What happens when the pastor of a mega church loses his faith? Discover one man’s life-changing journey to resolve his crisis of faith in Italy by retracing the footsteps of Francis of Assisi, a saint whose simple way of loving Jesus changed the history of the world. Pastor Chase Falson lost his faith in God, the Bible, evangelical Christianity, and his super-sized megachurch. When he fell apart, the church elders told him to go away—as far away as possible. Broken, Chase crossed the Atlantic to Italy to visit his uncle, a Franciscan priest. There, he was introduced to the revolutionary teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi and found an old, but new way of following Jesus that heals and inspires. Chase Falson's spiritual discontent mirrors the feelings of a growing number of Christians who walk out of church asking, Is this all there is? This book is perfect for believers who are: Weary of celebrity pastors and empty calorie teaching Disappointed by worship services where the emphasis is more on Lights, Camera, Action than on Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Tired of the deepest questions of life remaining unaddressed and unanswered Remain hopeful and seek to strengthen their faith Hidden in the past lies the future of the church. Explore the life of a saint who 800 years ago breathed new life into disillusioned Christians and a Church on the brink of collapse. Chasing Francis is a hopeful and moving story with profound implications for those who yearn for a more vital relationship with God and the world.

The author's exploration of the spirituality of place makes even the armchair pilgrim understand the meaning of such locales as the streets of Assisi, Rocca Maggiore, San Damiano, La Verna, Greccio, and more.

Francis (c. 1182-1226) and Clare (c. 1193-1254) together shaped the spirituality of early 13th-century Europe. Here for the first time in English are their complete writings, brought together in one volume.

Was he just a thirteenth-century hippy who preached to birds and loved animals and the great outdoors? Or was there more to this man? Why has St. Francis of Assisi captured the imagination of so many, even well-beyond the boundaries of the Catholic Church, capturing the imagination not only of other Christians but even of non-believers? Fr. John Anglin, OFM, a Catholic priest for forty-four years and a Franciscan friar for fifty years shows how this holy man from the thirteenth-century chose a life of living the gospel of Jesus Christ in a way that everyone could follow. In Following Jesus in the Footsteps of Francis, Fr. John explains the spiritual vision of St. Francis and those who came after him. He sets forth the theological and spiritual vision of this great saint and explains how this vision shapes the lives of those who would follow Jesus in this way, whether they are members of the Franciscan order or ordinary folks who simply want to live out the vision of this holy man. Above all, he shows how this eight-century-old vision still inspires people today.

"A Franciscan priest, Scripture scholar, and teacher, Fr. Hilarion Kistner explores how Francis heard, lived, and proclaimed the Gospel"--Back cover.