Beloved Pastor’s Wife Battles Mystery Illness In Hospital Stay
Pastor Matt Chandler of The Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas, is requesting prayers for his wife, Lauren, who has been hospitalized for several days due to a high fever and an undiagnosed illness. In an emotional Instagram post on Sunday, Chandler shared that it was the third day of Lauren’s hospitalization, where she was battling a persistent fever and various symptoms. Despite extensive tests, the cause of her illness remains unclear, with doctors suspecting a viral infection. Chandler noted that although tests for various conditions have all come back negative, Lauren’s fever was still a concern.
In the update, Chandler reported some positive developments in his wife’s condition, such as stabilized liver enzymes and a more manageable fever. Lauren’s blood pressure had returned to normal, and although her condition was improving, she continued to experience severe headaches due to a spinal tap. Chandler expressed gratitude for the prayers, mentioning that Lauren was finally able to get some rest despite still feeling quite ill.
A follow-up post on Monday revealed that Lauren’s fever had finally broken, though the exact cause of her illness remained undetermined. Chandler shared that doctors had ruled out several serious conditions, including autoimmune disorders, and that Lauren had developed double pneumonia, for which she was given a new antibiotic. Despite the progress, Lauren remained exhausted and in the hospital, and Chandler shared his frustration at being unable to do more for her, emphasizing the need for continued prayers for her recovery.
This hospitalization comes over a decade after Chandler himself battled a brain tumor, and Lauren has previously faced medical challenges, including multiple miscarriages. The Chandler family has been a central figure at The Village Church, with Matt Chandler serving as the lead pastor for over 20 years. In addition to his pastoral role, Chandler leads the church-planting organization Acts 29.
Chandler is also known for his outspoken views on politics. Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, he criticized the Republican Party’s manipulation of Evangelical Christians, suggesting they have co-opted the community for political gain. He also condemned the moral stance of the Democratic Party. Chandler’s public life has not been without controversy, as he faced scrutiny in 2022 after it was revealed he had exchanged inappropriate but non-sexual messages with a woman on Instagram, leading to a temporary leave of absence from his ministry.