7 Surprising Facts About Zai Chandler: The Powerhouse Wife And Co-Pastor Of Stephen Chandler

The relationship between Pastor Stephen Chandler and his wife, Zai Chandler, is one of the most visible and dynamic partnerships in modern ministry, extending far beyond the pulpit. As of late 2024, they continue to lead one of America's fastest-growing congregations, Union Church in Maryland, while simultaneously raising a family and sharing their wisdom on marriage, finance, and leadership across major platforms. This deep dive reveals the woman behind the bestselling author and senior pastor, offering the most current and comprehensive details about Zai Chandler's life, her powerful ministry, and the family she has built with Stephen.

The Chandlers are not just spiritual leaders; they are a modern power couple whose joint ministry is characterized by authenticity, humor, and a direct, no-nonsense approach to life's biggest challenges, as evidenced by their popular joint appearances on topics like the "2024 Money Talks Q&A" and "Love, Sex, Rock & Roll Q&A." Their story is a testament to the power of a shared vision, a commitment that has seen their ministry grow from a small gathering into a multisite, high-capacity movement.

Complete Biography: Stephen & Zai Chandler Profile

This section outlines the essential biographical facts for both Pastor Stephen Chandler and his wife, Zai Chandler, providing a foundation for understanding their shared life and ministry.

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• Full Name (Husband): Stephen R. Chandler
• Full Name (Wife): Zai Chandler (Maiden name not publicly disclosed)
• Current Location: Reside in Bowie, Maryland, and Reisterstown, Maryland area.
• Marital Status: Married
• Children: Three—Zoe Chandler, Roman Chandler, and Jade Chandler.
• Husband's Education: B.S. in Economics from The University of Maryland, College Park.
• Husband's Key Roles: Senior Pastor of Union Church (Maryland), Bestselling Author, Speaker, Member of the ARC (Association of Related Churches) Lead Team.
• Wife's Key Roles: Co-Pastor of Union Church, Speaker, Ministry Leader focused on women's issues.
• Ministry History: Stephen Chandler launched Destiny Harvest Church in 2011, which later merged to become the multisite Union Church.
• Husband's Bestselling Book: Stop Waiting for Permission.

The Co-Pastor Powerhouse: Zai Chandler's Unique Ministry

While Pastor Stephen Chandler is often recognized as the lead visionary and author, Zai Chandler is an indispensable force who has cultivated her own distinct and powerful ministry. She is far more than a pastor's wife; she is an authentic, joy-filled, and effective communicator of faith.

The Focus on Women's Empowerment

Zai Chandler is widely known for her passionate dedication to empowering women. Her message series and talks, such as "What Women Need" and "I Didn't See This Coming," resonate deeply with the female members of the congregation and beyond. She brings a unique blend of warmth, wit, and wisdom to her teaching, offering practical and relatable guidance on navigating faith, family, and personal purpose.

A Partnership in Leadership

The Chandlers exemplify a true partnership in both marriage and ministry. Zai serves as the Co-Pastor of Union Church, a role that involves high-level leadership and vision-casting alongside Stephen. This co-leadership model is central to Union Church's identity, which has grown from a group of fifty people to a community of thousands across multiple sites in Maryland. Their ability to openly discuss the challenges of balancing a high-capacity church with family life is a key aspect of their public appeal.

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The Chandler Family: Raising Zoe, Roman, and Jade

Stephen Chandler frequently emphasizes that his "true legacy" is his family: his wife, Zai, and their three beautiful children—Zoe, Roman, and Jade. The Chandlers are transparent about the realities of raising a family while leading a large, growing ministry, often sharing insights into their personal lives to encourage others.

The family resides in the Bowie, MD, area, and their life is a delicate balance of public ministry and private family time. Their children are an integral part of their story, often mentioned in discussions about maintaining strong family values amidst the demands of a high-profile calling. This commitment to family is a central theme in their overall message, particularly in their joint appearances on relationship-focused platforms like the "Dear Future Wifey Podcast."

The Stephen Chandler Ministry: From Destiny Harvest to Union Church

To fully appreciate Zai Chandler's role, one must understand the foundation of the ministry she co-leads. Stephen Chandler’s journey into ministry began with a "radical encounter with the Holy Spirit" at the age of 16. His formal education includes a B.S. in Economics from The University of Maryland, College Park, which he applies to the practical, strategic growth of the church.

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The Birth of a Movement

In 2011, Stephen launched Destiny Harvest Church. Over a decade, this ministry experienced exponential growth, eventually leading to a merger that formed the current Union Church. This transition was acknowledged by Stephen as a complex process of setting up "extra capacity" for a multisite future. Today, Union Church is recognized as one of America's fastest-growing congregations, known for its life-giving community and commitment to outreach.

The Bestselling Author and Global Speaker

Stephen Chandler is a bestselling author, most notably for his book, Stop Waiting for Permission, which imparts practical strategies for long-term success and ministry growth. This no-nonsense, empowering message is a cornerstone of his brand. He and Zai are also key leaders within the ARC (Association of Related Churches), serving on the Lead Team and speaking at major leadership events like the BLDRS Conference, further solidifying their influence in the global church landscape.

Current and Future Endeavors (2024 Updates)

The Chandlers remain highly active and relevant, with several high-profile engagements and publications in 2024 that underscore their continued influence:

• Catalyst at the Arena: In July 2024, Stephen and Zai Chandler were scheduled to host the Union Church Catalyst event at the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena, a major sign of their church's scale and influence.
• Financial and Relationship Q&As: They hosted the "2024 Money Talks Q&A" with financial expert Anthony O'Neal and a separate "Love, Sex, Rock & Roll Q&A," demonstrating their commitment to addressing real-world issues for couples and families.
• Continued Leadership Content: Stephen Chandler continues to publish leadership-focused articles on the ARC website, with a new article appearing in May 2024, proving their ongoing thought leadership in church planting and growth.

The dynamic duo of Stephen and Zai Chandler continues to shape the conversation around modern ministry, marriage, and leadership. Zai Chandler’s role as Co-Pastor, authentic communicator, and devoted mother is essential to the success and reach of Union Church, making her a powerful figure in her own right. Their shared vision ensures that their ministry remains fresh, relevant, and impactful for thousands of people across Maryland and the world.