For years, Francis Chan was known for his groundbreaking sermons, his 5,000-member megachurch and his best-selling books. Now, he’s revealing why he gave it all up for a smaller, simpler model of ministry.
In a discussion with Lecrae, Chan explained what changed his mind about the next phase of his calling in ministry.
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Chan says that one night he had a thought occur to him that if the apostle Paul or Jesus had a church in the same area that his would be bigger. This notion disturbed Chan.
“You start realizing, am I really being like Christ?” Chan asks. “If God could have anything of a church, what is the main thing in Scripture, and there was such an emphasis in the New Testament on loving one another as much as Christ loved us.”
Chan also came to see that within the large church setting, there were thousands of people there that God was setting free and giving gifts to, but they were not being utilized in that setting.
“I got 5,000 people with [the] Holy Spirit, like God is in them… and I don’t know any of these gifts, and they’re not being used in the church,” Chan says.
Chan wrestled with the tension between Scripture’s vision for the church and the practical limitations of the megachurch structure. “If you want everyone using their gift, I don’t know how to do that in a giant room,” he admits. “So I’ve got to figure out ways to have that happen and release all of these people.”
Eventually, Chan stepped down. “I finally thought, I think I’m causing more problems than I’m helping the church,” he says. “So that’s when I decided, you know, let me step away… maybe create something different.”
It hasn’t been easy, but Chan has found clarity and peace. “It may not look as successful… but I feel peace about it,” he says. “I really love these people, and they genuinely love me, and these relationships are deep, and a lot of them are using their spiritual gifts.”
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As for numbers, Chan is unmoved. “I really don’t think it’s about numbers,” he says. “I really think it’s about obedience.”
Now, after years in the spotlight, Chan is focused on living out the church as Scripture commands: with love, simplicity and full participation from the body of Christ. This journey reflects a broader shift toward a quieter, more intentional path—one rooted in deep relationships, active discipleship and faithful obedience to God’s call.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
