‘Jesus Calling Foundation’ Gives $1M To PCA Amid Internal Investigation Book’s Theology

The Jesus Calling Foundation's 2024 Form 990 report has recently come to light, revealing that the foundation donated over $1 million in book royalties to the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) within that year. Specifically, the foundation gave $1,080,000 to the PCA, coinciding with a period when the PCA's Committee on Discipleship Ministries (CDM) was actively investigating the theological content of the devotional book Jesus Calling. The CDM was tasked with assessing whether the book was appropriate for Christian readers and providing any necessary recommendations, such as remedial materials or advisory statements. However, their 2025 follow-up report ultimately did not endorse the book and deferred responsibility for any further actions to local church elders, without offering concrete guidance or General Assembly interventions. Additionally, in the same year, the PCA's missionary arm, Mission to the World (MTW), which received $280,000 from the Jesus Calling Foundation, was instructed to review its relationship with the book and suggest possible responses. MTW’s 2025 report stated it had no formal ties to Jesus Calling and made no recommendations regarding the book. This is notable given the financial support flowing from the foundation to both PCA and MTW during a time of internal scrutiny. Jesus Calling, authored by Sarah Young—a long-standing PCA member whose husband is an ordained minister—has become one of the most widely recognized devotionals since its 2004 release, selling over 45 million copies. The brand has grown to include numerous spin-offs, such as Jesus Always, Jesus Today, and various children's devotionals, alongside digital media like apps and podcasts. Despite its popularity, the book has been heavily criticized for promoting mystical and heretical ideas, including Montanism, speaking for God, automatic writing, and undermining biblical authority. Critics accuse it of espousing dangerous theological errors that deviate from orthodox Christian teachings. The controversy deepens with claims that Sarah Young’s work represents a form of deception, even labeled as "demonic" by some detractors. Meanwhile, her widower, Stephen Young, reportedly continues to collect revenues generated by these writings. The PCA, meanwhile, appears to be benefiting financially from the royalties, despite the unresolved theological concerns and lack of formal endorsement. This situation has raised questions about corruption and heresy within the institution, as well as the broader implications of endorsing or profiting from material that many within the denomination find problematic. The PCA’s cautious approach, deferring responsibility to the local church level and refraining from issuing formal condemnations or directives, reflects a complex dynamic. On one hand, the denomination is receiving substantial financial support from the foundation tied to Jesus Calling. On the other, there is clear discomfort and disapproval of the book’s content among church leaders tasked with oversight. This tension underscores ongoing debates within the PCA and wider evangelical circles about theological boundaries, accountability, and the influence of popular devotional literature on Christian faith and practice.