A Letter from Francis Chan

So excited for Francis & his family as they take a step of faith.  It truly has been a blessing for me to have had attend Cornerstone, where there was a great Shepherd that led the church by example.  His passion for Jesus was always so bright, and it challenged so many if not all of us.  Now as He moves on to his next season, longer as the senior pastor of Cornerstone, I am very eager to see Cornerstone do mighty things for Jesus.  We know that our Father in Heaven will take care of His church, and has got awesome plans for Cornerstone. 

I am looking forward to sending off Francis with the rest of the church, but even more eager to see church (Cornerstone) without Francis, as they too lean on the LORD’s strength, wisdom and guidance.  And let me add, Cornerstone has always been led by great Elder’s and Pastor’s that loves the LORD and the Church.  So, Cornerstone now looks to these amazing and wonderful Elder’s and Pastor’s, to shepherd the Church (though they always have been, it will be different without Francis.)  We could not be in a better place and position, this is the LORD’s will, thus we know He will be glorified through all of this.  Lord, grant your servants humility, and wisdom at this time, that we may discern what is most glorifying and pleasing to you, as we always should.  Lord, You will be done, not ours.

p.s.  Let’s go TODD N!

Dear Friends,

For those who have not heard, this past Sunday I announced to Cornerstone Church that I will be transitioning out of my ministry in Simi Valley.  It was a rough Sunday as there were many different emotions floating around the room.  In short, Lisa and I believe God is calling us to take a step of faith.  We believe we are supposed to move into a major city such as LA, San Francisco, or New York.  Every time I fly into a large city, I am struck by the sheer numbers and feel pulled to try ministering in that environment.  I encourage you to listen to the podcast from this past weekend to hear more details.  If for no other reason, my wife spoke some very powerful words that every believer needs to hear.

It has been an amazing 16 years as pastor of Cornerstone Church.  When we started gathering, I doubt that any of us dared to dream that God would use this church to have such an impact on Simi Valley and the rest of the world.  I think most of us were just hoping it would survive.  God had bigger plans than we did.  The Lord has truly shown us His grace, that we could be used as His instruments to bring glory to the name of Jesus.

The plan is that I would teach at Cornerstone through the end of May.  During this time, I will be sharing the lessons most important to me.  I have taught thousands of times over these years, and now I hope to re-emphasize what I see as most important.  I will also be at our prayer meetings to beg our God to do even greater things in Simi after I leave.  For those who have questions or just want to talk, you can catch me at the prayer meetings.

I’ll continue to write and give you more information as the Lord continues to guide the elders and me.  Like I said at our services, I’m still not completely sure of everything, but it feels great to be living by faith.

Once again, here is my family’s rough plan for our future

April/May = speaking at Cornerstone

June/July = speaking around the U.S.

August/Sept = Praying and walking large cities to seek God’s leading.

Oct-Dec = Serving in a third world country

Jan 2011 = launch a new ministry as an extension of Cornerstone

Thanks to everyone who was a part of this amazing journey in Simi.  Thanks for all the love and encouragement my family and I have received over the years.

Francis

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.  Acts 20:24