Matt Chandler, the charismatic and popular pastor of The Village Church in Highland Village, was still hospitalized and starting in-patient rehab last week while waiting for a pathology report on whether his brain tumor was malignant, according to officials at the church. Chandler suffered a seizure at his home on Thanksgiving and was then found to have a brain tumor. After undergoing a seven hour surgery to remove the growth, Chandler’s in-patient rehab will include speech, occupational and physical therapy and is expected to extend his hospital stay between one and two weeks. Church staff said while his recovery will take longer than originally anticipated, everyone is encouraged by his daily progress.     

     The 35 year-old pastor has shepherded a small church into a congregation of about 6,000 people in weekend worship service attendance at three Dallas-area locations including one in Highland Village and one in Denton.  Those who attend his services are likely to be driven to laughter and tears by his energetic, compelling and personal style of delivering a sermon. Church members and staff describe their leader with great affection.  “Matt pursues God at 200 mph and he challenges us to do the same. He’s our pastor. We love him. He’s real and authentic. Through his gifted teaching and sharp wit, he exhorts and challenges us to pursue God with as much of our energies as humanly possible. He’s honest about his own struggles and God uses his teaching to wake up our soul to the reality of God in all areas of our lives,” said one member who was at the church recently.

    Gilbert Montez, director of communications at The Village, commented on Chandler’s preaching style:  “. . . his preaching focused on doctrine, God's character, and an unashamed call to commitment and holy living. Today The Village is a multiple-site church with over 6,000 in attendance and with the majority of members under 35.”

    Chandler has a young family, including his wife and three children. After the diagnosis of the brain tumor, but prior to the surgery, Chandler taped a message that you can view, along with updates on his health, at thevillagechurch.net. Denton Campus Pastor Beau Hughes will preach at the Highland Village church, filling in as Chandler recuperates. If you want to send the Chandlers a card, please send it to 2101 Justin Road, Flower Mound, TX 75028. Your prayers and written notes are encouraging to the family.