Crazy Love Podcast

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, and deep trust in God. Our hope is that these words would encourage those who are suffering, those walking with loved ones through pain, and anyone longing to understand the peace that Scripture describes as “beyond understanding.” We invite you to listen slowly, prayerfully, and with reverence. “He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

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 challenges the subtle ways we normalize desire for more while neglecting the command to “set our minds on things above.” This episode isn’t about trying harder. It’s about clearing space to enjoy God again. If you’ve ever felt distracted, discontent, or spiritually numb, this message is an invitation to return to a simpler, deeper intimacy with Jesus and to rediscover the freedom that comes from being dead to the things of the world and alive in Christ.

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 within us. From the garden to the manger to the indwelling Holy Spirit, the story of Christmas is the story of a God who wants to be with us. This message reframes prayer, worship, and even repentance, not as efforts to earn God’s attention, but as responses to His mercy, grace, and relentless love. As we celebrate Christmas, we’re reminded that God is near, He is knocking, and He longs to pour His love into our hearts.

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 life wasn't a scoreboard--even a ministry scoreboard--but being still and just knowing He is God? Francis Chan shares the importance of approaching life from a deep awareness of God's loving presence, the peace that comes when we let go of comparison, and the joy of walking out the uniquely designed purpose He set aside for you. We pray you come away from this message with a greater confidence that your God is with you, for you, and more than able to carry you through whatever you’re walking through.

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 better as a result. He also unpacks God's model for how discipleship is meant to work for the equipping and sharpening of younger generations and helping older generations find new joy in seeing their younger brothers and sisters flourishing, leading and loving like Jesus. He encourages each of us to begin to look for the younger ones in our lives that we can pour into, to create an abundance of light that will continue shining long after Jesus calls us home. May each of us do the same, taking our personal walk with Him seriously so that we can make true disciples with our lives, not just our sermons.