Matt Chandler

Frequently Asked Questions

What books have been most influential in your life and thoughts?
  1. The Bible
  2. Desiring God and Pleasures of God by John Piper
  3. Chosen by God by R.C. Sproul
  4. Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin
  5. Anything by C.S. Lewis but especially The Weight of Glory
  6. Anything by Jonathan Edwards but specifically Religious Affections
  7. Anything by John Owen but especially The Mortification of Sin
What ideas have strongly influenced you?
  1. Christian Hedonism – The idea that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him has absolutely ruined me. It shook me out of trying to be good and created in me the questions: "Does this stir up my affections for Christ?" and "Does this rob me of my affection for Christ?"
  2. Missional living – The idea of intentional living and contextualizing the Gospel for this generation and culture as well as engaging the world instead of isolating ourselves from it have shaped my preaching and living.
What books do you recommend for Pastors?
  1. The Bible – I understand the need for books on leadership, theology and history. My hope is that you would feast on the scriptures, feel the angst and awe and be overwhelmed by the Gospel of our great God and King. This book is life changing and sufficient.
What books are you currently reading?
  1. The Divine Commodity by Skye Jethani
  2. God, Marriage, and Family by Andreas Kostenberger
  3. Total Church by Tim Chester
  4. The Study of Evangelism by Paul Wesley Chilcote
  5. The Gospel and Personal Evangelism by Mark Dever
  6. Hearts and Minds by Kenneth Boa and John Alan Turner
What books have you read recently?
  1. The Historical Reliability of the Gospels By Craig Blomberg
  2. In My Place Condemned He Stood by J.I. Packer
  3. Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity by Mark Noll
  4. Culture-Making: Recovering our Creative Calling by Andy Crouch
  5. Till We Have Built Jerusalem by Philip Bess
  6. Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright
  7. The Big Sort: Why the Clustering of Like Minded America is Tearing us Apart By Bill Bishop
  8. Who's Your City? by Richard Florida
  9. Approaching the Heart of Prophecy by Graham Cooke