More than 4,000 church members of the Flower Mound, Texas-based parish attended Sunday service last week. These worshipers welcomed their pastor after a three-month absence because of inappropriate online messaging with another woman, not his wife.

The pastor of the Village Church, Matt Chandler, received a warm welcome from attendees who filled the church space.

In a report by The New York Times, Pastor Chandler addressed the congregation. It was his first meeting with church members after he took a temporary leave in August. The pastor spoke about God and how he found his way back to the path He created.

Recent Sunday Service

The congregation of the Village Church cheered Pastor Matt Chandler as he walked into the center stage. During the recent Sunday service, Pastor Matt Chandler said sorry.

After that, the pastor praised God for allowing him to fulfill his mission despite failure. Pastor Chandler stated he wants to continue serving God. He said God gave him another chance to make up for his mistake.

Attendees supported him since the day he confessed his wrongdoing. They appreciated his courage and truthfulness regarding the issue. As he almost cried during his discourse, one of the attendees shouted, “We love you.” The voice came from the 4,500 individuals who attended.

Restoration Issues of Evangelical Leaders

Pastor Matt Chandler remained one of the prominent evangelical pastors of the Southern Baptists. His involvement in an inappropriate online connection with another woman did not affect his leadership. He also transitioned smoothly back to the pulpit after a few months of restoration.

It was dissimilar to other Southern Baptist leaders, including former Southern Baptist Convention president Johnny Hunt. Hunt sexually assaulted a woman after his term as president ended. It was in 2010. Chandler underwent months-long restoration after a leadership issue. Hunt did similarly, but he committed a heinous crime.

After many years of restoration, four pastors announced the possible return of Johnny Hunt.

However, many leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention disapproved of Hunt returning to the pulpit. The Washington Post reported current Southern Baptist Convention President Bart Barber addressed the announcement. Barber, an advocate against sexual abuse, criticized pastors who supported Hunt on his possible return.

Celebrates 20th Anniversary as Lead Pastor

Pastor Matt Chandler had a unique coming back as lead pastor of the Village Church last Sunday. He celebrated his 20th anniversary as minister. After his speech, his wife and children joined him on stage before the church band played a modern version of the Christmas carol.

Before they left the stage, the church thanked him for his service for two decades. A letter expressing gratitude appeared on a screen. The return of Pastor Matt Chandler commenced before the Village Church celebrated Christmas this season.

About Pastor Matt Chandler

Pastor Matt Chandler previously served First Baptist Church of Highland Village. It was later known as the Village Church. He started his tenure in 2002.

The Dallas Morning News reported Pastor Chandler is a native of a community adjacent to Seattle. He also served Beltway Park Church in Abilene, Texas, before he moved to Dallas. Aside from the Village Church, Pastor Chandler served as president of Acts 29.