Crazy Love Podcast

Staff Talks with Francis: When Information Replaces Intimacy 02.06.2026 16p

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. As he shares honestly about his own struggles with information overload, he offers a reminder that our greatest need isn't to know everything; it's to walk closely with God. Francis explores the role of AI, humility, spiritual discernment, and why the people who may have the most to offer the Church today are those whose lives reveal a deep and genuine relationship with Christ. When the noise is overwhelming, the answer may not be more information, but greater intimacy with God.

Staff Talks with Francis: Faithfulness vs. Productivity 25.05.2026 24p

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. Drawing from John 13 and 15, he shares why the people God places around us matter more than we realize, and how an eternal perspective changes the way we lead, serve, and care for others. This conversation is about slowing down enough to love people well, staying rooted in Jesus in a distracted world, and becoming the kind of person others can grow alongside for years to come.

Staff Talks with Francis: The Fear of God in a Confused Church 19.05.2026 16p

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, influence, and endless opinions begin shaping our understanding of truth. As more voices reinterpret long-held Christian beliefs, this conversation explores a few of the tensions many believers feel today: Who do we trust? How do we stay grounded? And what does it look like to hold to Scripture as our anchor in a sea of voices all vying to be the answer to our questions? More than anything, this episode is a call to return to a faith marked by reverence for God, confidence in His Word, the awareness that eternity is real, and a passionate pursuit of truth that leads us to love others well.

What It Really Means to Follow Jesus | Francis Chan 11.05.2026 31p

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 commands lead to life and joy. Looking at the example of the early church in Acts, this teaching challenges us to move beyond cultural Christianity and step into a life marked by radical love and real obedience.

Staff Talks with Francis: Is Logic Killing Your Faith? 04.05.2026 29p

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 warning of the ten spies in the book of Numbers and challenges the ways we’ve begun to normalize things like complaining, cynicism, and unbelief - often calling them wisdom or realism. He invites us to examine our hearts and ask: Have we slowly lost faith in the God who does the impossible? This message isn’t just about feeling inspired again. It’s about refusing to settle for a version of faith that no longer expects God to move.

The Power You’ve Been Ignoring | Francis Chan 27.04.2026 33p

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 work in those who believe - the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. And yet, many of us don’t live like that power is real. In this teaching, Francis unpacks what it means to truly believe what God says about us. Not only our identity, but the way we live, fight sin, and love one another. Because this power was never meant to be lived out alone. We were designed to be one body with many parts, each of us uniquely gifted, deeply needed, and called to build each other up in love. When we step into that reality together, we begin to experience the kind of life and community Jesus prayed for.

Does God Really Love Me? | Francis Chan 13.04.2026 32p

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 this message, Francis shares the unique blessing God has for each one of us as His sons and daughters, the boldness with which we can come to Him for grace, and the genuine delight He takes in our every step toward Him. When we show up to His throne room with expectation, we can find mercy, rest in His unearned but ever-present love, encounter His tender affection for us, and be filled with the security of knowing He is for us.

Staff Talks with Francis: Embracing the Unseen 06.04.2026 37p

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 we were never meant to be consumers of information, but stewards of the mysteries of God. There are realities in our faith that can’t be manufactured or explained - only experienced. A living Word that searches the heart. A Spirit who imparts gifts and transforms from within. A mysterious work that happens when believers gather in love, break bread, and wait on Him. But if we’re not careful, we’ll trade that mystery for something more controllable - something safer. This episode is an invitation to lift our expectations, release our need to manage the outcome, and rediscover a faith that is not just understood… but experienced.

Staff Talks with Francis: The Strength in Waiting 30.03.2026 27p

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 become all we were created to be. As we learn to be still in His presence and embrace the beauty of silence with Him, our strength is renewed, our vision becomes clear, and our identity is found as His beloved son or daughter.

Staff Talks with Francis: The Real Fear of Missing Out 23.03.2026 26p

“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 quietly losing our focus - and even our ability to be fully present. Along with it comes a subtle pressure to keep up with everything: news, controversies, messages, and the constant stream of information that leaves us feeling like we can’t afford to miss anything. But what if the real danger isn’t missing what’s happening in the world… but missing what God wants to say to us? In this episode, Francis Chan shares what the Lord impressed on him during a long trip home from Brazil, wrestling with distraction, the fear of missing out, and the deeper invitation into silence and presence. This conversation is both practical and convicting - challenging us to set boundaries with our screen time, embrace uninterrupted time with Jesus, and live with greater intentionality. As we learn to be still, look people in the eyes, and pursue God’s presence, we begin to experience deeper connection, clearer purpose, and a love that truly reflects His heart.

Expect the Mysterious | Francis Chan 16.03.2026 35p

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 as the body of Christ is to be more than just a collection of good speakers and songs? In this teaching, Francis shares the importance of stirring up our anticipation of God's presence when we gather, showing up ready to give and minister to each other by His grace, and regularly remembering what Jesus did by breaking bread together. As we keep growing in our walk with God, may we actively come closer to Him, tremble at His Word, love our brothers and sisters with spiritual gifts, expect to receive grace in Communion, and live in the blessing of His goodness and mercy.

Being Biblically Courageous | Francis Chan 09.03.2026 43p

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 the early church and the call to love one another, he challenges us to reconsider what we’ve prioritized and to refocus on what will matter for eternity. This message will encourage and equip you with practical ways to show up for your brothers and sisters in Christ, pursue real unity, and navigate disagreements with humility and peace. If you long for a faith that feels more like family and a church that reflects the heart of God, this message will stir you to draw closer to Jesus and to the people He’s placed around you.

Tremble at His Word | Francis Chan 02.03.2026 30p

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 is about a relationship that doesn’t fade when the gathering ends, but grows deeper over time. This isn’t behavior modification. It’s transformation from the inside out. When the Holy Spirit fills a life, something real begins to change. Desires shift. Conviction deepens. Freedom becomes tangible. And what starts as a spark can become a fire that lasts for decades.

From Silence to Strength | Francis Chan 23.02.2026 39p

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, to bless us more than we can imagine - and the beauty of pausing, waiting on Him, and listening. He also addresses the subtle distractions shaping this generation - the fear of missing out, the pressure to stay informed, and the addiction to constant movement. If you’ve felt anxious, overwhelmed, or spiritually dry, consider this an invitation to return to what you were made for.

The Most Dangerous Kind of Christian | Francis Chan 16.02.2026 34p

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 examine whether their faith is rooted in relationship or routine. This episode wrestles with hard questions: What does real faith look like? Can someone believe they’re secure and still be wrong? And how should knowing eternity is real reshape the way we live today? This sermon is a heartfelt appeal to move beyond comfort, familiarity, and cultural Christianity and respond to Jesus’ invitation to truly know Him.

Marriage on Mission (Pt. 2) | Francis & Lisa Chan 02.02.2026 46p

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 also hear raw, honest reflections on parenting, and what it looks like to pray, wait, and trust God with your children’s hearts. Throughout, Francis and Lisa keep returning to a simple theme: seek first the Kingdom, invite your children into the mission, and trust the Holy Spirit to do what you can’t. If today’s conversation challenges you and you want to go deeper, visit youandmeforever.org. There you can order the book “You and Me Forever,” watch chapter videos, explore bonus content, and learn more about the mission behind it all.

Marriage on Mission (Pt. 1) | Francis & Lisa Chan 26.01.2026 46p

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 primary goal. Francis and Lisa share vulnerable stories from their own lives: downsizing their home, giving sacrificially, moving in faith, fostering teens, raising children with an eternal perspective, and learning to say “yes” to God even when it was costly. They confront the cultural obsession with comfort and ask whether the Church has replaced God’s Kingdom with the pursuit of a “happy Christian family.” This episode is a hope-filled call to seek first the Kingdom of God and trust Him with everything else. If today’s conversation challenges you and you want to go deeper, visit youandmeforever.org. There you can order the book “You and Me Forever,” watch chapter videos, explore bonus content, and learn more about the mission behind it all.

Faith that Endures | Francis Chan & Joni Eareckson Tada 19.01.2026 40p

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 what helps believers endure to the end: partnering with the Holy Spirit, building a “repository” of Scripture to combat lies, and learning to see hardship as an invitation to know Christ more deeply (Philippians 3:8–10). Joni also reflects on the beauty of community that grows organically around weakness, the joy of serving “the least of these,” and the hope of heaven that shapes how we live now. If you’ve been discouraged, tired, or tempted to give up, this episode will strengthen your faith and remind you that Jesus is near and worth holding onto. And we encourage you to dive deeper into a revelation of the love of God with Francis’ latest book, “Beloved.” It’s available now wherever books are sold.

To Live Is Christ, To Die Is Gain - A Final Conversation 12.01.2026 35p

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.”

The Sin We Don’t Take Seriously | Francis Chan 05.01.2026 31p

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.