Summary of Allegations
On July 11, 2024, the “Bodies Behind the Bus” podcast brought to light serious allegations against The Village Church Denton in Denton, Texas. According to two former members, the church employed Steve Chandler, the father of lead pastor Matt Chandler, as a custodian for five years despite being aware of his previous confession to child sexual abuse.
Details of the Allegations
- Podcast Claims: The podcast episode revealed that Steve Chandler admitted to sexually abusing a child decades before his employment at the church. Despite this, the church allegedly did not disclose this information to its congregation until 2019. The former members, identified only as Chris and Anna, claimed that church leaders were aware of Chandler’s past prior to his hiring in 2007 but did not act upon it until later.
- Church’s Response: In response to the allegations, The Village Church issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to child protection through background checks, training, and security protocols. They noted that Chandler’s past abuse was disclosed in a recovery program before his hiring and that he had undergone court-ordered counseling. The church asserted that their safety protocols exceed legal requirements and that Chandler’s continued employment was due to theological reasons related to redemption and grace.
Timeline of Events
- 2007: Steve Chandler was hired as a custodian at The Village Church Denton.
- 2009: Church staff became aware of Chandler’s past abuse through his testimony at another Village Church location.
- 2019: The church finally addressed the issue with the congregation following a podcast interview.
Comparisons and Controversies
The situation has drawn comparisons to other high-profile cases involving church leaders and abuse allegations. Notably, the case has been likened to Hillsong Church co-founder Brian Houston’s legal issues concerning his father’s abuse, though Houston was acquitted of related charges.
Additional Context
The Village Church Denton became an independent church in 2015, previously operating as a satellite campus of The Village Church, a multi-campus Southern Baptist megachurch led by Matt Chandler. The church has faced other controversies in recent years, including Matt Chandler’s leave of absence in 2022 due to issues surrounding private messages and a 2019 lawsuit involving allegations of abuse by a former youth minister.
FAQ
Q1: What are the main allegations against The Village Church?
A1: The allegations state that The Village Church employed Steve Chandler as a custodian despite knowing about his previous confession to child sexual abuse. The church reportedly did not inform the congregation about this until 2019.
Q2: How did The Village Church respond to these allegations?
A2: The Village Church stated that they follow stringent safety protocols, including background checks and training, and that Steve Chandler had undergone counseling for his past abuse. They mentioned that Chandler’s continued employment was due to theological reasons related to redemption.
Q3: What comparisons have been made regarding this case?
A3: The case has been compared to other incidents involving church leaders and abuse allegations, such as Hillsong Church co-founder Brian Houston’s legal issues related to his father’s abuse.
Q4: What other controversies has The Village Church faced?
A4: The Village Church has faced several controversies, including a lawsuit involving abuse by a former youth minister and Matt Chandler’s leave of absence due to issues with private messages.
Q5: Is Steve Chandler still affiliated with The Village Church?
A5: As of the latest information, Steve Chandler is no longer employed by the church but remains a member. His wife, Janet Chandler, is still a deacon at The Village Church Denton.
