The American novelist and clergyman Max Lucado is well-known in modern Christian literature for his perceptive and approachable prose. Lucado was born in San Angelo, Texas, on January 11, 1955. His life has been characterized by his faith, family, and a strong desire to spread the love of God to everyone.
Early Life
As the youngest of four children, Lucado was raised in the heart of Texas. His mother, a devoted nurse, fostered his sensitivity and compassion, while his father, an Italian oil field worker, instilled in him a strong work ethic. His future would be greatly influenced by this upbringing, which was based on community and family values.
Lucado attended Abilene Christian University to further his education after high school. After being initially drawn to the legal field, his goals were redirected by a life-changing mission trip and a mandatory Bible study. He received a master’s degree in Bible and Biblical Studies from the same university after feeling a strong call to ministry.
Ministry
As an associate minister at Miami, Florida’s Central Church of Christ, Lucado started his career in ministry. Important insights into pastoral work, including as counseling, teaching, and community building, were gained from this early experience.
Motivated by a strong desire to serve outside of his own country, Lucado and his wife, Denalyn, started a new chapter in their lives by relocating to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to work as missionaries full-time. Lucado’s perspective on the human condition and the universality of God’s grace was significantly influenced by this time, which was characterized by cultural immersion and the difficulties of cross-cultural ministry.
After his father’s death in 1987, Lucado and his family moved back to the United States. In San Antonio, Texas, he agreed to serve as a minister at the Oak Hills Church of Christ.
Lucado’s ministry changed while he was in Oak Hills. In contrast to some of the traditional doctrines of the Churches of Christ, the church adopted a more inclusive vision of salvation and embraced modern worship techniques, such as the use of musical instruments. As a result of these changes, the church was disaffiliated with the denomination in 2003 and changed its name to just “Oak Hills Church.”
For twenty years, Lucado was the senior preacher at Oak Hills, where he shared his wisdom through stirring sermons and introspective thoughts. But because to health issues, he resigned from this position in 2007. Alongside current head minister Travis Eades, he still serves as a preacher and writer at Oak Hills.
Lucado’s copious writing is what has left an abiding impression. His books, “Just Like Jesus,” “In the Grip of Grace,” and “When God Whispers Your Name,” are among his best-selling works and have sold millions of copies worldwide. His novels have struck a chord with readers of all ages and backgrounds because of their clear language, moving tales, and deep spiritual ideas.
Books
Some of the books published by him include
- On the Anvil: Being Shaped into God’s Image, Carol Stream, Illinois: Tyndale House, 1985.
- No Wonder They Call Him the Savior, New York, New York: Doubleday Publishing, 1986.
- God Came Near: Chronicles of the Christ, Portland, Oregon: Multnomah Press, 1987.
- Six Hours One Friday: Anchoring to the Power of the Cross Portland, Oregon: Multnomah Press, 1989.
- The Applause of Heaven, Dallas, Texas: Word Publishing, 1990.
- In the Eye of the Storm: A Day in the Life of Jesus, Dallas, Texas: Word Publishing, 1991.
- Just In Case You Ever Wonder, Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, 1992.
- And the Angels Were Silent, Portland, Oregon: Multnomah Press, 1992.
- Tell Me the Story Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Books, 1992.
- He Still Moves Stones, Dallas, Texas: Word Publishing, 1993.
- Tell Me the Secrets, Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Books, 1993.
- The Crippled Lamb, Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, 1994.
- When God Whispers Your Name, Dallas, Texas: Word Publishing, 1994.
- The Children of the King, Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Books, 1994.
- The Final Week of Jesus Portland, Oregon: Multnomah Press, 1994.
Recognition
Many people are aware of Lucado’s contributions to Christian service and writing. Numerous honors have been bestowed upon him, including three consecutive Charles “Kip” Jordan Gold Medallion Christian Book of the Year awards. He has been named “The Best Preacher in America” by Reader’s Digest and “America’s Pastor” by Christianity Today magazine.
