Matt Chandler is making waves on social media after a 35-second clip from a 47-minute sermon he gave in August of this year at The Village Church, where he is the lead pastor, began circulating. In the clip, Chandler described Christian deconstruction as something today’s culture views as “sexy.”
The word “sexy” has been used to describe something that is appealing or exciting. In this case, Chandler was explaining that deconstruction of the Christian faith is popular at the moment.
In 2016, the term “exvangelical” was created in reference to someone who had left evangelicalism. Since then the term has grown in popularity.
Critics within the exvangelical community have called Chandler’s words “offensive,” arguing that deconstruction isn’t “sexy.” They have also pointed out that it is churches like Chandler’s that have led to their deconstruction, because of the way they mishandle sexual abuse claims.