An Interview With a Great Pastor

This interview with Matt Chandler by Mark Driscoll comes from the Resurgence website today:

The Scouting Report identifies emerging pastors of innovative churches that haven’t yet gained much national attention. This month a good friend named Matt Chandler, who pastors The Village Church (www.thevillagechurch.net) in the great nation of Texas, answers 6 questions.

SUBJECT: Matt Chandler
AGE 31
AGE OF THE CHURCH: 30 years old
MEDIUM AGE OF THE CONGREGATION: 27 years old
LENGTH OF TIME PASTORING THIS CHURCH: 3 years

1) What growth has transpired in your three years as pastor?
168 to 2700 in average weekly attendance.

2) What three things have been most difficult for you?
(a) Managing such rapid growth, (b) figuring out how to theologically educate people of diverse backgrounds, and (c) putting the right people in the right places.

3) What things have been most helpful?
First, theological training—second, an understanding of culture.

4) Who do you look to for help?
My own team, Leadership Network, Mark Driscoll, and the resources of John Piper.

5) What resources have been most significant to you?
The library at Dallas Theological Seminary and www.DesiringGod.org.

6) What one piece of advice would you give to emerging pastors?
Let your wife worry about your clothes. Buy books and study. We don’t need any more well-dressed, hip, funny, heretics. Who cares how you say it if what you’re saying is wrong?