Francis Chan is a renowned American Christian pastor, author, and speaker, widely respected for his bold teaching style, deep passion for discipleship, and unwavering commitment to biblical truth. He is best known as the founding pastor of Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, California, and for his bestselling book Crazy Love, which has inspired millions worldwide to live radically for Jesus.
With a ministry that spans church leadership, global missions, and Christian authorship, Francis Chan has become a leading voice in modern Christianity, challenging believers to live authentic, Christ-centered lives.
Quick Facts about Francis Chan
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Francis Chan |
| Date of Birth | August 31, 1967 |
| Age | 58 years (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | San Francisco, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Pastor, Author, Speaker |
| Known For | Founder of Cornerstone Community Church, Bestselling Author of Crazy Love |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500,000 – $1 million (as of 2025) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Lisa Chan |
| Children | Seven |
| Notable Works | Crazy Love, Forgotten God, Letters to the Church |
Early Life and Education
Francis Chan was born on August 31, 1967, in San Francisco, California, to Chinese immigrant parents. His early life was marked by tragedy; he lost his mother during childbirth, his stepmother in a car accident when he was young, and his father to cancer during his teenage years. These painful experiences deeply shaped his faith and his dependence on God.
Chan pursued his education at Master’s College (now The Master’s University), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry. He later completed his Master of Divinity degree from The Master’s Seminary, solidifying his foundation in theology and ministry.
Family Life
Francis Chan is married to Lisa Chan, and together they have seven children. Their family life has been an open testimony of Christian values, with Chan often sharing stories of how raising a large family has influenced his ministry.
Lisa is also active in ministry, often co-authoring works and participating in missions alongside her husband. The Chan family has been deeply involved in global outreach, modeling a Christ-centered lifestyle of service and sacrifice.
Career and Ministry
Founding of Cornerstone Community Church
In 1994, Francis Chan founded Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, California, with just 30 people. Under his leadership, the church grew rapidly to become one of the largest and most influential churches in California, attracting thousands of members.
Despite the church’s success, Chan shocked many in 2010 when he stepped down as senior pastor to pursue what he felt was God’s calling to live more simply and devote himself to discipleship and missions.
Move Toward Global Missions
After leaving Cornerstone, Francis and his family spent time in Asia, ministering to the poor and focusing on house church movements. He later founded We Are Church, a network of house churches in the San Francisco Bay Area, dedicated to simplicity, community, and multiplication of disciples.
Author and Speaker
Francis Chan has become a highly sought-after speaker at Christian conferences and events around the world. His speaking style is passionate and challenging, often calling Christians to radical obedience, sacrificial living, and an uncompromising faith.
As an author, his works have been translated into multiple languages and sold millions of copies. His books include:
- Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God (2008) – A call to live passionately for God.
- Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit (2009) – A focus on the role of the Holy Spirit.
- Erasing Hell (2011, co-authored with Preston Sprinkle) – A biblical response to questions about eternity.
- Multiply (2012, with David Platt) – A discipleship guide for making new disciples.
- Letters to the Church (2018) – A critique of modern church practices and a call to return to biblical simplicity.
Achievements and Impact
Francis Chan’s influence on global Christianity is profound. His most significant achievements include:
- Founder of Cornerstone Community Church, one of California’s most influential churches.
- Bestselling Author, with Crazy Love selling over 3 million copies worldwide.
- Founder of We Are Church, a growing network of house churches focused on discipleship.
- Global Missionary, dedicating time and resources to spread the gospel in Asia and other regions.
- Conference Speaker, influencing millions through events like Passion Conferences, Catalyst, and Urbana.
His legacy is marked not only by his church leadership and books but also by his willingness to walk away from success and comfort in pursuit of God’s calling.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Francis Chan’s net worth is estimated between $500,000 and $1 million. Unlike many high-profile Christian leaders, Chan has been known to live modestly, giving away significant portions of his income to charity, missions, and those in need. His lifestyle reflects his teachings on generosity and detachment from materialism.
Legacy and Influence
Francis Chan’s life is a powerful reminder that Christian leadership is not about fame or financial gain but about radical obedience to God’s call. His passion for discipleship, sacrificial living, and a Christ-centered church model continues to inspire pastors, leaders, and believers worldwide.
Through his books, sermons, and missionary work, Chan has left an indelible mark on modern Christianity, encouraging a generation to pursue authentic faith over cultural Christianity.
FAQs About Francis Chan
In this section, I will provide you with FAQs and answers on Francis Chan Biography. Keep on reading friend.
1. Who is Francis Chan?
Francis Chan is an American pastor, author, and speaker, best known as the founder of Cornerstone Community Church and author of the bestselling book Crazy Love.
2. How old is Francis Chan?
He was born on August 31, 1967, making him 58 years old as of 2025.
3. What is Francis Chan’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million as of 2025.
4. Is Francis Chan married?
Yes, Francis Chan is married to Lisa Chan, and they have seven children.
5. What are Francis Chan’s most popular books?
His most notable works include Crazy Love, Forgotten God, Letters to the Church, Multiply, and Erasing Hell.
6. Why did Francis Chan leave Cornerstone Church?
In 2010, he stepped down from leadership at Cornerstone to pursue global missions and focus on discipleship through house churches.
7. What is “We Are Church”?
It is a network of house churches founded by Francis Chan in the San Francisco Bay Area, emphasizing simplicity, community, and biblical discipleship.
Final Thoughts
Francis Chan’s biography is a story of faith, sacrifice, and bold obedience. From his early life marked by loss to becoming a global Christian leader, he has lived out his calling with humility and passion. His ministry challenges believers to go beyond cultural Christianity and embrace a life fully surrendered to Christ.
As an author, speaker, and missionary, Chan continues to impact millions worldwide, leaving behind a legacy of radical faith and genuine love for God and people.
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