3:16: The Number of Hope

Max Lucado 

Author, Teaching Minister of Oak Hills Church; San Antonio, TX 

Max Lucado is a pastor, speaker, and bestselling author who, in his own words, “writes books for people who don’t read books.” He serves the people of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, and his message is for the hurting, the guilty, the lonely, and the discouraged: God loves you; let him. 

As a writer, Max is known for combining poetic storytelling and homespun humor with the heart of a pastor. All of his trade books began as sermon series at Oak Hills Church, and his sermons all begin with Max asking himself this question: “What can I say on Sunday that will still matter on Monday?” He’s been dubbed “America’s Pastor” by Christianity Today, and “The Best Preacher in America” by Reader’s Digest. 

Max’s love for everyday people began during his childhood in the small town of Andrews, Texas. Max attended Abilene Christian University after which he moved to Miami, Florida, and took a position as an associate pastor at a small church. Florida was where Max met his wife, Denalyn. Together, they lived first in Miami and then spent several years in Rio de Janeiro, helping plant churches.  

During 2020, Max was featured on hundreds of media outlets including Fox News, Dave Ramsey Radio, KLOVE, TBN, CBN, Moody Radio, The FISH and Extra TV to name a few. He and his publisher started free online Bible studies on his bestselling books Anxious for Nothing, You’ll Get Through This, and Facing Your Giants to respond to the COVID crisis.  

Max and Denalyn live in San Antonio, Texas where they celebrate 41 years of marriage this year. They have three grown daughters, two sons-in-law, and two grandchildren.