860: An Honest and Raw Conversation with Francis Chan
Apr 22, 2021
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Francis Chan, a renowned pastor and author, and Benny Hinn, a famous faith healer, dive into deep conversations about faith and church unity. They share a remarkable encounter that challenged their perspectives, discuss the evolving significance of the Eucharist, and explore the complexities of denominational divisions. From personal growth to the joy of planting house churches in Hong Kong, this candid dialogue emphasizes the need for authenticity and love within the Christian community, encouraging listeners to pursue deeper relationships with God.
Francis Chan's commitment to church unity emphasizes love for fellow believers, transcending theological differences without sacrificing truth.
His reflections on the Eucharist advocate for its centrality in worship, contrasting modern practices with the early Church's emphasis on communion.
Chan's honest relationships with diverse Christians reveal the importance of reevaluating past assumptions and embracing a broad spectrum of beliefs.
Deep dives
The Authenticity of Francis Chan
Francis Chan is characterized by his genuine and passionate faith, which remains consistent both in public and private life. Unlike many other prominent Christian figures, he exemplifies an absence of a gap between his public persona and personal beliefs, portraying a deep excitement for his relationship with Jesus. This authenticity has allowed him to engage in raw and honest conversations about theology and personal experiences. The podcast reflects his commitment to living out his faith without pretension, emphasizing the importance of true discipleship and love for Christ.
Unity in the Church
Chan's latest book, titled 'Until Unity,' focuses on the critical theme of pursuing unity within the body of Christ, drawing on Ephesians 4. He challenges the notion that unity must come at the expense of truth, asserting that authentic love for fellow believers should transcend theological differences. Discussing the potential backlash he expects from advocating for unity, Chan emphasizes that genuine discussions can stir up conflict among established circles while encouraging a more inclusive approach. In his opinion, being radically inclusive may lead to tensions, but it ultimately aligns with Scripture's call to love one another.
Rethinking Relationships and Trust
Throughout his journey, Chan expresses regret for past assumptions he held about other Christian groups and leaders, often shaped by hearsay. His encounters with various individuals, including well-known figures like Benny Hinn, have led him to reconsider those views, as he increasingly values the relationships formed with diverse Christians. These experiences have prompted him to confess his past slander against others he did not fully understand. Chan advocates for loving others deeply, regardless of how they may differ theologically, as the body of Christ encompasses a broad spectrum of beliefs.
The Significance of the Eucharist
Chan encourages a reevaluation of the Eucharist's role within congregational life, suggesting it should be central rather than an afterthought. He highlights that historically, the early Church placed significant emphasis on communion as an essential aspect of worship. His reflections challenge modern practices where the Lord's Supper is often relegated to occasional observance. This shift, according to him, detracts from the rich tradition and theological importance of the Eucharist in fostering community and holiness among believers.
A New Understanding of Truth and Encountering God
Emphasizing an experiential relationship with Jesus, Chan critiques the tendency to equate knowing truth primarily with intellectual comprehension. He argues that genuine encounters with God surpass mere doctrinal assent and result in transformative faith. By returning to Scriptures like John 14, Chan underscores that Jesus embodies truth and that understanding Him is intrinsically linked to knowing Him personally. This understanding fosters unity and reverence within the Church, moving beyond mere intellectual agreement to a shared commitment to following Christ.
In this conversation, we talk about his remarkable encounter with Benny Hinn, his recent thoughts on church unity, how he’s revisited his beliefs about the Eucharist, and we reflect on the pros and cons of being educated at The Master’s College (now University) and Seminary.
Francis Chan is a pastor, writer, speaker, missionary, and evangelist. Most of all--he’s a Christian who loves to spend time with. Francis has written many books, including Crazy Love, Erasing Hell, and the recently released Until Unity.