LINDSEY GRINSTEAD | staff writer
JESSICA OTTO | guest writer

The buzz has begun. Francis Chan is coming to campus, and student excitement and anticipation is evident. This year, Chan’s face will be even more familiar as he invests in the lives of students in a more pastoral role. The beloved speaker has been called to dive into the APU community in a way that will make him an integral part of our body.

“I’m less excited about the speaker role, and more about just being an old guy walking around on campus,” Chan said. “I feel like there has been a very unique connection with APU. I don’t want to speak once and move on. It is important to me to develop relationships.”

Chan feels a strong calling to be a part of the movement God is starting in the hearts of students.

“If anyone reads the Bible objectively, they will see that God wants us to be sold-out. College students of today seem to resonate with what I feel,” Chan said. “God seems to have started an awakening of sorts and students are not stuck in the traditions. They are looking for Scripture and saying ‘Lets do this thing!’”

Chan wants to collaborate with students during this season of growth.

“I want to build on student desire and help mature a generation that thinks that way,” Chan said. “I want to impart my perspective and encourage them to stay on the track they are on.”

While Chan has devoted additional time and energy to regularly speaking at APU, he is careful not to abandon his other commitments.

Chan is the head pastor at Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley. In his pastoral leadership, he stresses the importance of exposure to a world outside our own. Cornerstone is involved with the Mexico Outreach Program on campus, sending over 900 Cornerstone attendees to Ensenada, Mexico to immerse themselves in the Mexican culture alongside students. The church has developed strong partnerships with churches in Mexico and the support has continued past the week-long trip.

“It’s been really cool to see people go back over the border to continue serving,” Chan said.

Chan encouraged the church to re-work their budget, sending 50% of the money that comes into the church back out to various needs.

“If we love our neighbors as ourselves, it is important to spend the same amount on them as we do on ourselves,” Chan said, expressing a philosophy he applies beyond the church to all areas of his life and ministry.

Chan lives with his wife, Lisa, and their four children—Rachel, Mercy, Eliana, and Ezekiel. Lisa is a singer and musician currently recording her third album. The proceeds from her album sales will go to the Children’s Hunger Fund in order to honor their commitment to ‘love thy neighbor as one’s self.”

With a healthy and happy family, a growing church, and a renowned speaking career, Chan’s life seems almost perfect. But it hasn’t always looked so ideal. He endured many tragedies while growing up. His mother died while giving birth to him and his new stepmother was killed in a car accident when he was nine. His father remarried again before passing away from cancer when Francis was just twelve, leaving him to be raised by his newest stepmother. As a result of the loss of multiple parental figures in his life, Chan’s main adult influences came from youth leaders at his church.

“It’s important that you follow the example of someone with character rather than someone who can just put on a good performance,” Chan said.

Mike Otto, his high school small group leader, embodied Chan’s description of a living example. Chan had the opportunity to live with Otto and his family for a year after high school.

“Francis needed a place to live, and God had blessed us with an extra room,” Otto said. “Behind every great Christian leader there are an uncountable number of people who have somehow influenced them by responding to God’s call to love others more than they love themselves.”
Chan admits that Otto played this role throughout his life.

“My life would be a lot different if I hadn’t lived with Mike and his family,” Chan said. “He became an example in the way he lived his life. He didn’t sit down with me and have a structured Bible study. He just loved his wife and was a patient father. I saw all of this and it just stuck with me.”

Today Chan has also opened his home to college students who need a place to stay and makes it a point to disciple and mentor young men in his church as well. He strongly desires to grow and shepherd genuine disciples of Christ. And now he brings that desire to APU.

“Francis Chan motivates people to love God, not him,” senior psychology major Caylee Carpenter said. “It is refreshing to see a man of God being raw about his imperfections.”

Students are excited about Chan’s call to serve a pastoral role as opposed to an occasional speaking role, bringing a passion that encourages student growth and development.

“I’m excited because it will give APU students a chance to dig deeper into the heart and mind of God by way of learning from someone whose had more experience on the walk,” senior Christian ministries major Jonathan Holley said.