Matt and Lauren Chandler have spent their lives dedicated to the gospel, shepherding people toward deeper intimacy with Jesus and one another.

Matt serves as the Lead Pastor of The Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas, where he has preached and led with conviction since 2002. A passionate communicator and teacher, Matt is known for his ability to make deep theological truths accessible and compelling. His ministry extends beyond the pulpit through books, podcasts, and conferences, encouraging believers to embrace the transforming power of the gospel.

Lauren is a gifted writer, speaker, and worship leader with a heart for discipleship. Through her books, Bible studies, and music, she encourages women to trust the Lord in all seasons of life. Her personal journey—marked by faithfulness in both joy and suffering—has made her a voice of wisdom and encouragement to many.

Together, Matt and Lauren have navigated seasons of hardship and grace, including Matt’s battle with brain cancer, which deepened their trust in God’s sovereignty. Their marriage and ministry reflect a commitment to seeing individuals and families flourish through the gospel. They are the proud parents of three children and continue to invest in the local church and the broader Christian community, equipping people to follow Jesus with courage and faithfulness.

Dr. Sarita Lyons, affectionately known as “Dr. Sarita,” is a wife, mother, speaker, Bible teacher, and psychotherapist. She serves as the Director of Discipleship and Women’s Ministry at Epiphany Fellowship Church in Philadelphia. Before full-time ministry, Dr. Lyons spent eight years in private practice counseling individuals, families, couples, and church leaders, with specialties in trauma, depression, anxiety, and marriage and family therapy.

She speaks, writes, and advocates on the intersections of faith, mental health, justice, and women’s issues inside and outside the church. Above all, Dr. Lyons is called to unashamedly preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She is passionate about the Church’s emotional and spiritual health, making disciples, and equipping leaders to stand firm amidst cultural shifts.

A highly sought-after speaker and consultant, Dr. Lyons contributed to the award-winning Urban Apologetics series and is the author of Church Girl: A Gospel Vision to Encourage and Challenge Black Christian Women, a USA Today and ECPA Bestseller. Her next book, Honor Thy Mother, releases in 2026.

A Philadelphia native and proud HBCU graduate of Florida A&M University, Dr. Lyons also holds a JD, MA, and PhD in Clinical and Forensic Psychology. She is married to Pastor Mark Lyons, and together they raise four children.

Brian Brookins serves as the Director of Connection and Care at Church United, a collaborative city movement of churches across South Florida working together to promote healthy leaders, thriving churches, and flourishing cities. With over 35 years of experience, Brian is a seasoned leader who has guided faith-based organizations and communities toward meaningful growth and transformation.

His ministry is marked by a commitment to holistic health—emotional, mental, and spiritual—for leaders and congregants alike. He is passionate about building multicultural churches that serve their communities and reflect the unity of Christ. Through teaching, advocacy for the underserved, and a heart for reconciliation, Brian strives to make Christ known.

As Lead Pastor of Riverside Church, Brian led the congregation through a season of significant change, including relocating to a transitional neighborhood and overseeing the management of a 90,000-square-foot retail center that supports the church, local nonprofits, and area businesses. Most recently, he helped guide Riverside through a successful pastoral succession process and continues to serve as an associate pastor.

Brian and his wife Beth have been married for nearly 40 years. They are the proud parents of six adult children, including two adopted from West Africa, and delighted grandparents to a growing number of grandchildren.

Matt Markins serves as the President and CEO of Awana, a global leader in child discipleship. As a leading researcher in child discipleship and children’s ministry, Matt has commissioned eight research projects since 2013, including a study conducted by Barna Group called, Children’s Ministry in a New Reality. He’s the coauthor of three books, most notably RESILIENT: Child Discipleship and the Fearless Future of the Church. He’s also the co-founder of the Child Discipleship Forum and D6 Conference.

Matt is an artist who builds and renovates through carpentry, enjoys travel and slow breakfasts with his wife, Katie. Matt and Katie have been involved in children’s ministry for more than 25 years and spend their time in Nashville with their two sons.