy between people” – Oxford Dict.) “played itself out in coarse and foolish joking.”  Yikes! 

What is the nature of this coarse joking?  The Oxford Dictionary defines coarse as “rude, crude, and vulgar.”  Did the messaging include the use of sexual terms in a non-sexual manner?    

In addition, what is foolish joking?  Did this involve the mocking of other church members?  Other church leaders?  People in general?  Who is Chandler making fun of in his coarse and foolish joking?  What does this reveal about his heart (e.g. arrogance, self-righteousness, disgust for others, etc.)?

All of this is “unbefitting.”  Not sinful.  Not perverse.  Not alarming.  Not disqualifying.      

Foolish in the New Testament means intemperate, imprudent, disreputable.  These are disqualifying sins according to 1 Timothy 3:2. 

Further, Titus 1:8 requires an overseer to love what is good and be sensible, devout, and self-controlled.  That rules out “coarse and foolish joking” with anyone but especially a married woman!

I think people would be horrified to read the messages and that is why the elders won’t release the report by the investigators (the women’s names could easily be redacted).  More secrets!

Well, Chandler says he needs to take a leave of absence because he is being “held to a higher standard” than everyone else.  This means such action would be unnecessary if an ordinary standard is applied to him.  He simply “fell short of that higher standard.” 

Let’s be clear!  If the high standard of Scripture is applied to his life he would be removed from ministry.  A low standard is being applied.  That has been true for a long time. 

Below is an excellent article by Julie Roys of The Roys’ Report.  There have been serious issues with Matt Chandler and Acts 29 for a long time.  This is just another example.

Matt Chandler Steps Down After Admitting Inappropriate Relationship (julieroys.com) 
Julie Roys
August 29, 2022 

## 

“My Inability To See Revealing Some Unhealth In Me” 

Chandler: Um, so, so the elders have decided, and I think they are right, that my inability to see what I was in, probably has some, revealing some unhealth in me.  And I don’t know if that is tied to the pace I run, or the difficulty of the last six, seven years, but I agree with them.

Comment: This is deeply disturbing.  I think Chandler is covering up and pretending to believe he did nothing wrong.  But let’s say he is being truthful.  He claims an “inability to see what I was in.”  If so, then this “inability” is due to an extremely dull conscience.  He is not qualified to lead a church if he can discern no wrong doing in his behavior.

And then he says his moral obtuseness is “probably…revealing some unhealth in me.”  After the meeting on Sunday the elders posted a message online that included this statement.  The ambiguity is gone.  Chandler’s behavior is due to “unhealth in his life.” 

A Message to Our Church Family
August 28, 2022

While the elders believe that this did not rise to the level of disqualification, we do hold elders to a higher standard of behavior.  The elders concluded, and Matt agreed, that Matt’s behavior was a sign of unhealth in his life, and that the best course of action would be for him to take a leave of absence from teaching and preaching at The Village Church.  Matt’s leave of absence is both disciplinary and developmental, which allows him to focus on growing greater awareness in this area.   

The elders, like Chandler, have no doctrine of sin!  Matt is sick, not sinful.  He needs healing, not holiness.  We need to get him to a doctor, quick!  These men never use Biblical categories.  He is not unhealthy, he is unholy. 

Then Chandler put outs the possibility that his “unhealth” is “tied to the pace I run, or the difficulty of the last six, seven years.”  This is nothing but an excuse.  This too is manipulative.  His supposed unhealth has nothing to do with his circumstances, it has to do with indwelling sin.  His problem is his heart.  Chandler’s doctrine is so terribly unsound.  

## 

Grace To Me - Put On A Leave of Absence 

Chandler: And so in their grace to me and my family, um, they’ve decided, and again I think they are right, um, to put me on a leave of absence, um, starting, um, immediately from preaching and teaching at, um, The Village Church.  

Comment: They are putting him on a leave of absence because of his unhealth.  Now he will get some holistic counseling.  The New York Times asked if Chandler was being paid during the leave.  The elders refused to answer.  More secrets.  

Here is what the NYT reported, “The church declined to say whether Mr. Chandler was being paid during his leave from teaching and preaching.”  They won’t even be open and honest about the most basic issues.    

## 

I Am Just Really Embarrassed.  Feel Stupid.  Feel Dumb. 

Chandler: And if I am honest, I am just really embarrassed. [sympathy]  Feel stupid.  [sympathy].  Thank you.  Feel dumb. [sympathy].  Feel like I am embarrassing my wife and kids.  Putting a ton of pressure on our staff.  Feeling like I’ve fallen short for you.  

Comment: Chandler keeps digging a hole.  He is totally self-absorbed.  He is “just really embarrassed.”  He feels “stupid” and “dumb.”  All this garners expressions of sympathy from church members.  

There is no remorse for his sins which are foremost against God (cf. Ps. 51:4).  God is left out of the equation altogether. 

## 

Fell Short And I Am Apologizing 

Chandler: You might even be here, you might not even be a Christian, you might be hearing me saying this and like, “What the h?”  But the Word of God holds me to a certain standard and, and I, and I need to live into that.  And I, I fell short.  And I am apologizing to my family, to you, to all involved in this situation.  

Comment: Chandler apologizes.  Why?  He “fell short.”  If Chandler ever “lives into that…standard,” he will ask forgiveness of “all involved in this situation” after he makes a clear and public confession of sin.  No return to ministry should be contemplated until this happens.  The elders must lead in godliness. 

## 

How Easy To Just Make This Nothing 

Chandler: And, um, some things I love.  I love that our elders engaged at the level that they did.  Do you know how easy it would have been to just make this nothing, and just let me not address whatever this is.  Super grateful that the elders have loved us and walked with us the way that they have.  

Comment: This is more manipulation.  The elders did not have a choice.  It would not have been “easy…to just make this nothing.”  Not after the confrontation.  Not given the seriousness.  Not with all the evidence.  Not with the two women likely being well known.  For instance, there is a good possibility the relationship was with nationally known Jen Wilkin.  More later. 

## 

I Need to Breath - Discipline and Development 

Chandler: Super grateful for you.  I’m super hopeful for what is to come in the future.  But, but I need to breath, and that’s both discipline, both discipline and development, and so in time.  Forgive me, I love you, eager for the other side of this, whatever God has for us.  And so let me pray for us.  And then Josh will step in and lead us in the service. 

Comment: “Forgive me.”  For what?  This is an empty and useless request !  He doesn’t define his sin. 

## 

You Take Crappy Things And Turn Them Beautiful 

Chandler: Father, I love these people. [emotional]  Thank you [emotional] for giving them to me and me to them.  I thank you that the whole ethos of this family is that you take crappy things, and you turn them beautiful in time.  Bless them in the name of Jesus.  I just pray that if there is any kind of church hurt, or “I knew it” or God that you would minister to that place.  

Comment: Maybe he is asking forgiveness for “crappy things.”  Pass the toilet paper.  Then he prays for “any kind of church hurt.”  He should be asking forgiveness for violating their trust.  Then he prays for the “I knew it” people in the church.  This is no way to pray.  He is correcting when he should be confessing.  

## 

Who Has Their Own Embarrassments, Stupid Thing? 

Chandler: Pray if there be anybody in here who has their own embarrassments, stupid thing, that they would fling themselves on your mercy.  Praise you that your grace is sufficient for all things.  It is for your beautiful name I pray.  Amen.  Amen. [applause] 

Comment: Jesus didn’t die for embarrassments and stupid things.  He died for our “transgressions and sins” (Eph. 2:1) because we are “sons of disobedience” and “children of wrath” (Eph. 2:3).  God did this for us “being rich in mercy” (Eph. 2:4).   Chandler is preaching a false gospel. 

His focus is entirely on the embarrassment he is experiencing because he did some stupid things.  He uses this to solicit the sympathy of other “stupid” people in the room.  This emotional manipulation works.  He receives loud and sustained applause.  One member yells out, “We love you Matt!”  

## 

Disorienting News.  It’s Hard.  It’s Heavy.  It’s Shocking. 

Patterson: Yea we do.  We love him.  “This is the day that the Lord has made” and “we will rejoice and be glad in it.”  I realize that is disorienting news.  It’s hard.  It’s heavy.  It’s shocking.  And really, depending on who you are, and came in and your story and your background, and all types of different things, it lands on you specifically in a very personal way as it lands on us generally in a corporate way.  And so I just want to pause to recognize that.  And tell you that’s okay and that’s absolutely normal. 

This has been a weighty thing.  It has been a hard thing.  And I pray that the Lord would minister to you as he has to me and to so many of us in this season and in the season to come. 

Comment: Patterson comes across differently than Chandler.  He says, “It’s hard.  It’s heavy.  It’s shocking. … This has been a weighty thing.  It has been a hard thing.”  There is a big disconnect between Chandler and Patterson. 

## 

I Am Going To Offer Some Further Clarity 

Patterson: What I am going to try to do now; is just come behind what Matt said, and offer some further clarity.  Because regardless of how that hit you, I trust that clarity is helpful.  And so I am going to read some things here.  I am going to try and pace it in such a way that we can hear it. 

Comment: The “clarity” he adds is minimal and not particularly helpful. 

## 

The Individual Who Brought This To Matt 

Patterson: The first thing that I want to do is I do want to thank the individual who brought this to Matt.  That is no small thing.  It took a ton of courage.  It took a ton of conviction.  And they way that this person handled that, and the fact that this person came forward, and had that discussion, is really meaningful, and really significant and we all are really grateful for it.  And so I do want to say thank you. 

Comment: I am glad for his commendation.  It is deserved.  What she did was “no small thing…it took a ton of courage…a ton of conviction…really meaningful….really significant…really grateful.”  Two observations.  First, it should not be this hard to correct Chandler.  Second, the issues are serious.  They are not “stupid” mistakes. 

## 

We Commissioned An Outside Independent Review 

Patterson: The concerns were about Matt’s use of social media.  Of one on one communication with a woman who was not his wife.  As Matt said, he immediately brought those concerns to Jasien Swords, who is the chairman of our elder board, and to me immediately, that same night went home and shared it with Lauren. 

You need to know this that Matt has been wholeheartedly submissive to the elders and overseers.  That is significant.  That is important for you to know.  He has never denied or resisted.  There have been times of confusion.  Times when we need to press into clarity.  And so what we did in this was we commissioned an outside independent review of his messages.  This was conducted by an independent law firm.  

Comment: Chandler had no choice but to be “wholeheartedly submissive.”  He got caught.  The evidence was overwhelming.  I have no doubt both women involved have serious clout in the church.  There are 42 women on staff at The Village Church.  Did Patterson commend the woman for her “ton of courage” because she could have been fired by Chandler? 

Patterson also says, “He has never denied or resisted.”  You can’t deny or resist when all the Instagram messages are in preserved in evidence.  

The elders hired Castaneda & Heidelman LLP.  It is “a boutique law firm.”  That means it is a small firm with under 20 lawyers.  They do “discreet internal” and “sensitive investigations.”  They don’t do independent investigations.  

He doesn’t tell us when they were hired.  He doesn’t tell us how long they investigated and when their report was completed.  Per The New York Times article they were not hired until May or June based upon information provided by Acts 29.  If so, why did they wait four or five months? 

“Acts 29, the church-planting network where Mr. Chandler is president, said it has asked him to temporarily step away from speaking engagements.  The group said it was notified in May that an investigation ‘was going to happen.’” 

This investigation reminds me of Chandler’s friends, C.J. Mahaney and Josh Harris.  They claimed an independent investigation was done of sexual abuse at Covenant Life Church but refused to release the written findings. 

I’ve sent Chandler thousands of pages of evidence over the past ten years exposing the conspiracy to commit and cover up the sexual abuse of children in Covenant Life Church and Sovereign Grace Ministries (aka Sovereign Grace Churches).  It didn’t matter.  He chose to cover up for Mahaney, promote Mahaney, and defend Mahaney.  Here is the first article I sent him in February 2013. 

An Appeal to 77 National Leaders Regarding C.J. Mahaney 
Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 5:38PM

In contrast, Guidepost Solutions did an independent investigation of the Southern Baptist Executive Committee going back 20 years.  They published a 288 page report in June over which the Southern Baptist Convention had no control.  It exposed serious issues. 

An internal review is not an independent investigation.  The elders of The Village Church were in charge of what got investigated and what got reported.  The investigation was limited to Chandler’s social media platforms and their findings were not published.  It did not include “coarse and foolish joking” in his social interactions at large. 

For instance, this is what Chandler said about “inappropriate jokes” with his “closest friends” in a sermon on February 27, 2022.  Blogger Todd Wilhelm discovered the sermon and provided me the video clip.     

“Last night we got to gather, Lauren and I did, with our closest friends.  We’ve had this dinner for 13 straight years, last night was it.  Bleecker was there.  He brought his guitar and we worshipped and laughed and told some inappropriate jokes.  And with just marveled at the fact that we are not from here.”  

“Bleecker” is a reference to Michael Bleecker.  H led worship at The Village Church for 17 years until 2019.  He is now on staff at Citizens Church. 

There is little doubt the “inappropriate jokes” were coarse jokes and they were told in mixed company.  This produced laughter.  

It is incomprehensible a lead pastor and his wife would have their closest friends over and mix “worship” with rude, crude, and vulgar jokes.  Chandler tells the whole church about it in his sermon without remorse.  That tends to create a church-wide environment that imitates his example.  

Keep in mind, he makes these comments on February 27.  The night before was the dinner party.  It is possible the woman who confronted Chandler on Sunday was at the party on Saturday.  If so, she experienced it herself, knew about it with her friend, and heard him nonchalantly reference “inappropriate joking” in his sermon.  She had enough! 

A real independent investigation would interview everyone on staff to see how far and wide this kind of perverse joking took place.  That includes talking to Matt and Lauren’s “closest friends” who were at their dinner party.  The guest list had to include pastors on The Village Staff.  That could quickly lead to the investigation of other staff members and their digital communication using various church platforms.  

##

What The Report Found And What It Did Not Find 

Patterson:  Matt provided full access to his cell phone, emails, and all technological platforms,  He fully cooperated.  It is also important for you to know what the report found, and what it did not find.  The investigators report led the elders to conclude that Matt did indeed violate our internal social media use policies and more importantly than that, while his overarching pattern of his life is one of being above reproach, he did fail to meet the First Timothy standard for an elder being above reproach here in this instance.  

Comment: Patterson is not being honest.  This is damage control.  He knows there have been other serious issues with Chandler.  He reduces it to “this instance.”  Otherwise, he is above reproach.  His coarse and foolish joking is limited to one woman on Instagram.  

Moreover he is not going to tell us what the report found that “indeed did violate our internal social media use policies.”  He doesn’t quote the policies.  The church should demand the report.  It can be redacted if the two women want their names removed.  

Or Patterson could read substantial sections from the report that illustrate the worst of Chandler’s behavior so the church can understand how serious it is.  

In addition, a clear timeline should be laid out for the church.  How long has this being going on?  And also a precise accounting of the number of messages.  The elders are accountable to the church.  So is Chandler.  It is not a one way street.  

No one should trust the elders if they refuse to do this.  It is time to find another church!  Why?  They are determined to cover up vital information that should be shared so people can judge the matter for themselves.  Get out. 

## 

The Frequency And The Familiarity Of The Messages Crossed A Line 

Patterson: As Matt has said, we are strong proponents of strong brother and sister relationships.  We believe in those because we believe the Scriptures affirm those.  It matters to us to fight for that in the best kind of way.  But there are boundaries around what is appropriate in these kind of friendships.  And a pastoral role requires a greater awareness of those boundaries.  

In this case, the frequency and the familiarity of the messages crossed a line.  They revealed that Matt did not use language appropriate for a pastor and he did not model a behavior that we expect, and that you expect, a leader of our church to have.  But I want to be clear that the elders believe that this behavior was not disqualifying of an elder and it did not rise to a level that would warrant more severe discipline.  

Comment: This is the party line.  Frequency, familiarity, and inappropriate languages are the culprits but that means nothing unless defined.  How frequent?  How familiar?  How inappropriate?  Refusing to explain, Patterson can argue all that is needed is a disciplinary and developmental leave of absence.  

## 

Not A Romantic Relationship, Not A Sexual Relationship 

Patterson: The investigators of the report concluded that this was not a romantic relationship and it was not a sexual relationship.  That is important.  

Comment: Yes it is but these kind of relationships often become romantic and then sexual.  Did the investigators investigate Chandler’s heart?  In others words, did they ask him about his lusts and desires?  Did the pastors?  I don’t know a man who would not entertain sexual thoughts in this kind of “frequent” and “familiar” relationship.  That’s why they are so dangerous. 

## 

This Kind of Direct Messaging Was A Unique Case 

Patterson: The report also confirmed this kind of direct messaging communication was a unique case.  There were no other examples like it.  The woman with whom Matt was messaging with did not request the independent investigation but she did cooperate with the investigators and shared messages with them.  We are thankful for that.  

Comment: As pointed out above, the investigators did not investigate his social interaction with other females in the church.  The private messaging may have been unique.  That doesn’t mean his perverse language and sinful interaction was unique. 

Patterson doesn’t tell us if someone else requested the investigation like the woman who confronted an obstinate Chandler in the lobby.     

## 

She Is Certainly Free To Speak 

Patterson: We are trying to keep certain information confidential because we do want to honor her desire to not be in the spotlight.  It is also important for you to know that she is certainly free to speak, if and when she chooses to do so.  

Comment: This is disinformation.  The elders can honor her desire to not be in the spotlight AND share information and illustrations about Chandler that do not reveal her identity.  This is a disingenuous way to avoid being open, honest, and transparent. 

I’ve worked with many victims of abuse over the past decade.  Often they remain silent until they cannot live with themselves knowing their abuser will abuse again.  Matt Chandler is not sex abuser but he is abusive.  He abused this woman as the most powerful leader in TVC.  Did she feel trapped?  Controlled?  Manipulated?  Used? 

I am reminded of the video clip from his discussion with James McDonald after his message at The Elephant Room conference in 2012.  Someone had criticized him but did not give their name.  Chandler is furious.  It is frightening.  

The Village Church should have removed him from ministry.  It revealed his fierce pride and extraordinary anger which comes from a heart full of self-righteousness.  This outburst revealed some killer “unhealth” in his life.  Here’s an excerpt. 

“We’ll receive any bit of rebuke and any bit of critique.  But you sign your name, you immature, weak little cowards.  You sign your name, you silly, pathetic, little boy.  You don’t take jabs behind an alias.  Who does that? ... You don’t take jabs at us behind some alias as you sit in the crowd and do nothing, you narcissistic zero!   Sign your name!” 

Matt Chandler is a disciple of Mark Driscoll.  They worked together for years.  He replaced him as head of Acts 29 in 2012.  They are cut from the same cloth.  The anger, the vulgarity, and the pride.  

People should read Matt Chandler Steps Down After Admitting Inappropriate Relationship by Julie Roys of The Roys’ Report.  It connects the dots in terms of Chandler’s life and behavior. 

## 

This Did Not Rise To The Level of Disqualification 

Patterson: So while the elders believe that this did not rise to the level of disqualification, we do hold elders to a higher standard because the Scripture hold elders to a higher standard.  Matt’s leave of absence is both disciplinary and developmental which allows him time to focus on growing greater awareness of this area.  He needs it.  

Comment: Chandler’s behavior clearly rises to the level of disqualification if you apply the high standard of Scripture.  The elders are using a very low standard.  One of their own making that justifies his continuation as lead pastor. 

Here are a few references to the standard of Scripture. 

1 Timothy 3:2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach…temperate, prudent, respectable. 

Titus 1:7 Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless…one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 

Ephesians 5:3-7 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. [4]  Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. [5] For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. [6] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. [7] Therefore do not be partners with them. 

“Obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking” are serious sins in Scripture.  Those who minimize these sins “deceive you with empty words.”  We are to avoid people who speak this way and not “be partners with them.”  There is not to be “even a hint” of this kind sinful speech “among you.”  That was the standard for everyone in the Ephesian church. 

## 

Time And Space For Matt To Focus On His Development 

Patterson: How long will that time be?  The elders have laid out some expectations for Matt and will dictate the time line for his return to the pulpit.  The health of our church is our top priority and we are committed to assisting development of care for everyone involved including Matt.  

Our desire is to create time and space for Matt to be able to focus on his development.  He is not going to be doing that alone.  In cooperating and in collaboration.  We want to pull him in to be shepherded, to be cared for, and not to push him away.  Matt desires this as well.  

And Lauren, you know this, we love you and our aim is to continue to care for you and your family in all of this.  

Comment: “The elders have laid out some expectations.”  He doesn’t tell the church what they are or how they will be measured.  His language is confusing but the elders are “committed to assisting development of care for everyone including Matt.”  This seems to mean “development” that comes from “care.”  

Matt is not going to grow in Christlikeness unless he receives biblical care that is grounded in Scripture.  He needs teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16), not humanistic counseling.  His false doctrine needs to be sorted out and the corruptions of his heart addressed. 

Here is what the church emailed the New York Times.  

“Matt will spend time during his leave from the pulpit focusing on his development with the elders and guided by outside counselors,” the church said in an email.  “He will also continue to fulfill limited administrative leadership duties.” 

I’m sure a lot of people are asking why Chandler needs “time and space…to focus on his development” if his sin is so limited and confined.  That is, interacting with one woman on Instagram with the approved of his wife and the woman’s husband.  He’s already apologized for being stupid.  Time to move on! 

Wait.  Let’s see those messages.  It is far more serious than we can imagine.  Not only, this conduct was concealed from others including his wife.  No one knew about the content and sheer volume.  Yikes.  There’s a lot more to address than a dozen or so foolish jokes.  

Patterson says they “want to pull him in to be shepherded…and not to push him away.”  National leaders and powerful pastors are notorious for being on their own.  For example, John MacArthur.  No one speaks into his life. 

I could name scores of celebrity leaders who have no authentic accountability.  They are surrounded by puppet boards and vassal elderships.  I’ve written about many of them.  It is the norm!  That’s one reason there are so many scandals.  Matt is one of them. 

I hope the elders finally act like an eldership.  A true plurality of men addressing Chandler.  He needs to be “drawn in” because he has been on his own without accountability.  I’d venture to say no one speaks into his life where he needs it most.  His pride, deceit, and self-righteousness.     

Patterson mentions Matt’s wife Lauren and family in passing.  “Our aim is to continue to care for you and your family in all of this.”  Wait a minute.  She knew all about the relationship with the woman and approved of it according to Matt.  What’s the big deal?  Why does she and the children need ongoing care?  The answer is obvious.  The extent and nature of the messages are devastating.     

## 

You Should Have Questions.  You Will Need To Process.  That Is Normal.  

Patterson: Church I hope that you know this that we are blessed with a strong team of pastors, ministers, and staff members.  They have shouldered a lot and they will shoulder a lot and we will continue forward in this season.  

If I look around and think about what the Lord is doing in us and among us there is no doubt that Matt’s presence in the pulpit is strong and that the Lord speaks mighty through him.  He is not the only man here.  And our church family has been blessed, supported, encouraged, lift up, minister to, by dozens and dozens of other leaders and that is going to continue.  We will walk through this season together. 

We will walk through this season together.  I know you have questions.  I know you need to process.  You should have questions.  You will need to process.  That is normal, that is expected.  

Let me give you some pathways for processing and questions.  We always want to point you to our Care Department. We have a Care email  If you have questions, comments, concerns; and you are not quite sure who to go to, this is a place that any and all of you can go.  You can reach out via Care@TheVillageChurch.net.  Our website, we also have resources, if you want more anonymous resources, those resources are available on our website under our Care Page.  You can find them there.  

Comment: I know you have questions.  I know you need to process.  It is normal to have questions but people are NOT going to get answers to probing questions like those raised in this article. 

Like me, they will get a response along the lines of “no further comment.”  Or, “Trust us there is a process in place.”  Or, “We want protect the identities of the two women.”  Or, “It wouldn’t be inappropriate to talk about the nature and extent of the messages.”  Or, “We don’t want to say more out of love and respect for Matt and his family.”  Or, “The best thing for you to do is trust God (he is sovereign) and pray for Matt’s development.”  

It will be interesting to see if Patterson says anything further on Sunday (Sept. 4).  I’d also like to know if Chandler attends tomorrow.  Normally guys disappear so they don’t have to interact with people and answer questions.  Their “leave of absence” includes a leave of the church.  They are “embarrassed” and don’t want to face the shame they have brought upon themselves. 

## 

Member Meeting to Rehearse and Rehash What We Talked About This Morning 

Patterson: Many of you will go to the pastor or the minister or the staff member or the elder or the deacon that you know; and that is fine, right and good, and we expect that and we welcome that as well. 

This afternoon at 4 o’clock we’ll have a Member Meeting, if you are a member of the church, we invite you to attend that meeting.  Let me tell you what that meeting will be this afternoon,  I don’t really have any new information to share.  We are sharing with you the information.  We’ll come together this afternoon, sing a little bit, pray a little bit, and we will try to add clarity in some ways as we just kind of rehearse and rehash what we talked about here this morning.  But that is a 4 o’clock today if you are able to make that and a member of the church.  

Comment: Members can approach their leaders but they will not get any “new information.”  Just like they won’t get any new information at the Members’ Meeting.  Leaders will “rehearse and rehash” with members what was said on Sunday morning.   

##

“We Have No Further Comment” Regarding Jen Wilkin
Section 2 

I wrote Patterson on Tuesday night to ask if Jen Wilkin is the woman Chandler was messaging.  I made it easy for him to say “no.”  Instead I received a “We have no further comment” response from his Executive Director for Administration.  

From: Brent Detwiler abrentdetwiler@gmail.com
Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2022 10:40 PM
To: Josh Patterson jpatterson@thevillagechurch.net
Subject: Question Re: Jen Wilkin
Importance: High 

Hello Josh, 

Could you answer a simple question for me?  Is Jen Wilkin the woman with whom Matt had the close relationship?  I have reason to believe this is the case but want to give you opportunity to correct my information if wrong. 

Thanks for your assistance.

Brent 

From: Brent Detwiler abrentdetwiler@gmail.com
Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2022 11:01 PM
To: Josh Patterson jpatterson@thevillagechurch.net
Subject: RE: Question Re: Jen Wilkin
Importance: High 

I’ll be publishing an article tomorrow in the mid-afternoon so I’d appreciate hearing from you before then.  A simple “no” she is not the woman would suffice. 

Thank you. 

I did not hear back from Josh Patterson.  Instead I heard from Lindsey Eenigenburg.  She cut and pasted the condensed written statement from the elders.  The Sunday morning announcement is much longer.  That is why I transcribed it word for word.     

From: Lindsey Eenigenburg leenigenburg@thevillagechurch.net
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2022 7:00 AM
To: abrentdetwiler@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Question Re: Jen Wilkin 

Hi Brent, 

I received your question regarding the update The Village Church gave to our congregation on Sunday, August 28. 

Below is our statement: 

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. 

The elders commissioned an independent law firm to conduct a review of Matt’s messaging history across social media platforms, cell phone, and email.  The investigators’ report led the elders to conclude that Matt violated our internal social media use policies, and more importantly that, while the overarching pattern of his life has been “above reproach”, he failed to meet the 1 Timothy standard for elders of being “above reproach” in this instance. 

We are strong proponents of brothers and sisters in Christ being friends, but there are boundaries around what’s appropriate in these kinds of friendships. A pastoral role requires a greater awareness of those boundaries.  In this case, while the messages were not romantic or sexual in nature, the frequency and familiarity of the messages crossed a line.  They revealed that Matt did not use language appropriate for a pastor, and he did not model a behavior that we expect from him. 

While the elders believe that this did not rise to the level of disqualification, we do hold elders to a higher standard of behavior.  The elders concluded, and Matt agreed, that Matt’s behavior was a sign of unhealth in his life, and that the best course of action would be for him to take a leave of absence from teaching and preaching at The Village Church.  Matt’s leave of absence is both disciplinary and developmental, which allows him to focus on growing greater awareness in this area. 

The timeline for his return will be dictated by the expectation the elders have laid out for his development. 

For the complete announcement and Sunday service, you can visit our YouTube channel. 

We have no further comment. 

Thank you,

Lindsey  

Lindsey Eenigenburg
Executive Director, Administration
THE VILLAGE CHURCH
972-537-1281 | thevillagechurch.net 

Jen Wilkin is a nationally known speaker, author, and female leader.  She is also on staff as the Executive Director for the Family and Next Gen Ministries at The Village Church.  She has a full time “Executive Assistant to Jen Wilkin” in Ashley Elder in additional to other staff members that work for her.  

It is no secret Chandler and Wilkin have been friends for a long time.  Here is the endorsement Chandler wrote for her 2016 book, None Like Him.  Wilkin, her husband Jeff, and four children became part of The Village Church in 2007.  Emphasis mine. 

Endorsement 

I’ve have had the privilege of personally knowing Jen Wilkin for serval years.  She is a woman intoxicated by the God of the Bile and has written None Like Him by staring at his majesty.  The soul is healed not by gazing at its broken pieces, but by gazing at the beauty of its creator and surrendering to the ‘I can’ts, but ‘he can.’  I pray you melt into the relief of belonging to the One who is unlike any other as you read this book.” 

Matt Chandler, Leader Pastor, The Village Church, Dallas, Texas; President, Acts 29 Church Planting Network; author, Mingling of Souls and The Explicit Gospel 

Chandler and Wilkin were slotted to be two of the seven featured speakers at the upcoming Acts 29 Conference in Denver, CO.  Chandler did a promotional video.  He highlighted Wilkin.  

Here’s an excerpt of what he said.  Both Chandler and Wilkin have been removed from the list of speakers. 

“Hey, I just wanted to take a second to invite you to come and join me and Jen Wilkin and several others in Denver on October 3-5 for Acts 29 North American Conference.  The theme is “Convictional Faithfulness.” We believe we are in a season of history here where it is going to take us having deep convictions to be faithful to what we know to be true.” 

I wonder if they would travel together as friends.  Use the same motel.  Spent time together during the conference.  I am NOT implying anything romantic or sexual.  

It’s amazing Chandler can preach on “having deep convictions to be faithful to what we know to be true.”  He is no example of “conventional faithfulness.” 

I wrote Jen Wilkin on Wednesday night.  I politely asked her to deny she is the woman.  She has not responded. 

From: Brent Detwiler abrentdetwiler@gmail.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2022 5:51 PM
To: Jen Wilkin jwilkin@thevillagechurch.net
Subject: Matt Chandler
Importance: High 

Hello Jen, 

For various reasons, it appears you are the person with whom Matt had the relationship.  Lord willing, I will be publishing an article tomorrow.  Please deny this for me if I am wrong.  If you are the woman, I’d encourage you to tell your story given the way Matt excused his behavior and covered up the matter on Sunday.  

Thank you.

Brent 

Wilkin is the kind of person Chandler would find interesting, stimulating, and worth pursuing in a close relationship.  They’d have much in common and could interact over theology, happenings in The Village Church, and major issues in the Body of Christ at large.  They are well connected to national leaders.  

I don’t think Chandler built this tight friendship with just any woman in the church.  It would be someone who plays in his league.

## 

A Cross-less Christianity
Section 3 

Below you will find the Life Story of Matt Chandler, Lauren Chandler, Josh Patterson, Jen Wilkin, Ashley Elder, and Lindsey Eenigenburg.  They are all mentioned above.  Go to this link and click on their photo. 

None of them refer to the cross of Christ.  None reference his atoning sacrifice for their sins.  None mention the holiness of God or the justified wrath of God from which they have been saved.  They are gospel-absent testimonies. 

Oh, the word “gospel” appears a half dozen times but in a vague, undefined manor.  There are no explanations of the gospel.  Words like sin, holiness, law, cross, death, blood of Jesus, substitution, wrath, atonement, propitiation, sacrifice, Savior, resurrection, repent, born-again, reconciled, ransomed, redeemed, forgiven, and justified are nowhere to be found in these testimonies.  Nor is their theology. 

Shockingly, there is not one reference to Christ dying for their sins and rising from the dead!  These testimonies advance a cross-less Christianity which is no Christianity at all.  The offense of the cross has been removed. 

Matt Chandler
Lead Pastor 

Life Story 

I was born near Seattle and, due to growing up with a father in the military, moved several times before settling in the Houston area.  Though I attended church during my childhood and adolescence, I did not truly know and follow Jesus until I turned 17. 

God used my love for football to link my path with that of another teammate, Jeff Faircloth, placing my locker directly next to his.  Shortly after two-a-days began, Jeff approached me after practice.  In a rather forward manner, he announced that we were going to have a conversation about Jesus, but I could choose when this conversation took place.  Jeff saw past football into the kingdom of God. 

I wasn’t immediately saved through our conversation, but I did become intrigued.  Over a period of time, God began to break down the walls, and then He just saved me.  I don’t know how to explain it.  I was checking things out, I was studying, I was finding reasons why I shouldn’t have to believe and shouldn’t have to submit to Jesus Christ, yet in the middle of all that, in the middle of all those doubts, in the middle of all those intellectual barriers, I think Jesus just got tired of playing with me and said, “No, you’re mine.”  He rescued me and captivated my heart, and I just immediately fell in love. 

Before going to college, I served as a youth pastor of a small church near Houston.  From there, I went to Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, where I received a bachelor’s degree in Bible.  While at Hardin-Simmons, I became the teacher of an inter-denominational Bible study for college students called Grace.  I was also on staff at Beltway Park Church.  After several years in Abilene, I continued my itinerant speaking ministry with a home base in Dallas. 

In 2002, I became pastor of First Baptist Church of Highland Village, now known as The Village Church.  In 1999, I married my wife, Lauren.  We have three children. 

Hope for The Village Church 

My hope for The Village is that we would be a family of men and women who know and worship the triune God rightly, that in view of His majesty we would walk in compassion, mercy and grace and that both our minds and our hearts would be full of and shaped by Him.  

Lauren Chandler
Deacon 

Life Story 

I grew up in East Texas hearing about Jesus from my parents and at church.  He was as much a part of my life as my grandparents were.  When I was 8, my mom asked me if I wanted to “invite Jesus into my heart.”  This seemed like the most natural thing to do, so I did.  I prayed with her in our car on the way to school one morning.  I met with our pastor to talk about what faith in Christ meant and was baptized not long after.  I was always involved at church.  I attended services and Sunday school, served on mission trips, participated in youth group, and sang in the choir.  I am forever grateful that I had the privilege of growing up in a church that loved the Lord, others, and me well.  Despite my involvement in church, I was far from perfect.  It was more often that I experienced the sweetness of the gospel in my failures than in my achievements.

I met my husband, Matt, in the summer of 1997.  We were married two years later.  Throughout college, I led worship at our church and at a Bible study where Matt was the lead teacher.  I graduated from Hardin-Simmons University with a degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2001.  Matt became pastor of The Village Church in late 2002, and we welcomed our first child, Audrey, only a few months after he accepted the pastorate.  Our other two children, Reid and Norah, came in 2005 and 2009.

In November of 2009, Matt was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.  I walked alongside and supported him during the 18 months of treatment that came after a craniotomy.  In the fall of 2010, I was invited to teach the women's fall retreat at TVC.  The Lord led me to Psalm 107 which eventually became the focus of my first book, Steadfast Love: The Response of God to the Cries of our Heart, which was published in early 2016.  I also recorded songs written during that season of uncertainty on a project called The Narrow Place (2012).

We have been at TVC for almost 18 years now.  I have served in Recovery, Women’s Bible Study, Little Village, and the Worship Ministry over our tenure here.  I’ve also had the delight and privilege of discipling younger women, loving our neighbors, and leading others to Christ.  I have led worship for and spoken to various groups of people all over the country.  I’ve also written two Bible studies with LifeWay and a children’s book.  I am eager to see what the Lord has in store for the next season of life as I serve TVC’s Worship Ministry as a deacon, especially developing and training leaders. 

Hope for The Village Church

My hope is that our people would be equipped, supported, and activated to be the church in our community and beyond.  That they would love God, love others, and make disciples.  I pray that we can be a church that worships in freedom, Spirit, and truth, not just on the weekends or in small gatherings, but in our everyday lives. 

Josh Patterson
Lead Pastor

Life Story

One of the most overwhelming realizations I have ever had is simply this: God has been writing the story of my life...the whole time.  I came to faith when I was 19 years old and just a couple of weeks shy of being a freshman in college.  On the surface it appears that the Lord was nowhere to be found in my life prior to my conversion.  I was not raised in a believing home, had minimal contact with people who understood the gospel of Jesus, and lived a raucous and regretful lifestyle.  Everything seemed to indicate the absence of God rather than His activity.  I just assumed that Christ was active in my life only when I was aware of His activity.  Well...I was wrong.

II Corinthians 1: 3-4 encourages my heart to know that those years were not wasted.  God has taken a soiled past and used it to comfort, encourage and assure others of the comfort afforded in Christ.  So, what appeared to me as a wasteland, the Lord has actually transformed for His purposes.  He was never absent...just patient.  He truly is the eager Father anxious for His prodigal to come home.

Natalie and I came to The Village in 2004 with a deep desire to establish roots among a community of believers who we can faithfully run this race alongside.  I cannot tell you how many times in a thousand different places that we say how much we love the people of this place and what Christ is doing in us and through us.  We resonate with the vision.  We love the authenticity.  We treasure the relationships.  We are a part of the mission.

I am not just a “staff member” who is a “professional pastor.”  I can tell you that our lives are being changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ along with you.  We are persevering through the hardships, hoping for marriages, raising our kids, celebrating the victories and praying that God is treasured above all and that we are found faithful.

Hope for The Village Church

My hope for The Village Church is that we would be a people who walk humbly with our God as we express and extend the gospel to all generations. 

Jen Wilkin
Executive Director, Family and Next Gen Ministries 

Life Story 

I grew up in Wichita Falls, Texas, and came to saving faith in elementary school.  My childhood was marked by time spent in seven different denominations – a range of experience that left me with the conviction that knowing the Word was the only sure means of discerning truth from error.

At Texas A&M, I met my husband, Jeff, and we were married in 1993.  We moved to Sugar Land, Texas, and proceeded to have four sweet children in rapid succession.

In 2001, after several years of lay leadership and teaching women’s Bible study, I was offered a position as director of Women’s Ministry at our church.  I served there for five years.

In 2007 our family moved to Flower Mound to be closer to family, a difficult decision we are so thankful we pursued.  We became members of The Village that same year and began serving as Home Group leaders.  I wrote and taught Women’s Bible Study in my home and then at the church for two years.  I continue to write, teach and speak.

I love being Jeff’s wife, I love being a mom to my kids and I love teaching women to love the Word of God with their minds, as well as their hearts. 

Hope for The Village Church

My hope is that The Village would be a place where the gospel makes disciples and where disciples grow to deep and vibrant maturity under the nurture of the Word. 

## 

Ashley Elder
Executive Assistant to Jen Wilkin 

Life Story

The Lord’s hand of faithfulness has been on my life since I can remember.  I was raised in a home with a lot of worldliness and chaos.  From a young age, I knew there had to be more than the hurt and pain everyone around me seemed to be experiencing.  I started attending a local Baptist church and became involved in their Awana program.  They were kind, safe and had a joy unlike anything I had ever experienced.  I wanted more of what they had to offer, and I continued attending church by myself for two years.

After many moves in a few short years, my family landed in Utah.  To say it was a culture shock would be an understatement.  But it was there that I met my husband, Matt, and once again tasted and saw the Lord’s goodness.  By God’s grace, we have two wonderful children, Joshua and Nevaeh.

In 2018, we decided to take a huge leap of faith and move to Texas.  No job, no home, broken and scarred, we left the place we called home.  God’s faithfulness has been so overwhelming.  He truly is El Roi, the God who sees!  Hebrews 6:19 says that we have the hope of His promise as an anchor for our souls, and it has been that anchor that has kept me.  He has taken all of the broken pieces and chaos along the way and made something beautiful for His glory.

Hope for The Village Church

My hope for The Village is that we would continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord together in unity.  I pray that we would continue to be a place of healing and a light that shines into dark spaces. 

 

Lindsey Eenigenburg
Executive Director, Administration 

Life Story 

My parents loved the Lord and were faithful in pursuing Him.  They intentionally positioned my older sister and me around a loving church body that allowed us to grow in understanding, love and trust in Christ.  However, only a few weeks after giving birth to my younger sister, my mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer, which ultimately took her life in less than two years.  I was in first grade, and life hasn’t been the same since. 

We stayed connected to our church, and I grew up alongside kids and families I’d known my whole life.  I was plugged into the youth ministry and learned about God’s goodness, strength and miracles each week.  However, these teachings rarely showed lasting fruit upon my life.  The hope and joy I was taught in church were often times met with anger and frustration.  I couldn’t understand the reasoning behind my mother’s passing, and I was not patient with my father as he learned to function as a single parent.  I stopped finding my value within my home and sought it out in the world.  I went through the motions of a committed Christian, while truly devoting my heart to a different master.  I continued this way through all of high school and into college. 

After several years of running down the same path, I grew tired of having my feet in two places.  When a friend invited me to attend The Village in 2007, I was ready for a change.  There, I learned in whom my value is placed and where my identity and worth comes from.  I began to see fruit spring forth from my transformed heart.  I soon cast aside the dual life I was leading in favor of diving deeply within the church body.  I joined a Home Group, surrounded myself with godly women, met my loving and handsome husband, Ben, and began serving the age group that marked my life so deeply—first grade.  The Lord has been gracious with me.  He has softened my angry heart and unraveled my frustrations.  My confidence is now found in Him. 

Hope for The Village Church 

My hope for The Village is that we would be a church marked with servants’ hearts within our homes, ministries, communities and throughout the nations.  I pray our children would know they’re loved and valued as important members of our church body.  I pray that our youth and students develop a strong and unwavering understanding and trust in the gospel and that our families are so overflowing with love and worship for our Creator that it pours back into other ministries.