Crazy Love Podcast

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.

Joni Eareckson Tada, Christian author, speaker, and longtime disability advocate who became a quadriplegic as a teen, sits with Francis Chan to discuss perseverance in suffering. They explore fighting for daily joy, building a Scripture “repository” to withstand doubt, finding Jesus in the worst pain, serving the marginalized, and how the hope of heaven reshapes present endurance.

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.

Francis Chan shares how impactful discipleship has been in his life, thanks to dedicated mentors. He emphasizes the importance of communal living and life-on-life mentorship over traditional sermons. Chan encourages older generations to invest in younger believers, fostering a cycle of growth and joy. He warns against the pitfalls of fame-driven ministry and advocates for humility in leadership. Through personal stories, he paints a hopeful vision for multi-generational discipleship and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

Gavin Ortlund, a pastor and theologian known for his work in Protestant theology, joins Francis Chan for a meaningful discussion. They delve into how to connect with God's love amidst today's outrage culture. Gavin shares insights on ministering with grace and truth while navigating criticism. The duo emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in Christ’s love and practicing silence for spiritual growth. They also discuss engaging with non-Protestants and the need for a bold evangelistic approach, encouraging unity and a return to the gospel's core.

In this conversation, Francis Chan sits down with Gavin Ortlund, a thoughtful theologian and apologist known for promoting unity within Christianity. They dive deep into communion, discussing the beauty of the Lord's Supper and its significance in church history. Gavin shares insights on the harshness of online discourse and the importance of loving engagement across denominations. Francis reflects on his journey towards a childlike faith and a desire to mentor younger leaders, emphasizing the need for truth rooted in love amidst division in the body of Christ.

Explore the profound journey of faith as Francis Chan shares his visit to hidden village churches in rural China, showcasing believers who adopt a lifestyle of sacrificial love. He contrasts this with Western consumerism in church, urging a return to genuine servanthood. Dive into stories of joy amidst generosity, like the Macedonian church's radical giving despite poverty. Embrace Christ's humility as a model for living, and consider the call to die to self in pursuit of a deeper, more loving relationship with God.