About Shawn McCraney
Co-Founder of The Great News Network
Shawn McCraney is a religious philosopher, author, teacher, and founder of The Great News Network (TGNN). Known for his fearless and controversial exploration of faith, Shawn’s journey has inspired many to rethink their relationship with God, free from institutional constraints and fear-based doctrines.
Shawn’s Path to The Great News
Early Journey
Born and raised in Huntington Beach, California, Shawn was deeply rooted in the Mormon faith. He served as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and advanced within the church’s ranks. However, his growing disillusionment with the rigidity and control of organized religion set him on a transformative path.
In 1997, Shawn experienced a profound spiritual awakening, or “born-again experience” that reshaped his understanding of faith and salvation. This experience marked the beginning of his departure from institutional religion and his search for authentic spiritual truth.
Breaking New Ground
Shawn’s mission to challenge traditional doctrines and explore faith authentically began to take shape in the early 2000s. Some top milestones include:
- 2006: Launching Heart of the Matter (HOTM), a live call-in show that deconstructs institutional religion and explores the condition of the heart in faith.
- 2013: Began weekly teaching scripture in-depth through what was then called C.A.M.P.U.S. Church, later becoming Verse by Verse Teachings.
- Authoring Books: Shawn has written numerous books, including Born-Again Mormon and Revelations on Revelation, which challenge conventional religious perspectives and present fresh insights into scripture.
Quick Facts About Shawn
- Notable Works: Author of Born-Again Mormon and Revelations on Revelation.
- Media Contributions: Host of Heart of the Matter (HOTM) since 2006.
- Founder of TGNN Channels: Including CULT and Yeshuans.
- Artistic Pursuits: A visual artist known for his unique acrylic intaglio pieces.
Dig Into Shawn’s Ongoing Work:
Shawn continues to lead and co-lead TGNN and many of channels, producing content that inspires seekers and believers alike. Whether through live shows, verse-by-verse teachings, or collaborative initiatives, Shawn’s mission remains clear: to equip individuals with tools to embrace and grow through a grounded, direct and unencumbered relationship with God and prioritize love over fear.
Learn More about TGNN’s History
Shawn’s journey is deeply intertwined with the evolution of TGNN. To understand the bigger picture of the network’s origins and growth: