Max Lucado facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Max Lucado
Lucado in 2019
Born	(1955-01-11) January 11, 1955 (age 70) San Angelo, Texas, U.S.
Occupation	Author, Minister, Speaker
Alma mater	Abilene Christian University
Genre	Inspirational Christian Living, Children's
Years active	1985–present
Notable awards	Gold Medallion Book Award
Spouse	Denalyn Lucado
Children	3

Max Lucado (born January 11, 1955) is a well-known American author and a minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. He has written many books that inspire people, including books for children.

Max Lucado's Early Life

Max Lucado was born in San Angelo, Texas. He was the youngest of four children. His parents were Jack and Thelma Lucado. He grew up in Andrews, Texas. His father worked in oil fields, and his mother was a nurse.

College and Career Choice

Lucado went to Abilene Christian University. He studied Mass Communication, which is about how information is shared with many people. To help pay for college, he sold books door-to-door.

At first, Max wanted to become a lawyer. But a Bible class and a mission trip changed his mind. He decided he wanted to be a missionary instead. To do this, he needed a special degree in Bible studies. He also needed to work for a church for at least two years. Max earned a master's degree in Bible and Biblical Studies from Abilene Christian University.

Starting His Ministry

After college, Lucado became an assistant minister at a church in Miami, Florida. He worked with a group for single people. He also wrote articles for the church's newsletter.

After two years, Max and his new wife, Denalyn, moved to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. They became full-time missionaries there. In 1987, Max's father passed away. After five years in Brazil, Max and his family moved back to the United States. They wanted to be closer to his mother.

A Special TV Moment

Max and his wife appeared on the TV show Fixer Upper. This happened in 2016. Their daughter Sara and her husband Jeff bought a house that the show's hosts, Chip and Joanna Gaines, would remodel.

Max wanted to add a special message to their new home. It was a quote he wrote for his daughter's wedding. The quote was about two people becoming one. The show's team made it into wall art. They placed it in a special room in the house.

Oak Hills Church

Lucado in 2005

In 1988, Max Lucado became a minister at the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. By 1990, he was a very successful author. He decided to stop taking a salary from the church.

Over time, Oak Hills Church made some changes. They started using musical instruments in their worship services. They also changed their beliefs about baptism. These changes were different from the usual teachings of the Churches of Christ. In 2003, Oak Hills Church decided to no longer be officially part of the Churches of Christ. They simply called themselves "Oak Hills Church."

Max served as the main minister at Oak Hills Church for 20 years. In 2007, he announced he was stepping down. This was due to health reasons, specifically a heart condition called atrial fibrillation. Since then, Max has taken on a different role. He now focuses more on writing and preaching. He works alongside the current lead minister, Travis Eades.

Gateway Church

After Pastor Robert Morris left Gateway Church, Max Lucado agreed to help out. He became an interim teaching pastor there. This means he teaches but does not handle the church's daily operations. He still plans to preach at both Oak Hills Church and Gateway Church.

Max Lucado's Beliefs

Max Lucado believes the Bible is always true and reliable. He believes in credobaptism. This means he believes people should be baptized after they choose to follow their faith.

He also believes in the Trinity. This is the idea that God is one, but exists as three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit.

Max Lucado believes marriage is between a man and a woman, as taught in the Bible. However, he strongly believes that all people, including LGBTQ individuals and families, should be treated with love and respect. He says they are "beloved children of God." He also states that the Bible should never be used to hurt others.

Max Lucado's Achievements

Max Lucado has written nearly 100 books. More than 150 million copies of his books have been sold. He has won the Charles "Kip" Jordon Gold Medallion Christian Book of the Year three times. His books often appear on bestseller lists, including the New York Times Best Seller List.

Christianity Today magazine called Max Lucado "America's Pastor." In 2005, Reader's Digest named him "The Best Preacher in America." He has also appeared on many TV shows and news channels. These include The Fox News Channel and Larry King Live. He has also been a speaker at the National Prayer Breakfast.

Max Lucado's Education

• B.A. Abilene Christian University (1977)
• M.A. Abilene Christian University

Max Lucado's Books

• On the Anvil: Being Shaped into God's Image, 1985.
• No Wonder They Call Him the Savior, 1986.
• God Came Near: Chronicles of the Christ, 1987.
• Six Hours One Friday: Anchoring to the Power of the Cross, 1989.
• The Applause of Heaven, 1990.
• In the Eye of the Storm: A Day in the Life of Jesus, 1991.
• Just In Case You Ever Wonder, 1992.
• And the Angels Were Silent, 1992.
• Tell Me the Story, 1992.
• He Still Moves Stones, 1993.
• Tell Me the Secrets, 1993.
• The Crippled Lamb, 1994.
• When God Whispers Your Name, 1994.
• The Children of the King, 1994.
• The Final Week of Jesus, 1994.
• A Gentle Thunder, 1995.
• The Song of the King, 1995.
• The Inspirational Study Bible, 1995.
• In the Grip of Grace, 1996.
• The Glory of Christmas, 1996.
• God's Inspirational Promises, 1996.
• Walking with the Savior, 1996.
• Alabaster's Song, 1996.
• Life Lessons Bible Study Guides 1996–1998.
• The Great House of God, 1997.
• You Are Special, 1997.
• Cosmic Christmas: An Angel's Story, 1997.
• The Greatest Moments, 1997.
• The Cross, 1998.
• The Heart of Christmas, 1998.
• Just Like Jesus, 1998.
• The Christmas Cross, 1998. (A movie called Christmas Child was based on this story.)
• Let the Journey Begin, 1998.
• When Christ Comes, 1999.
• Just the Way You Are, 1999.
• The Gift for All People, 1999.
• Opening Windows, 1999.
• Because I Love You, 1999.
• Topical Bible Study Series, 1999–2000.
• He Chose the Nails, 2000.
• Grace for the Moment, 2000.
• In the Footsteps of Jesus, 2000.
• He Did This Just For You, 2000.
• Small Gifts in God's Hands, 2000.
• Traveling Light, 2001.
• Traveling Light Journal, 2001.
• America Looks Up, 2001.
• One Incredible Moment, 2001.
• Safe in the Shepherd's Arms, 2001.
• Just For You, 2002.
• A Love Worth Giving, 2002.
• Traveling Light for Mothers, 2002.
• He Chose You, 2002.
• Just Like Jesus (Devotional), 2002.
• A Heart Like Jesus, 2002.
• What the Cross Means to Me, 2002.
• Next Door Savior, 2003.
• Experiencing the Heart of Jesus, 2003.
• God Thinks You're Wonderful, 2003.
• Hermie, A Common Caterpillar, 2003.
• It's Not About Me, 2004.
• Come Thirsty, 2004.
• Everyday Blessings, 2004.
• The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People, 2005, 2008, 2011. (Includes a Teen Edition.)
• Cure for the Common Life, 2005.
• Turn, 2005.
• God's Mirror, 2005.
• The Way Home: A Princess Story, 2005.
• God's Promises For You, 2006. (Updated Edition)
• Your Special Gift, 2006.
• Grace For The Moment II, 2006.
• Facing Your Giants, 2006.
• Every Day Deserves a Chance: Wake Up to the Gift of 24 Hours, 2006.
• 3:16: The Numbers of Hope, 2007.
• Cast Of Characters, 2008.
• Fearless, 2009.
• You Changed My Life, 2010.
• The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible, NKJV, 2010.
• Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make A Difference, 2010.
• Max on Life; Answers and Inspiration for Today's Questions, 2011.
• God's Story, Your Story: When His Becomes Yours, 2011.
• God's Story, Your Story: Youth Edition, 2011.
• The Christmas Candle, 2013.
• God Will Carry You Through, 2013.
• Who Is This Jesus?, 2013.
• You'll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times, 2013.
• Before Amen: The Power of a Simple Prayer, 2014.
• Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe, 2015.
• Glory Days: Living Your Promised Land Life Now, 2015.
• Because of Bethlehem: Love Is Born, Hope Is Here, 2016.
• Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World, 2017.
• Unshakable Hope: Building Our Lives on the Promises of God, 2018.
• How Happiness Happens: Finding Lasting Joy in a World of Comparison, Disappointment, and Unmet Expectations, 2019.
• You Are Never Alone: Trust in the Miracle of God's Presence and Power, 2020.
• You Were Made for This Moment: Courage for Today and Hope for Tomorrow, 2021.
• Help Is Here: Finding Fresh Strength and Purpose in the Power of the Holy Spirit, 2022.
• What Happens Next: A Traveler's Guide Through the End of This Age, 2022.

Other Works

Movies

• Hermie, A Common Caterpillar, 2003. This was the first in a series of Christian videos for children. It was based on his book.
• 3:16: Stories of Hope, 2007. (DVD)
• God's Story, Your Story, 2011. (DVD)
• The Christmas Candle (2013)

Mobile Apps

• His is Mine, 2011. This app was based on his book God's Story, Your Story: When His Becomes Yours. It works on iPhones, iPod Touches, and iPads.

See also

In Spanish: Max Lucado para niños