Pastor Stephen Chandler is a name synonymous with dynamic leadership, transformative ministry, and a relentless passion for helping people discover their God-given destiny. As the lead pastor of Union Church, Stephen has become a prominent figure in modern Christian ministry, inspiring thousands with his powerful messages and innovative approach to church growth. This article delves into his life, ministry, and the impact he has made on countless lives.
Early Life and Spiritual Awakening
Stephen Chandler was born into a family deeply rooted in faith. Growing up in the suburbs of Baltimore County, Maryland, he was raised by immigrant parents from Barbados who instilled in him the values of hard work, resilience, and faith. Despite his father’s demanding role as a bivocational pastor—balancing ministry with running a medical courier business—Stephen initially had no desire to follow in his footsteps.
At the age of 13, Stephen became a believer and developed a passion for God. However, it wasn’t until he was 16 that he experienced a radical encounter with the Holy Spirit during a church service led by a missionary from Guyana. This moment marked a turning point in his life. Over the next three days, Stephen was consumed by visions of people in his community who were unaware of God’s purpose for their lives. This experience ignited within him a deep desire to dedicate his life to ministry.
The Journey into Ministry
Stephen’s journey into ministry began with small but impactful steps. As a teenager, he served in various capacities within his father’s church, including leading worship, preaching, and organizing youth events. His leadership skills quickly became evident as he spearheaded citywide youth gatherings that attracted hundreds of young people. These events eventually evolved into a thriving youth ministry at New Life International Fellowship, where Stephen served as Youth Pastor for five years.
Despite his growing involvement in ministry, Stephen initially resisted the idea of becoming a full-time pastor. He dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur and funding kingdom work from outside the church. However, God had other plans. At 23, following his mother’s battle with breast cancer and his father’s decision to step back from pastoral duties, Stephen was unexpectedly asked to take over as senior pastor of New Life International Fellowship.
The Birth of Destiny Church
Assuming leadership at such a young age came with its challenges. When Stephen took over New Life International Fellowship, it was a small congregation struggling to grow. Determined to make an impact, he sought guidance from the Association of Related Churches (ARC), which helped him replant the church under the new name Destiny Church in 2011.
Destiny Church started with just over 300 attendees but faced significant hurdles in its early years. Growth was slow, and there were moments when Stephen doubted whether the church would survive. However, through perseverance and strategic changes in leadership and operations, Destiny Church began to flourish.
By focusing on creating an exciting culture and emphasizing family engagement, Destiny Church grew into one of the fastest-growing churches in America. Under Stephen’s leadership, it became known for its vibrant worship services and commitment to helping people discover their purpose.
Union Church: A New Chapter
In 2020, Destiny Church merged with i5 City Church to form Union Church—a bold move that exemplified Stephen’s vision for unity and collaboration within the body of Christ. The merger brought together two thriving congregations under one banner, creating a multisite megachurch that continues to expand its reach across Maryland and beyond.
Union Church is characterized by its diverse community and focus on discipleship. Stephen often emphasizes that while converts add to a church’s numbers, disciples multiply its impact. This philosophy has guided Union Church’s mission to not only bring people to Christ but also equip them to live out their faith actively.
A Message of Purpose
Central to Pastor Stephen Chandler’s ministry is the message of purpose. He believes that every individual has a unique destiny ordained by God and is passionate about helping people discover and fulfill it. His sermons often challenge listeners to surrender control of their lives to God and embrace His plan wholeheartedly.
Stephen’s ability to connect with people from all walks of life has made him a sought-after speaker at conferences and events worldwide. His teachings are both profound and practical, addressing real-life issues while pointing audiences toward eternal truths.
Personal Life
Stephen Chandler is not only a pastor but also a devoted husband and father. He is married to Zai Chandler, who serves alongside him in ministry. Together, they have two children—Zoe and Roman—and reside in Columbia, Maryland.
Family plays an integral role in Stephen’s life and ministry. He often credits Zai for her unwavering support and shares how their partnership has been instrumental in building Union Church into what it is today.
Books and Resources
In addition to his pastoral duties, Stephen Chandler is an accomplished author whose writings reflect his passion for helping others grow spiritually. His books provide practical guidance on topics such as relationships, leadership, and discovering one’s purpose.
Stephen’s most recent book has garnered widespread acclaim for its relatable insights and actionable advice. Through his writing, he continues to reach audiences far beyond the walls of Union Church.
Challenges and Triumphs
Stephen Chandler’s journey has not been without challenges. From leading a struggling congregation in his early years to navigating the complexities of merging two churches during a global pandemic, he has faced numerous obstacles. However, these experiences have only strengthened his resolve and deepened his reliance on God.
One particularly difficult period was losing his mother to breast cancer—a loss that profoundly impacted both his family and ministry. Despite this tragedy, Stephen remained steadfast in his faith and used the experience to inspire others facing similar struggles.
Impact on the Community
Under Stephen Chandler’s leadership, Union Church has become more than just a place of worship; it is a beacon of hope for its community. Through various outreach programs and initiatives, the church addresses pressing social issues such as poverty, racial reconciliation, and education.
Stephen’s commitment to diversity is evident in Union Church’s congregation, which reflects people from different ethnicities and backgrounds coming together as one family in Christ.
Looking Ahead
As Pastor Stephen Chandler continues to lead Union Church into the future, his vision remains clear: to see lives transformed by the power of the gospel and communities united under God’s love. With plans for further expansion and new initiatives on the horizon, there is no doubt that his impact will continue to grow.
Through his unwavering faith, innovative leadership, and heartfelt messages, Pastor Stephen Chandler exemplifies what it means to live out one’s calling fully. His story serves as an inspiration to all who seek to make a difference in their world while staying true to their God-given purpose.
Pastor Stephen Chandler’s biography is not just about one man’s journey; it is about how faith can transform lives when coupled with vision and determination. Whether through preaching from the pulpit or writing books that resonate deeply with readers worldwide, Stephen remains committed to pointing people toward their destiny—a destiny rooted firmly in Christ.