Melanie Chandler

Children's Ministry

My faith journey:

I was born in Mishawaka, Indiana, and lived my early childhood surrounded by cornfields. I was raised in a Christian home where my father was a pastor for 35 years. I accepted Christ as my savior at the age of 4, and I am fortunate to have very few memories where Christ and His Church didn’t play a key role in my life. I quickly developed a passion for serving others by watching my parents in ministry and being welcomed to participate in meeting others’ needs through their work. We moved from Indiana to Osceola County when I was six, and I attended Heritage Christian School from kindergarten through high school. I felt the calling to be a pastor’s wife at the age of 12 and surrendered my life to ministry. Mike and I met at my dad’s church (right after I graduated with my undergraduate degree), and we were engaged and married shortly after that. We have been married for 20 years and have 5 beautiful children: Caleb, Cadence, Logan, Timmy, and Daisy. Mike and I are a great team and best friends. I am currently the Director of Production and Theological Editor for New Leaf Publishing and Master Books.

Education:

  • Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Christian Discipleship, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, NC, 2024
    • Dissertation: An Evaluation of a Selection of Women’s Discipleship Curricula for the Purpose of Assessing the Inclusion of Biblical Doctrine and Spiritual Disciplines in Women’s Discipleship Curricula
  • Diploma in Women’s Ministry, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, NC, 2016
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA), Palm Beach Atlantic University, Orlando, FL, 2006
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business, , Palm Beach Atlantic University, Orlando, FL, 2004

Books I recommend:

  • Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms by Justin Earley Whitmel
  • Eve in Exile by Rebeka Merkle
  • Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Dr. Tedd Tripp

Discipleship and Theological Resources

  • Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert E. Coleman
  • Transforming Discipleship by Greg Ogden
  • Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney
  • Rediscovering Discipleship by Robby Gallaty
  • Bible Doctrine by Wayne Grudem

Details
Responsibilities
Children's Ministry
Family
My husband Mike and I were married in 2006 and have five children: Caleb, Cadence, Logan, Timothy, Daisy
Places I’ve lived
Born in Mishawaka, Indiana, raised and married in Kissimmee, Florida, and lived in Saint Cloud since 2011
Kingdom Passion
I love doing one and one discipleship with women. I am passionate about teaching women the Word and Theology. I am passionate about creating Biblical curriculum that honors the integrity of the Word and builds a strong foundation. Mike and I are also passionate about marriage, and our collective ministry strengthens marriages that are often in crisis.
Hobbies
I love spending time with my family. We love traveling to the National Parks, and I love dragging them on all sorts of hikes. I also like watching college and pro basketball and college football. I am a Big 10 fan and an Indiana Pacers fan, and I married into being an Orlando Magic fan until the Magic play the Pacers.
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