The Optimist

Reader's Digest magazine included alumnus Max Lucado in it's America's 100 Best list, naming him Best Preacher in America in the May issue.

Lucado is the senior minister of Oak Hills Church, where 5,000 members make up his congregation in San Antonio. Lucado has been preaching there since 1988.

He appreciates the honor but doesn't take the recognition too seriously, said Lucado, who graduated from ACU in 1979 with an undergraduate degree in journalism and mass communication and a master's degree in Bible and biblical related studies.

"I take it with a grain of salt," Lucado said. "It could be I'm the only preacher they know of."

Lucado said readers have to realize he is being honored at the same time the Best Pizza in America is being honored.

Continuing to downplay his honor, Lucado said he "couldn't have a better job" and considers himself an example of God's ability to use anyone.

"There are so many people who do so much more than I do," Lucado said.

Referencing the Bible story in the book of Numbers about Balaam's speaking donkey, Lucado said his humility comes from knowing that God can use anyone.

"There's a story in the Bible about God talking through a donkey," he said. "That's me right there-president of the donkey club."

Dr. Charlie Marler, Lucado's former professor of journalism and mass communication, said he remembers Lucado as being extremely likable.

"Everyone liked Max," Marler said. "He's so unassuming and is as powerful of a speaker as he is a writer," said Marler, professor emeritus and senior faculty of journalism and mass communication.

Marler, who taught Lucado copy editing, basic news, contract writing and possibly communication law, said he thinks Lucado is an effective speaker because he can connect with various audiences.

"He humanizes, or makes the Gospel relevant, every time he talks or writes, " Marler said. "His writing is very accessible. He doesn't cast things in high theology terms."

Being named Best Preacher in America has resulted in phone calls, articles written about him and congratulations from people around him, Lucado said.

"The risk is that you might take it seriously," Lucado said.

He has been in the spotlight many times before for his best-selling books, but Lucado said he has to remember that those who applaud him often know little about him.

On the other hand, ACU feels the positive effects of Lucado's popularity. The university receives good publicity any time ACU is mentioned in a national publication, said Amber Peck, director of Alumni Relations.

"Affirmative news about any alumnus helps reinforce a positive perspective and feelings of good will toward the university, whether you're a parent, student, member of the faculty or staff, prospective student or donor," Peck said.

E-mail Taylor at:

tat04a@acu.edu

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