In the beginning of January, the team behind the SEEK21 Conference announced the identities of the keynote speakers set to deliver talks during the four-day online event aimed at Catholics of all ages. The lineup features numerous leading Catholic speakers from across the nation, such as Bishop Robert Barron, Leah Darrow, Jason Evert, Sister Bethany Madonna, and Father Mike Schmitz — all recognized names among many Catholics, and undoubtedly among the conference attendees.
Part of the group, nonetheless, is a figure that many Catholics may not be familiar with. Francis Chan is an evangelical minister who stirred up significant discussion within Christian communities early last year when a sermon he delivered to his Protestant audience became a sensation for resonating strongly with … Catholic beliefs. He spoke on Christ’s aspiration for harmony among his disciples and the fragmentation present among modern Christians, Chan said“I was unaware that during the initial 1,500 years of Church history, all viewed it as the actual body and blood of Christ. It was only 500 years ago that an individual brought forth the idea that it is merely a symbol and nothing else. I found that surprising and thought, ‘That’s worth contemplating.’ … For 1,500 years, it was never one individual and his pulpit at the heart of the church, it was the body and blood of Christ.”
Months later, in a video conversation on the subject of Christian unity at the Eucharist, hosted by Hank Hanegraaff, a previous Protestant radio broadcaster identified as the “Bible Answer Man,” who has recently embraced the Eastern Orthodox Church, Chan stated: “I once regarded anyone who perceived the bread and the cup as more than mere bread and cup, I would simply categorize them as Catholic and … I’m not certain if it’s superstitious, but it felt somewhat foolish to me, to be honest. … The deeper I delve into that, the more perplexed I become, and [I’m] thinking, ‘Wow, it appears there was a dominant perspective for numerous years, and if I am to oppose that, I’d better be certain.”
The footage of Chan’s sermon captured the interest of one of the coordinators of the SEEK21 conference, which is organized by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS). “Following Chan’s widely-shared video discussing the early Church’s doctrine on the Eucharist, Curtis Martin [the founder and CEO of FOCUS] reached out to Mr. Chan via a shared connection, to inform him that he has companions who cherish the Eucharist and are equally passionate about Jesus Christ and spreading the Gospel. Chan will meet with Martin at the conclusion of SEEK21 on Feb. 7, to present a profound exploration of the Scriptures and our common calling to missionary discipleship.” To find out more about the conference and how to register, visit seek.focus.org.
In an email conversation with Our Sunday Visitor, Chan discusses the significance of Scripture, his aspiration for Christian unity, his homily regarding the Eucharist, his quest for the truth, and his engagement with a Catholic audience at the forthcoming SEEK21 conference.
Our Sunday Visitor: Was there a specific instance when you realized your love for the Lord was profound enough to say, “This is the moment; I’m committing my life to serving Christ”? After you arrived at that choice, how did it show up in your life? What was the initial step in starting your ministry?
Francis Chan: I can’t pinpoint a single occasion, but I’m aware of numerous moments when God’s significance became evident to me. It feels as though he keeps revealing this to me even now. He increases my awareness of his purity and compassion, leading me to regard everything else in my life as less valuable. I recall being a high school student and understanding the sacrifice he made for me on the cross, which motivated me to begin sharing the Gospel with all my classmates. Worried about their eternal fate, I made efforts to persuade my friends to embrace Jesus. That marked the start of my ministry journey.
Our Sunday Visitor: During the initial years of your ministry, was there a particular facet of guiding a congregation that you discovered to be the most rewarding on a spiritual dimension?
Chan: Instructing others on the word of God has consistently brought me deep satisfaction. There exists a strength in the Scripture’s verses (cf. Heb 4:12). I am continually inspired by witnessing individuals transformed by the Scriptures and altering their way of life.
Our Sunday Visitor: What was the inspiration that prompted you to start exploring the traditions of the early Church, its cohesion, and its conviction in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist? Did you feel apprehensive regarding how this message might be perceived and embraced? And, in the end, what has been your community’s response to what seemed like a distinctly Catholic sermon?
Chan: I had some acquaintances challenge me to delve into the initial 300 years of Church history. They prompted me to reflect on the amount of time I dedicated to studying theology and the history of the past 500 years in comparison to the first 1,500 years. To be truthful, I wasn’t particularly anxious about how my message would be received. I was somewhat naive. I presumed individuals would simply view me as a devout person, pursuing God, searching for truth, and being transparent with the process. I was completely unaware that it would cause such a reaction. The feedback has been varied. While most individuals seemed to grasp the logic, there have been numerous who quickly dismiss anything that has a Catholic connotation.
Our Sunday Visitor: Christ declared himself as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I believe we frequently overlook the significance of Christ being the Truth, indicating that there is a singular truth, and we, as Christians, have a responsibility to pursue it. We accomplish this by inquiring and looking for answers. During your discussion with Hank Hanegraaff, he pointed out your readiness “to pursue the truth no matter where it takes you.” Why do you think a majority of Christians today hesitate to do likewise?
Chan: Numerous individuals were educated in what they perceive as the truth by those who cared for us — pastors, parents, friends. … During this journey, they often explained why alternative beliefs were incorrect. Frequently, these individuals were instrumental in guiding us to a genuine connection with God. Since their teachings or mentorship profoundly impacted our lives, we develop an inherent trust and allegiance to their views on various matters. There is little reason to seek truth elsewhere. It is challenging to accept that the understanding within my immediate network may not be comprehensive. When we are taught only “about” a group with differing beliefs by those within our own circles, instead of engaging with them directly, we are likely to be swayed by bias.
Our Sunday Visitor: During that same conversation with Mr. Hanegraaff, you expressed that your quest for truth has prompted you to reevaluate your own convictions regarding whether the bread and wine serve as symbols or if they are genuinely the body and blood of Christ. You remarked, “For my entire life, it has solely been a symbol. To me, anything else is heresy. And now, I’m beginning to question that perspective. I’m unsure of where I stand at this point.” In what ways has this introspective struggle enriched your relationship with Christ?
Chan: I’m not entirely certain. I dislike division, and the simple act of questioning has led to so much conflict. Therefore, to be honest, any sense of personal fulfillment has mostly been overshadowed by the weight I carry regarding that. This entire experience has heightened my awareness of the urgent need to confront the division that exists in the Church today, for which I am thankful. I have also enjoyed some remarkable moments in celebrating the body and blood of Christ, however.
Our Sunday Visitor: In your sermon that gained widespread attention last year, your enthusiasm for Christian unity was evident. What fueled this aspiration, and what single action would you recommend Christians take to start the journey towards togetherness?
Chan: The Scriptures are unmistakably clear: God desires his children to be united as one. The New Testament is replete with instructions to love one another sincerely. As I grasped God’s intention for us to be entirely one with Him and each other, my commitment to pursue that goal intensified. The initial actions we should undertake involve worshiping our Savior collectively. Begin with our points of agreement: We concur with all the saints and angels that God is sacred and that Jesus deserves our praise.
Our Sunday Visitor: You are set to present at the SEEK21 conference. How did this collaboration come to be? What messages are you aiming to convey to these young Catholic individuals, and additionally, what do you wish to gain from this experience as you progress in your own spiritual journey?
Chan: Lately, I have encountered numerous chances to connect with Catholics who cherish the Gospel. When I was invited to address SEEK21, I felt privileged and enthusiastic to share with everyone. I am convinced that it brings glory to God when we sincerely pursue his truth as a collective. My aspiration is that it motivates more individuals to explore the Bible collectively, irrespective of labels.
Our Sunday Visitor: Is there anything more you would like to include?
Chan: Through God’s grace, my life has been more wonderful than I could have ever dreamed. Although I have stumbled in numerous ways, one of the rare positive actions I have taken is to pursue him — not merely to follow religion or engage in meaningless rituals. I am convinced that I was made in his likeness, designed to connect with him profoundly. Time and again, I have been amazed by how he responds to my prayers. While I still possess many uncertainties, I hold no doubt that all good things originate from him. Do not allow anything to divert you from your quest to know him.
Scott Warden is managing editor of Our Sunday Visitor
