Podcast with Francis Chan, best-selling author of Crazy Love, Forgotten God, Erasing Hell, Multiply, You and Me Forever and Letters to the Church, and most recently Until Unity. For more resources from Crazy Love Ministries or to support the work of Crazy Love please visit our website at crazylove.org
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Following Jesus has never been about doing whatever feels right. Today, Francis looks at the striking difference between Joshua and Judges. One shows a people moving together in faith. The other shows what happens when everyone does what is right in their own eyes. In a culture that celebrates independence and speaking your mind, it can be easy to confuse courage with rebellion. But Scripture…
It's never been easier to do ministry alone. With AI, social media, and endless platforms, we can build an audience without ever building the Body. But that's not the vision we find in Scripture. In this Staff Talk, Francis reflects on the growing pull toward independence and why followers of Jesus are called to something far more difficult: depending on one another. God's Kingdom isn't built by…
Jesus never invited people to become more religious. He invited them to be born again. In this message from THE SEND Philippines, Francis Chan teaches from Ephesians 2 and shows that the heart of the gospel isn't self-improvement, it's new life. Because God is rich in mercy, He doesn't simply forgive our sin. He makes us alive through Christ, fills us with His Spirit, and begins transforming us…
Many of us spend our lives asking God to bless what we're doing, when the greater invitation is to discover what He's already doing and join Him there. In this Staff Talk, Francis shares why following Jesus is about more than serving faithfully. It's about learning to recognize when His Spirit is leading the way. As he reflects on recent ministry experiences, we're reminded that God is still at…
In a culture that constantly demands something bigger, louder, and more entertaining, it's easy to lose sight of what truly transforms us. In this message, Francis Chan challenges the modern Church to examine what has captured our attention and affection. He reminds us that God's Word was never meant to compete with personalities, production, or emotion. The deeper issue isn't that Scripture has…
Many of us know what it's like to feel deeply convicted by God's Word, only to find that conviction fading as life moves on. Instead of responding with obedience, we can become stuck in a cycle of overthinking, waiting for perfect clarity, or convincing ourselves that another day will be a better time to act. In this message, Francis Chan challenges us to rediscover the kind of faith that marked…
God desires to hear our prayers, but Scripture also warns that there are things that can stand in the way. In this message, Francis challenges us to examine our view of God's holiness and the condition of our own hearts. As he walks through Scripture, we're reminded that prayer isn't just about asking God for what we need or want. It's about coming before Him with repentance, humility, and…
Do you truly believe that Jesus is with you? In this message, Francis Chan challenges us to examine whether we're living from the reality of Christ's presence or relying on our own strength. As he reflects on Jesus' promise to always be with us, Francis reminds us that our ministry to others was never meant to be fueled by eloquence, talent, or self-confidence, but by the power of the Holy Spirit.…
Life has a way of pulling our attention in a thousand different directions. Personal struggles, cultural tensions, financial pressures, and uncertainty about the future can leave us feeling anxious and overwhelmed. In this message, Francis Chan encourages us to step back and remember the bigger story. Walking through Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, he highlights God's faithfulness, His…
Have you ever been so satisfied in God's presence that everything else - every worry, distraction, and challenge - begins to lose its grip? Whatever is weighing on you today, there is an invitation to come and be with Him. In His presence, we find the peace, joy, and strength we've been searching for all along. In this episode, Francis explores the invitation to find our deepest satisfaction in…
It's easy to believe that peace is waiting on the other side of better circumstances. A breakthrough. A solution. A different season. But the deepest peace comes from something else entirely. In this Staff Talk, Francis shares what God has been reminding him about contentment, suffering, mission, and the presence of God. He explores what it looks like to be so anchored in God that circumstances no…
As information becomes more accessible than ever, many of us feel the pressure to have answers for everything. But what happens when the constant stream of opinions, arguments, and competing voices leaves us feeling more overwhelmed than confident? In this Staff Talk, Francis reflects on the challenge of pursuing truth in a noisy world and the peace that comes from returning to what matters most.…
Where do you find the right people to walk with through different seasons of life and ministry? How do you stay grounded in what matters when technology keeps changing the way we relate to each other? And what does faithfulness actually look like over the long haul? In this Staff Talk, Francis reflects on the kind of life that lasts - one marked by love, humility, and a steady dependence on God.…
Has the church lost the fear of God? In this episode of Staff Talks, Francis reflects on a growing burden he feels for the modern church - a drift away from honor, biblical conviction, and the simple authority of Scripture. From teaching in prison to worshiping openly on Stanford’s campus, Francis contrasts the fear of man with the fear of God and wrestles with what happens when culture,…
Obedience can feel complicated, but Jesus made it simple. In this episode, Francis Chan unpacks John 15 and shows how obedience and love are inseparable. When Jesus calls us to keep His commands, He ultimately points us to one: love one another as I have loved you. This kind of love goes far beyond words or weekly gatherings. It’s sacrificial, generous, and rooted in a deep trust that God’s…
Ever found yourself starting to pray “smaller” prayers? Maybe you've walked through disappointment, things didn't turn out the way you expected, or what once felt powerful now seems like a distant memory. Over time, it’s easy to become more “reasonable” in what we believe God can do. But what if that shift isn’t maturity… but drift? In this honest and searching message, Francis Chan looks at the…
What if God loves you more than anyone you’ve ever loved? Think about someone you deeply care about, someone you would do anything for. Now imagine this: God loves you even more than that. He knows everything about you and still chose to give His Son for you. But if that’s true… why do so many of us still feel powerless? In Ephesians 1, Scripture says there is an immeasurable greatness of power at…
Do you know God as a loving dad? One who always wants to see you, always wants to hear from you, and always wants to be with you? If you answered no, you’re not alone. For a myriad of reasons, many of us struggle to relate to Him as father, but He’s still waiting for you with open arms. His love for us is secure, unmoving and forever, light years better than even the best dad we can imagine. In…
What are we actually coming for when we gather? For many of us, church has become something we can predict - good music, a thoughtful message, a meaningful moment or two. And while none of that is bad, it’s possible to walk away satisfied… without ever encountering the presence of God. In this message, Francis Chan challenges us to rethink what we expect when we come together. He reminds us that…
Why are so many of us burning out so quickly? What if the answer to our exhaustion wasn’t in more energy drinks, but in learning to embrace the quiet and waiting on the strength of God? In this episode, Francis shares a handful of stories from around the world to illustrate how spending time alone with God truly refreshes our hearts, brings peace to our souls, and empowers us with His Spirit to…
“Staff Talks with Francis” is a new series where we share real moments from our Crazy Love staff meetings - honest conversations about following Jesus, caring for the church, and discerning God’s voice in the middle of everyday ministry. Are you constantly checking your phone… without even thinking about it? Scrolling. Notifications. Endless updates. In a world full of distractions, many of us are…
Do we actually expect “mystery” from God when we come to a church gathering? More often than not, we show up as a ritual, looking for little more than a motivational speech, maybe a new Greek word or two, and a moving worship set... and think that's what makes a great Sunday. But what if church was meant to do more than just inform or impress us? What if God's design for our experiences together…
What matters most to God when it comes to His Church? Is it how many people we can gather in a room? How compelling the preaching is? How precisely we can unpack a verse in Greek or Hebrew? What if it’s none of those things? In this teaching, Francis Chan paints a picture of the kind of community God actually desires - one marked by deep unity, sacrificial love, and shared mission. Drawing from…
What if experiencing God’s closeness wasn’t rare, but constant? What if freedom from sin didn’t come from trying harder, but from being so satisfied in Christ that sin simply lost its appeal? In this message from Pepperdine University, Francis Chan calls us beyond hype and emotional moments to a faith that truly abides - a life rooted in Jesus, shaped by His Word, and empowered by His Spirit. This…
How much would you give to hear the audible voice of God? What would you be willing to set aside for a few hours? What lengths would you go to if you knew you could have a face-to-face conversation with Him? This access to God is available right here and right now. All you have to do is… stop. In this teaching, Francis reminds us of the heart of our Heavenly Father - to be with us, to forgive us,…
When the world feels unstable and the future seems uncertain, how should followers of Jesus respond? In this powerful message, Francis Chan reflects on how quickly life can change and why Scripture calls believers not to fear, but to live with eternal confidence. Walking through Jesus’ warnings about the narrow road, lukewarm faith, and self-deception, Francis challenges listeners to honestly…
In Part 2 of this conversation, Francis and Lisa Chan respond to live questions about living “on mission” as a family without losing your soul, your kids, or your joy. They tackle what happens when a husband and wife feel pulled in different directions, how to think biblically about leadership and authority, and why so many “marriage problems” are really worship and contentment problems. You’ll…
What if marriage was never meant to just be about your happiness? In Part 1 of this candid and challenging teaching, Francis and Lisa Chan invite listeners to rethink marriage, family, and discipleship through the lens of eternity. Drawing from decades of shared ministry, they show that unity, joy, and intimacy in marriage are often the byproducts of pursuing God’s mission together... not the…
Today, Francis Chan sits down with Joni Eareckson Tada for a deeply personal conversation about perseverance, joy, and enduring faith in a life marked by suffering. Joni shares how nearly 60 years in a wheelchair, seasons of pain, illness, and discouragement have become the place where Jesus meets her most intimately, strengthening her to “fight for joy” day after day. Together, they talk about…
This is a sacred and deeply personal conversation between Francis and his close friend, Alan, shared with permission from the family. In this phone call, a pastor nearing the end of his earthly life reflects on suffering, peace, intimacy with God, and the hope found in Jesus Christ. What unfolds is not a polished sermon, but an honest, unscripted testimony of faith, spoken in weakness, clarity,…
In today’s episode, Francis Chan reflects on a life-altering trip to India that exposed the quiet compromises of his own heart and reminded him of the beauty of radical devotion to Christ. From imprisoned pastors and selfless servants in leper colonies to a personal moment of repentance, Francis walks listeners through what Scripture says about covetousness, contentment, and true joy in God. He…
In this Christmas teaching, Francis Chan invites us to slow down and truly adore Jesus. To not just believe in Him, but respond to the God who first came after us. Reflecting on the meaning of ”Emmanuel, God with us,” Francis explains how God has always been the initiator: creating humanity, pursuing us after the fall, dwelling among His people, sending His Son, and ultimately placing His Spirit…
Do you ever find yourself rushing through everything--a meal, time with a loved one, or even a moment you were looking forward to? Or maybe obsessing over a specific goal, or weighed down by the all-too-common thought, "Why can't I be more like them? I must not be doing enough." What if it didn't have to be that way? What if you could break the cycle and find actual joy again? What if the point of…
In today’s message, Francis Chan shares the profoundly deep impact that discipleship has had on his walk with God, his ability to lead, and his growth in Christlikeness. You'll hear about the practical ways God equipped him for life through the examples of his youth leaders and godly mentors--those who sacrificed their comfort to be able to pour into him, and how he was forever changed for the…
Today, Francis Chan and Gavin Ortlund continue their conversation and share practical, everyday ways to connect with God’s holiness, His deep love for us, and the call to live in the constant awareness of what Jesus’ death and resurrection means for us in the here and now. Drawing from passages like 1 Thessalonians 5 and Ephesians 3, Francis reminds us that God calls us to both warn the wandering…
Francis Chan sits down with theologian and apologist Gavin Ortlund ( truthunites.org ) for a vulnerable, wide-ranging conversation about communion, church unity, and what it means to love other Christians in a fractured age. Francis shares his own journey wrestling with the Eucharist, reading the church fathers, engaging Roman Catholic and Orthodox perspectives, and discovering the “real presence”…
In this powerful teaching, Francis Chan shares his experience visiting a village church in rural China - one of the most beautiful pictures of the Body of Christ he has ever witnessed. What he encountered wasn’t consumer Christianity or personality-driven gatherings, but a community of believers who had truly given themselves away. Francis contrasts this with the Western tendency to attend church…
Francis Chan invites us to linger at the foot of the cross and fix our eyes on Jesus. Drawing from the story of Gethsemane and 2 Peter 1, Francis reminds us that we’ve been given “everything we need for life and godliness,” called to become partakers of the divine nature, and urged to “make every effort” toward virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and…
In today’s message, Francis Chan paints a picture of what the Church was always meant to be - a family where every member brings their gifts, their stories, and their brokenness into the light. He shares how honesty, humility, and repentance create space for God’s Spirit to move and bring real revival. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 1 and the book of Job, Francis reminds us that God’s comfort in…
In this powerful message from a worship night at Pepperdine University, Francis Chan challenges us to long for more than just emotional moments or great worship experiences, but to hunger for the presence of God Himself. Drawing from Exodus 33, Francis unpacks Moses’ bold statement to God: “If Your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” He reminds us that Moses wasn’t…
In this message, Francis Chan invites us to slow down, pray, and truly believe that God Himself is with us, right here, right now. Teaching from Ephesians 1, Francis explores Paul’s prayer that “the eyes of your heart may be enlightened,” revealing how deeply God loves His people and how much He longs for us to live in the fullness of His power and grace. Francis shares his own journey from…
In this powerful conversation originally recorded for Lecrae’s podcast, The Deep End, Francis Chan joins Lecrae for an honest and deeply personal dialogue about insecurity, identity, and the love of God that casts out fear. Together they explore the fear of man that grips so many leaders today, the dangers of living for approval, and how the revelation of God’s love transforms everything. Francis…
Two classmates. Thirty years of ministry. And one question that wouldn’t go away: Am I truly loved by God? Today, Francis Chan sits down with long-time friend, Pastor Ken Murphy to talk about the drift from joy into performance and the moment a revelation of God’s grace finally broke through. This is a conversation about moving from “working to be loved” to living from a love that never changes.…
In this episode of the Crazy Love Podcast, Francis Chan opens his heart about what it truly means to live from God’s love rather than striving to earn it. So many of us believe God loved us when we were His enemies, yet live as though His affection now depends on our performance as His children. Francis reminds us that God’s love is constant, unshakable, and infinitely beyond anything we can…
In this recent interview with Charisma Magazine, Francis Chan reflects on his personal journey from insecurity to freedom in God’s love - the message at the heart of his brand-new book, Beloved. Francis shares how the Word of God has not only convicted him but opened his eyes to God’s promises, how prayer shifted his life at a crucial moment, and why our deepest identity must be rooted in being…
Do you care too much about your career, your house, or even your favorite sports team, and too little about what God cares about? In this challenging message, Francis admits his own struggle with this question. He explains that we often fail to weep over sin because we love to talk about God’s blessings and promises but shy away from His warnings of judgment. This message will force you to look at…
What would it look like if the Church truly lived out the radical faith found in the Book of Acts? In this compelling message, Francis Chan urges believers to go beyond passively hearing God’s word and begin living lives marked by deep repentance, bold obedience, and authentic transformation. He challenges the Church to break free from spiritual complacency and embrace a lifestyle that reflects…
In today’s message, Francis Chan challenges our modern assumptions about worship, prayer, and the presence of God. Drawing from Hebrews 12, he paints a vivid picture of the God we’ve forgotten—blazing fire, darkness, tempest, unapproachable light—and reminds us that worship isn’t about our preferences or opinions, but about coming before the Almighty with reverence and awe. Wherever you’re…
In this compelling message, Francis Chan shares the burden that has been burning in his heart: a deep longing to see people who are spiritually dead brought to life by the power of the Holy Spirit. He speaks about the kind of transformation we read about in Scripture—where people turn from sin, are filled with the Spirit, and become radically different, walking in holiness, conviction, and bold…
In this powerful message, Francis Chan challenges the modern church’s dependence on celebrity pastors and passive faith. Drawing from Exodus 19, Acts 4, and 2 Peter 1, he calls believers to go beyond relying on others to bring them into God’s presence, emphasizing that every follower of Christ has direct access to Him. Francis exhorts the church to pursue holiness, unity, and courage with urgency,…
