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.

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.

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” 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.