Francis Chan on Renewing Our Reverence for Communion, the Costs of Unity, and His Encouragement To Pastors Weary From Criticism
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Jason is joined by Francis Chan in this week’s episode to discuss his latest book, Until Unity, and what God has been stirring in him most recently. Francis begins by updating Jason and what he has been up to, namely, investing in church planters and his own community in the Bay Area. He also shares about his time in Hong Kong and getting to travel there with his family to plant churches and preach the gospel.
One of the things most on his heart these days is the importance of Communion. He unpacks with Jason where his deepening conviction has come from for there to be a return to Communion as a central part of our gatherings. He worries that “the pulpit has replaced the table” and that unity and dependence on Jesus are best born out of the sharing of the bread and the wine. There should be a fear, a reverence he says, to us entering into the Eucharist to commune with God and our fellow believers. There should be a greater awe and wonder that leads us to confession and forgiveness with our brothers and sisters.
Jason also asked about some of the practicalities of unity in the Church. What does it mean for denominations, pastors, teaching, or theology? Is unity possible and how can we as pastors contribute to a unified future for the Church under Jesus? Francis reminds us that it first starts with us and our churches. Unity in the larger Church won’t happen if there isn’t unity within our churches.
This discussion of unity also led them to talk about conflict and criticism and the way many pastors feel tired and worn out from these past few years. Francis encourages Jason and pastors everywhere that although it is hard, the cost is high, we have to keep our eyes on Jesus. What would we be willing to pay to be in the tent of meeting, to be on the mountain during the transfiguration? We have to keep an eternal lens on the work we do and know it will be worth it for the glory of God and communion with Him.
Enjoy this week’s episode!
Francis Chan
Francis Chan has been a pastor for over thirty years. He is a New York Times–bestselling author of several books, including Crazy Love, Letters to the Church, and Until Unity. He and his wife, Lisa, have been married nearly thirty years and co-authored You and Me Forever. Currently, Francis is in Northern California teaching and discipling the next generation of pastors and leaders.