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 called “Dr. Sarita,” is a wife, mother, speaker, bible teacher, and psychotherapist. She is on staff at Epiphany Fellowship Church in Philadelphia as the Director of Discipleship and Women’s Ministry. Prior to full time ministry, Dr. Lyons was in private practice for eight years, where she provided counseling for individuals, families, couples, and groups for a variety of psychological needs. Some of her treatment specialties are recovery from trauma, depression, anxiety, marriage and family therapy. She also specializes in counseling and consultation for church leadership and their families for personal and ministry related needs. Dr. Lyons speaks, writes, and advocates about the intersections of faith, mental health, and justice; as well as women’s issues in and outside of the church. Most importantly, Dr. Lyons is called to unashamedly preach the unadulterated Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Lyons is passionate about the emotional and spiritual health of the Church, making disciples, and developing leaders. She deeply cares about the Church being stabilized in Christ amidst the changing tides and influence of culture. She is a highly sought-after speaker and consultant for churches, women's groups, organizations, and educational institutions around the country.

Dr. Lyons is a contributing writer for the multi-award winning book, Urban Apologetics: How the Gospel Restores Black Dignity, General Editor, Dr. Eric Mason. In her chapter she writes about, “Black Women and The Appeal of The Black Conscious Community and Feminism.” She also contributed two chapters in the second Urban Apologetics book (2023) on the LBGTQ+ movement and church response and a biblical apologetic for gender, sex, and marriage. Dr. Lyons' first book titled "Church Girl: A Gospel Vision to Encourage and Challenge Black Christian Women" released on August 20, 2024 and has been named a USA Today National Bestseller and ECPA Bestseller Christian New Release (November 2024). ​Dr. Lyons recently signed another significant two book deal with the same publisher. Her second book, Honor Thy Mother: Grieving, Healing, and Making Peace with your Mother Wounds will be released Summer 2026.

A native of Philadelphia and a product of the Philadelphia Public School System, Dr. Lyons is a proud graduate from an HBCU, Florida A&M University, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Psychology. In graduate school, Dr. Lyons simultaneously studied law and psychology at one of the country's rare joint JD/PhD programs. She graduated from Villanova University School of Law, and earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and a Ph.D. in Clinical and Forensic Psychology from Drexel University. She also taught as an adjunct professor at Drexel University’s College of Medicine.

Dr. Lyons is married to Pastor Mark Lyons who is a bi-vocational elder at Epiphany Fellowship Church, a commercial airline pilot (Captain) for JetBlue Airways, and a retired Lt. Colonel from the United States Air Force. They are the parents of four wonderful children Malachi, Sophia, Olivia, and Gabriella.

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.