Top 15 Incredible Facts about Francis Chan

Top 15 Incredible Facts about Francis Chan

Like many Christians, I’m fascinated by influential faith leaders who break the mold. So I’m delighted to spotlight 15 incredible facts about pastor Francis Chan.

While his bold preaching and radical lifestyle choices have inspired many, there are astonishing details about this maverick figure still undiscovered. From early ministry days to global outreach, this glimpse illuminates surprising trivia beyond Chan’s bestselling books.

We’ll explore the zeal and controversy surrounding his calls for biblical discipleship, church reform, and living by faith. This collection unmasks overlooked perspectives on the complex man behind the mythos.

Join me as we rediscover Francis Chan through a revealing lens that spotlights his flaws, convictions, and polarizing impact. The extraordinary truth promises to fascinate followers and critics alike.

1.  He was partially raised by his Buddhist grandmother 

Dirk Beyer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Chan was partially raised by his Buddhist grandmother. Francis Chan, a prominent Christian pastor and author, has openly shared details of his upbringing, including the influence of his grandmother’s Buddhist beliefs on his early life.

Born to Chinese parents, Chan experienced a blend of cultural and religious influences during his childhood. His journey eventually led him to embrace Christianity, and he went on to become a well-known figure in the Christian community.

Chan’s personal story, marked by a transition from Buddhist upbringing to Christian faith, has been a source of inspiration for many within the Christian community.

2. Chan was active in Christian youth groups throughout his youth

 Chan was involved in Christian youth groups during his high school and junior college years, which played an important role in shaping his Christian faith and interest in ministry.

As a teenager in California, Chan participated actively in youth groups through his church and campus Christian fellowships. These experiences nurtured his evangelical beliefs, passion for the Bible, and desire to spread the Gospel.

Chan’s youth group involvement laid the foundation for his future vocation as a pastor and influential voice in the American evangelical movement. After college, Chan went on to graduate studies at a Christian college and soon embarked on a career in full-time ministry and church leadership.

3. He earned a master of divinity degree from The Master’s Seminary

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Francis graduated from high school and went on to pursue higher education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Master’s College and later obtained a master of divinity degree from The Master’s Seminary.

Francis Chan’s academic journey laid the foundation for his subsequent career as a Christian pastor, speaker, and author.

His commitment to theological education and his passion for sharing the message of Christianity have made him a significant figure within the Christian community, and his educational background has played a crucial role in shaping his understanding of theology and ministry.

4. Chan “landed a youth pastor position” the Church at Rocky Peak after earning his seminary degree

After graduating seminary, Francis Chan began working as a youth pastor at Church at Rocky Peak in California.

In a 2009 Christianity Today article, Chan admitted this was a hypocritical and sinful period in his life where he struggled to live according to his faith. For reasons he did not explain, Chan left the youth pastor role to work at a restaurant waiting tables, seemingly stepping back from ministry.

He has described these years after seminary as the worst of his life, marked by personal shortcomings and inconsistency in living out his religious convictions.

However, this early experience likely shaped Chan’s later emphasis on Christian humility, repentance and authenticity.

Through overcoming early pitfalls and disappointments, Chan eventually rediscovered his calling and rose to prominence as an evangelical pastor and author.

5. He is the former teaching pastor of the nondenominational Cornerstone Community Church

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Chan was the founding and former teaching pastor of Cornerstone Community Church, a nondenominational evangelical church started by Chan himself in 1994 in Simi Valley, California.

After several years working as a youth pastor, Chan felt called to establish a new church built on Biblical principles and accessible to the broader community.

He started Cornerstone in his living room with just a handful of members, rapidly growing it to over 3,000 attendees by 2010. As lead pastor, Chan oversaw Cornerstone’s operations and preached regularly at Sunday services with an engaging, down-to-earth style.

His dynamic, heartfelt sermons focusing on Scripture and repentance were a hallmark of Cornerstone’s worship.

Chan was deeply involved in leading and teaching at Cornerstone for 16 years until he resigned as head pastor in 2010 to pursue new ministry opportunities.

6. He founded Eternity Bible College in 2004

Francis along with a group of like-minded individuals, founded Eternity Bible College in 2004. Eternity Bible College, located in Simi Valley, California, was established with the aim of providing accessible and affordable biblical education.

Chan’s vision for the college was to equip individuals for effective ministry and to deepen their understanding of the Bible.

While Chan was involved in the founding and early stages of the college, it’s important to note that he eventually stepped down from his role at Eternity Bible College to pursue other ministry opportunities, and the institution continues its mission under the leadership of others.

7. Chan has been a board member of several Christian and social justice organizations

Chan has been actively involved as a board member of several Christian and social justice organizations including Children’s Hunger Fund and Gospel for Asia.

Throughout his career, Chan has dedicated his efforts to various causes aligned with his Christian beliefs and commitment to social responsibility. His involvement in organizations reflects a broader commitment to making a positive impact on both the Christian community and society at large.

Chan’s engagement as a board member underscores his commitment to contributing to the mission and values of organizations dedicated to Christian ministry and social justice initiatives.

8. He has authored and co-authored numerous books including Crazy Love, a New York Times bestseller

Photo by Gülfer ERGİN on Unsplash

He has authored and co-authored several books, and “Crazy Love” is one of them. “Crazy Love,” published in 2008, became a New York Times bestseller and had a significant impact within Christian literature.

Chan’s writing often explores themes of radical faith, love, and devotion to God. His books, including “Forgotten God” and “Multiply,” have been influential in inspiring and challenging readers in their spiritual journeys.

“Crazy Love” remains one of Francis Chan’s most well-known and widely read works, resonating with individuals seeking a deeper and more authentic relationship with their faith.

9. Chan decided to forgo the royalties from his book “Crazy Love,” directing the funds to various charitable causes

Francis decided to forgo the royalties from his book “Crazy Love.” In a notable act of generosity, Chan directed the proceeds from the book’s sales towards various charitable causes.

This selfless decision reflects his commitment to prioritizing the needs of others and aligns with his advocacy for philanthropy and social responsibility.

By redirecting the financial gains from “Crazy Love,” Chan demonstrated a tangible expression of his beliefs in sacrificial giving and making a positive impact beyond personal success.

10. Chan has also served as an ambassador for Care for Children

Photo by Ben Wicks on Unsplash

In addition to his work as a pastor and author, Francis Chan has served as an ambassador for the nonprofit organization Care for Children.

The charity provides health, education, and basic care to impoverished children in developing countries across Asia. As a Care for Children ambassador, Chan has traveled to visit sponsored children and see the impact of the organization’s work firsthand.

He has used his platform to advocate for and bring awareness to Care for Children’s mission to help at-risk children through child sponsorships. Chan is passionate about caring for orphans and vulnerable youth, making the partnership with Care for Children a natural fit for his humanitarian interests.

11. He started a church planting network of house churches called “We Are Church”

After resigning from Cornerstone in 2010, Francis Chan felt called to move to San Francisco to start a new ministry.

In 2011, he launched a network of house churches called We Are Church aimed at reaching the city’s non-traditional and unchurched communities. This aligned with Chan’s desire to strip away denominational trappings and build more organic, relational church communities.

In 2014, he also joined the board of elders at Abundant Life Christian Fellowship, though he stepped down from this role in 2016. Chan served as an active leader guiding the decentralized We Are Church house church network until 2020, when he transitioned out of this hands-on leadership position.

However, he remains passionate about innovating new models for intimate faith communities and evangelism.

12. He is married and together with his wife they have 7 children

Francis Chan married Lisa, a singer, in 1994. Francis and Lisa Chan have seven children together after being married for over two decades.

Their oldest child is their daughter Rachel Chan, who is also a singer like her mother Lisa. The Chans have built a large family with seven kids since tying the knot back in 1994.

13. Chan briefly moved back to Hong Kong in 2020

Diliff, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In 2020, Francis Chan moved to Hong Kong with his family to live and minister in the impoverished Sham Shui Po district, where his mother had done ministry work years earlier.

However, after being denied a visa extension in 2021, Chan announced he and his family had returned to the United States. He expressed intent to go back to Hong Kong once able to obtain a visa again.

Chan wanted to immerse himself in serving marginalized communities in Hong Kong, but bureaucracy cut this period short after less than a year. Despite an unexpected departure, the time in Hong Kong allowed Chan to reconnect with his roots while ministering in a disadvantaged neighborhood.

14. He actively engages with followers on social media

Chan actively engages with followers on social media. He utilizes platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to share inspirational messages, updates on his ministry, and insights into his faith journey.

Chan’s presence on social media allows him to connect directly with a global audience, fostering discussions, providing spiritual guidance, and sharing reflections on Christian living. 

15. Chan is passionate about discipleship

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Discipleship has been a core focus and passion throughout Francis Chan’s ministry. As a pastor and author, he has continually emphasized the Biblical model of disciples making new disciples through deep relationships centered on faith.

Chan strives to foster intimate Christian community and spiritual mentorship in his church networks and teaching. His books and sermons urge believers to not just accept Christ, but fully surrender their lives to following Him no matter the cost.

Chan believes discipleship is about wholehearted transformation, not simply converting believers.

He is outspoken about the need for churches to make true discipleship rather than casual attendance their priority. For Chan, authentic discipleship is essential for living out and spreading the Gospel.

The life and ministry of Francis Chan have had a profound impact on many. His passion for bringing people closer to God is evident through his teaching, writing, and charitable works.

Though not without controversy at times, Chan’s selfless efforts to spread the gospel message shine as an inspiration. His unique, authentic approach connects with followers across generations.

The legacy of Francis Chan will continue to influence Christians worldwide for years to come.