Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Francis Chan leave his megachurch?
Chan left after concluding that the megachurch model made it nearly impossible to replicate the kind of community described in the New Testament — where everyone genuinely loves one another and every person’s spiritual gifts are actively used. He also recognized that his church’s growth was outpacing its depth.
What did Francis Chan say about being bigger than Jesus?
Chan told his wife that if Jesus or the Apostle Paul had started a church in Simi Valley, his church would have been larger — because he knew how to keep a crowd and they didn’t. Rather than seeing this as a compliment, he saw it as a serious problem worth addressing.
Does Francis Chan doubt his own salvation?
Chan has been open about a long season of insecurity in his faith. He described feeling only 90 percent certain of his standing with God even after nearly three decades in ministry. He traced this to a performance-oriented faith focused on proving his love to God rather than receiving God’s love for him.
What kind of church does Francis Chan attend now?
After leaving his megachurch, Chan moved toward smaller, house-church style gatherings that prioritize community, gift use, and genuine relationship over size and production. He has been involved in various ministry contexts in the U.S. and internationally since stepping away from Cornerstone Church.
What is the main message Francis Chan wants people to understand?
Chan’s central focus has shifted toward helping people understand how deeply they are loved by God — not as a result of what they do for him, but simply because of who God is. He believes much of evangelical culture has built a faith oriented around performance rather than grace, and he wants to help correct that.
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