Embracing Leadership: Vision, Change, and Humility in Ministry
Summary
In this conversation with Matt Chandler, we explore the profound journey of leadership and spiritual growth within the context of church ministry. Matt shares his experiences as the pastor of The Village Church and president of Acts 29, a global church planting network. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with gifted individuals and unleashing their potential to achieve collective goals. This approach requires self-awareness and humility, recognizing one's limitations and the need for strong organizational leaders to complement visionary leadership.
Matt reflects on the significant decision to transition The Village Church's campuses into autonomous churches, a move driven by a collective sense of calling from the Holy Spirit. This transition, while challenging, was seen as a step towards more localized and contextualized ministry, allowing each church to thrive independently. The process involved significant sacrifices, including the loss of members and resources, but it was a testament to the church's commitment to follow God's leading.
A key theme in Matt's journey is the shift from operating out of anti-vision—knowing what he didn't want to be—to embracing a clear vision of what God was calling him to. This transformation required personal growth, healing from past wounds, and moving away from self-centered leadership. It involved recognizing that ministry is not about personal validation but about serving God's kingdom.
Matt's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of aligning leadership with God's vision, embracing change, and trusting in the Holy Spirit's guidance. It highlights the value of humility, collaboration, and the willingness to let go of control for the sake of the greater mission.
Key Takeaways:
- Surrounding Yourself with Gifted Individuals: Effective leadership involves recognizing one's limitations and surrounding oneself with talented individuals who can complement and enhance the vision. This requires humility and a willingness to celebrate and unleash the gifts of others. [17:29]
- Embracing Change for Greater Impact: Transitioning The Village Church's campuses into autonomous churches was a challenging yet rewarding decision. It demonstrated the importance of following the Holy Spirit's leading, even when it involves significant sacrifices. This move allowed for more localized and contextualized ministry, ultimately benefiting the kingdom of God. [19:08]
- From Anti-Vision to God-Given Vision: Matt's journey highlights the shift from operating out of anti-vision—knowing what he didn't want to be—to embracing a clear vision of what God was calling him to. This transformation required personal growth, healing, and moving away from self-centered leadership. [23:10]
- The Importance of Self-Awareness and Healing: Recognizing past wounds and seeking healing is crucial for effective leadership. Matt's journey involved addressing broken patterns of thinking and moving towards a healthier, more God-centered approach to ministry. [24:56]
- Living for the Kingdom, Not Personal Validation: Ministry is not about personal validation or making it about oneself. It's about serving God's kingdom and recognizing that people's responses are often not personal. This perspective brings freedom and peace in leadership. [24:33]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [14:53] - Introduction to Matt Chandler
- [15:33] - Maintaining Peace and Joy
- [16:04] - Matt's Role and Family
- [17:13] - Balancing Leadership
- [18:40] - Greatest Accomplishment in Ministry
- [19:08] - Transition to Autonomous Churches
- [20:52] - Challenges and Triumphs
- [22:36] - Hardest Leadership Challenges
- [23:10] - From Anti-Vision to Vision
- [24:33] - Living for the Kingdom
- [25:45] - Finding Peace in Leadership
- [26:25] - Stamina and Burnout
- [27:09] - Closing Remarks and Blessings
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 6:10-18
2. 1 Peter 3:13-18
3. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Ephesians 6:12 say about the nature of our struggle, and how does this relate to Matt Chandler's emphasis on spiritual leadership and humility? [37:04]
2. In 1 Peter 3:15, what is the significance of being prepared to give a defense for the hope that is in us, and how does this connect to Matt's journey from anti-vision to a God-given vision? [47:01]
3. How does 2 Corinthians 5:18 describe the ministry given to us, and how does this align with Matt's decision to transition The Village Church's campuses into autonomous churches? [58:22]
4. According to Ephesians 6:13, what are the components of the armor of God, and how might these be reflected in Matt's leadership style and approach to ministry? [38:06]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:12 influence the way leaders like Matt Chandler approach challenges in ministry? [37:04]
2. In what ways does 1 Peter 3:15-16 suggest that our tone and approach in sharing our faith are as important as the message itself, and how does this relate to Matt's emphasis on humility and collaboration? [47:01]
3. How does the idea of reconciliation in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 inform the decision to create autonomous churches, and what does this say about the broader mission of the church? [58:22]
4. What does it mean to "stand firm" in the armor of God according to Ephesians 6:13, and how might this be applied to the challenges faced by church leaders today? [38:06]
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Application Questions:
1. Matt Chandler talks about the importance of surrounding oneself with gifted individuals. How can you identify and celebrate the gifts of those around you in your own community or church? [17:29]
2. Reflect on a time when you had to embrace change for a greater impact, similar to the transition of The Village Church's campuses. What were the challenges and rewards of that experience? [19:08]
3. Matt's journey involved moving from anti-vision to a God-given vision. Is there an area in your life where you are operating out of anti-vision? How can you seek clarity on what God is calling you to? [23:10]
4. Consider the importance of self-awareness and healing in leadership. Are there past wounds or broken patterns of thinking that you need to address to become a more effective leader? [24:56]
5. How can you shift your focus from seeking personal validation to living for God's kingdom, as Matt describes? What practical steps can you take to make this shift in your daily life? [24:33]
6. Matt emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit's guidance in decision-making. How can you become more attuned to the Holy Spirit's leading in your own life and decisions? [19:08]
7. Think about a person or group in your life that you need to reconcile with. How can you take steps towards reconciliation, inspired by the message of 2 Corinthians 5:18-19? [58:22]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Collaborative Leadership
Effective leadership involves recognizing one's limitations and surrounding oneself with talented individuals who can complement and enhance the vision. This requires humility and a willingness to celebrate and unleash the gifts of others. By acknowledging personal limitations, leaders can create an environment where others' strengths are highlighted, leading to a more dynamic and effective team. This approach not only fosters growth within the organization but also aligns with a greater purpose, allowing for a collective achievement of goals. [17:29]
"For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned." (Romans 12:3, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life has a gift or talent that you can encourage and support today? How can you create space for them to shine?
Day 2: Embracing Change for Kingdom Growth
Transitioning The Village Church's campuses into autonomous churches was a challenging yet rewarding decision. It demonstrated the importance of following the Holy Spirit's leading, even when it involves significant sacrifices. This move allowed for more localized and contextualized ministry, ultimately benefiting the kingdom of God. Embracing change, especially when it is Spirit-led, can lead to greater impact and growth, even if it requires letting go of familiar structures and comfort zones. [19:08]
"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:19, ESV)
Reflection: What change is God calling you to embrace in your life right now? How can you trust Him to guide you through the unknown?
Day 3: From Anti-Vision to God-Given Vision
The journey from operating out of anti-vision—knowing what one doesn't want to be—to embracing a clear vision of what God is calling them to is transformative. This shift requires personal growth, healing from past wounds, and moving away from self-centered leadership. It involves recognizing that ministry is not about personal validation but about serving God's kingdom. By aligning with God's vision, individuals can find clarity and purpose in their calling. [23:10]
"And the Lord answered me: 'Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.'" (Habakkuk 2:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to shift from focusing on what you don't want to what God is calling you to? How can you begin to embrace this vision today?
Day 4: The Journey of Self-Awareness and Healing
Recognizing past wounds and seeking healing is crucial for effective leadership. Addressing broken patterns of thinking and moving towards a healthier, more God-centered approach to ministry is essential. This journey involves self-awareness and a willingness to confront personal issues that may hinder one's ability to lead effectively. By seeking healing and growth, individuals can become more aligned with God's purpose and better equipped to serve others. [24:56]
"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: What past wound or pattern of thinking do you need to bring before God for healing? How can you take a step towards healing today?
Day 5: Living for the Kingdom, Not Personal Validation
Ministry is not about personal validation or making it about oneself. It's about serving God's kingdom and recognizing that people's responses are often not personal. This perspective brings freedom and peace in leadership. By focusing on God's kingdom rather than personal accolades, individuals can find true fulfillment and purpose in their service. This shift in perspective allows for a more genuine and impactful ministry. [24:33]
"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways are you seeking personal validation in your service or ministry? How can you shift your focus to serving God's kingdom today?
Quotes
I think I have always wanted to find the most gifted people possible and get them around me and turn them loose with their gifts and abilities. To do that, I have to be pretty self-aware of what God has asked me to do, of what I'm able to do, of what my gifts and talents allow me to do. [00:17:20]
In 2017, the Lord began to place on our hearts collectively, not just mine but in a group of men around me at the village, that the future of the church was highly contextualized localized ministries. We were a giant multi-site church with 15,000 people, five locations, and the Spirit of God began to kind of move in our hearts of what it would look like to transition those campuses into autonomous churches. [00:19:00]
I was operating more out of anti-vision than envision. If that makes sense, yes, so as a 20-year-old and a 30-year-old, I knew what I didn't want to be more than I knew what God was calling me to. And that's such a big deal because when you do that, you are making the ministry about you. [00:23:14]
I needed to get somebody to help me navigate some old wounds in my heart, some broken patterns of thinking, what the Bible would call strongholds. And that was easily for me the most difficult and challenging turn in what's been 20 something years of ministry now. [00:24:56]
I feel more alive now than I did when I was in my 20s just carrying all that weight. I had the physical stamina of youth but also was carrying weight that I didn't know how it's carrying that I don't feel like I'm carrying it all. So it's funny, my energy levels probably about the same now as when I was in my 20s and 30s. [00:26:25]
The greatest joy in my life, as you would hope for me and I think would expect, is my wife Lauren, who is far more gifted than I am. In fact, I often say I'm Lauren Chandler's husband. She's written songs and Bible studies and just such a partner in ministry, and such a partner as I pastor this church and as I lead this network. [00:16:04]
We were really compelled by the Holy Spirit that this was the direction that we needed to go. And so since 2017, we have at each campus set a metric up where do we have the right man to lead it, can he build the right team, can he establish elders and deacons at his congregation, and then can he lead in the kind of way he needs to be able to lead. [00:19:55]
I needed this kind of reckoning where the Spirit of God and I needed to go get a little bit of help. I needed to get a coach, I needed to get somebody to help me navigate some old wounds in my heart, some broken patterns of thinking, what the Bible would call strongholds. [00:24:56]
I think I became pastor of the village at 28. Like a lot of leaders in that are at the level that God's placed me, what we did is just survived. Somebody threw us in the deep end of the pool, we're in our 20s, and we just survived. [00:23:10]
I love that I love that man. I wanted to ask you, as you talked about just all the things just 89 specifically but you being a pastor a father your greatest what do you feel like as a leader and a kingdom builder which is what this segment is what what is your greatest accomplishment in ministry. [00:18:40]
I think I have always wanted to find the most gifted people possible and get them around me and turn them loose with their gifts and abilities. To do that, I have to be pretty self-aware of what God has asked me to do, of what I'm able to do, of what my gifts and talents allow me to do. [00:17:20]
I needed to get somebody to help me navigate some old wounds in my heart, some broken patterns of thinking, what the Bible would call strongholds. And that was easily for me the most difficult and challenging turn in what's been 20 something years of ministry now. [00:24:56]
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