A New Kind of Youth Ministry Guiding Students Into Spiritual Formation for the Mission of God

Chasing Francis by Ian Cron

Around the office at Youthfront there are a few legendary stories of people who have either been on staff or have merely stopped in a time or two over the years for a meeting or an inspirational talk or to partner in an event, say a prayer, etc.

I think most of the stories I hear about from days of old, obviously long before I joined the staff, are more myth than legend.  Probably not unlike most organizations who typically remember the past as more profound than it may have actually been.

One person in particular, Ian Cron is one of those stories.  There is no doubt in my mind, he's a legend for sure.  I heard stories about Ian since the day I arrived.  Often in a conversation Ian's name will come up and someone will undoubtedly refer to his participation in one of our weekend retreats we hold at our South Camp called, Altar.  Apparently Ian just ripped it up one day speaking about divergent paths of leadership, creativity and holiness.  I was not there but that is what I have repeatedly heard.

For months I have wanted to read Ian's book called, Chasing Francis: A Pilgrims Tale.  I finally stole one from my co-worker Dustin's bookshelf.  It is a fiction book about a pastor (named Chase Falston) who is 'struggling' with his faith and his role as pastor in his church.  One day, after speaking with a mother who had just lost her daughter, this pastor gets real with his congregation and is ultimately asked to take a mandatory leave of absence. The rest of the book is about Chase Falston on a pilgrimage of "chasing Francis of Assisi" to regain his faith.

I know I am late to the party on this one (published in 2006), but if you haven't read Chasing Francis, you might need to put it near the top of your stack.  It is a masterful work that takes actual events of Francis' life, real places and a unbelievable compelling story that is weaved together to move your soul, at lease mine.  Here are a few of the nuggets that have really helped me deeply reflect.

"...a pilgrimage is a way of praying with your feet.  You go on a pilgrimage because there's something missing inside your soul, and the only way you can find it is to go to sacred places, places where God makes himself known to others.  In sacred places, something gets done that you've been unable to do for yourself." (page 42)

"Sarcasm is confusing to the pure of heart." (page 63)

"Francis had no new theory to offer, but an old practice -- the practice of Jesus Christ." (page 47)

I strongly encourage you to find a copy of Chasing Francis: A Pilgrims Tale and take it in.  Perhaps you'll find yourself somewhere in the story as I have done at several different points.  Perhaps you'll find freedom, as I have found.  You might even find that this book is more for you than "your friend who needs some encouragement these days."

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