Erwin McManus facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Erwin McManus
McManus in 2021
Born	Irving Rafael Mesa-Cardona (1958-08-28) August 28, 1958 (age 66) San Salvador, El Salvador
Nationality	Salvadorian, American
Occupation	Pastor, author, public speaker

Erwin Raphael McManus (born Irving Rafael Mesa-Cardona on August 28, 1958) is a Salvadoran-American author, filmmaker, and fashion designer. He is best known as the lead pastor of Mosaic, a large church located in Los Angeles. McManus also speaks and writes about modern ideas and how they relate to Christianity.

Early Life and Education

Erwin McManus was born Irving Rafael Mesa-Cardona in San Salvador, El Salvador. For his first few years, he was raised by his grandparents. They were Catholic, but he says he did not go to church very often as a child.

When he was young, McManus and his brother Alex moved to the United States to live with their mother. He grew up in different places on the east coast, including Miami, Florida, Queens, New York, and Raleigh, North Carolina.

The name McManus came from his mother's second marriage. It was not his legal name at first, but he later made it his official name when he was an adult.

McManus first studied philosophy at Elon University. He then transferred to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a degree in psychology. Later, he received a master's degree in theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He also has an honorary doctorate degree from Southeastern University.

Family Life

Erwin McManus is married to Kim, and they have three children together.

Work as a Christian Minister

While studying for his master's degree in Dallas/Fort Worth, McManus started two church groups. He worked with people living in poorer parts of the city.

From 1990 to 1993, he worked for the city of Dallas as a consultant, helping to plan for the city's future.

In 1993, he moved with his family to Los Angeles and became the senior pastor of a church called The Church on Brady in East Los Angeles. He later changed the church's name to Mosaic. Since the 1990s, McManus has been involved with the Leadership Network, a group that helps church leaders. He also teaches at Bethel Seminary.

As the lead pastor of Mosaic, McManus speaks at several Sunday gatherings in Hollywood, California. Mosaic has grown and opened many locations, including in Hollywood, Venice, Pasadena, Orange County, and Seattle.

McManus has used tools like the Myers-Briggs personality test and Gallup's Strengths Finder to help people in his church understand themselves better. He also advises the Awaken Group, a company that helps organizations change and improve.

Motivational Speaker

McManus speaking in July 2019

Erwin McManus is also a popular motivational speaker. He has given talks for many large companies, including Nike, HYPEBEAST, Sony, Fox News, Apple, Liberty University, and TED. He speaks about many different topics, such as how to make organizations better, culture, community, fairness, leadership, and how to be inspired. He also shares ideas about the future and spirituality.

He is paid between $20,000 and $30,000 for each public speaking event.

Books and Films

McManus has written many books and worked on films.

Books Written by McManus

McManus has written fourteen books, including:

• An Unstoppable Force: Daring to Become the Church God Had in Mind (2001)
• Uprising: A Revolution of the Soul (2003)
• The Barbarian Way: Unleash the Untamed Faith Within (2005)
• Chasing Daylight: Seize the Power of Every Moment (2006)
• Stand Against the Wind: Fuel for the Revolution of Your Soul (2006)
• Seizing Your Divine Moment (2006)
• Soul Cravings (2006)
• Wide Awake (2008)
• The Artisan Soul: Crafting Your Life Into A Work Of Art (2014)
• The Last Arrow: Save Nothing for the Next Life (2017)
• The Way of the Warrior: An Ancient Path to Inner Peace (2019)
• The Genius of Jesus: The Man Who Changed Everything (2021)
• Mind Shift: It doesn't take a genius to think like one (2023)

Filmmaker Work

Since 2004, McManus has worked in the film industry in various roles. He also started and owned companies in both the fashion and film industries.

In 2013, McManus Studios and McManus's other businesses closed down after investors stopped providing money. McManus took out loans to make sure his employees were paid and that projects were finished.

In 2020, McManus launched a TV show called McManus on Trinity Broadcasting Network's Hillsong Channel. He hosts the show with his son, Aaron McManus. The show features a group of young adults discussing important and current topics.

Selected Film Projects