Max Lucado, born in 1955, is an American author and minister currently serving at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. He grew up in Texas, the youngest of four children, with a father who worked in the oil fields and a mother who was a nurse. Lucado pursued higher education at Abilene Christian University, earning a master's degree in Bible and Biblical Studies. His initial aspiration was to become a lawyer, but a Bible course and a mission trip shifted his focus toward ministry and missionary work.

After serving as an associate minister in Miami, Florida, Lucado and his wife moved to Brazil to work as full-time missionaries. Upon returning to the United States, he began his long tenure as a minister at Oak Hills Church. Lucado has authored nearly 100 books, selling over 150 million copies worldwide, and has received multiple awards for his writing. He has been recognized by various publications as a prominent Christian figure. Despite stepping down as senior minister due to health reasons, he continues in a writing and preaching capacity.

Max Lucado began his ministerial career as an associate minister in Miami, Florida, before moving to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with his wife to serve as missionaries. After five years, they returned to the United States, and in 1988, Lucado became a minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. He transitioned to a less salary-dependent role in 1990 due to his success as an author. During his time at Oak Hills, the church's theological stances evolved, leading to a separation from the Churches of Christ affiliation. Lucado eventually stepped down as senior minister in 2007 due to health concerns but continues to contribute as a writing and preaching minister. He has also served as an interim teaching pastor at Gateway Church.

Lucado holds a strong belief in the infallibility of the Bible and adheres to a trinitarian view of God. He identifies as a credobaptist. Regarding marriage, he upholds the traditional biblical understanding of it being between a man and a woman, viewing same-sex marriage as contrary to God's original design. However, he strongly advocates for the respectful treatment and love of LGBTQ individuals and families, emphasizing that they are beloved children of God. He asserts that while disagreements may exist on biblical interpretations of homosexuality, the Bible should never be used as a tool to harm others.

Max Lucado is a highly prolific author, having written nearly 100 books with over 150 million copies in print globally. His works have earned him significant recognition, including three Charles "Kip" Jordan Gold Medallion Christian Book of the Year awards. His books frequently appear on bestseller lists, such as the New York Times Best Seller List. Christianity Today magazine named him "America's Pastor," and Reader's Digest recognized him as "The Best Preacher in America" in 2005. He has been featured on various media outlets and has spoken at the National Prayer Breakfast.

“Would you take these two of dust and bone, born of flesh, then would you make them one? Would you speak again the words you spoke when Adam slept and Eve Awoke? Would you let your wine replace our water and look with grace on this son, this daughter? Oh Lord of Eden in your majesty create again your tapestry. One heart where there were two. This is the prayer we lift to you.”

“LGBTQ individuals and LGBTQ families must [still] be respected and treated with love. They are beloved children of God because, they are made in the image and likeness of God.”

“Faithful people may disagree about what the Bible says about homosexuality, but we agree that God's holy Word must never be used as a weapon to wound others.”