“America’s Pastor,” Max Lucado, won the Podcast Impact title for his “Encouraging Word Podcast” at the 12th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards.
Together, JWLKRS Worship’s Noah Schnacky and singer-songwriter Benjamin William Hastings introduced this year’s slate of Podcast Impact nominees, which also included compelling series from Andy Chrisman, Lisa Harper, Jonathan “JP” Pokluda, John Siebeling & Wayne Francis, Christine Caine and Jan Harrison.
Lucado ultimately scored the victory. Unable to attend the fan-voted ceremony, the revered author and podcast host appeared via video to thank the fans, K-LOVE and everyone who make his “Encouraging Word Podcast” possible.
The trusted pastor dispenses a steady diet of biblically based wisdom on his “Encouraging Word Podcast.” The weekly half-hour show offers messages delivered in Lucado’s thoughtful, poetic style. Drawing from stories throughout Scripture, as well as moments from his own life, the Texas native leads listeners closer to Jesus as he teaches us to trust Him on a deeper level.
This year, Lucado’s “God Never Gives Up On You” was also nominated for Book Impact, which he won back in 2014 for “You’ll Get Through This.” Over the course of his storied career, the bestselling author’s books have sold upwards of 145 million copies in more than 50 languages.
Lucado is the teaching minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he’s preached since 1988. Prior to his leadership role at the church, Lucado and his wife served as missionaries in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for five years.
Known to collaborate often with Christian artists, Lucado continues to be the keynote speaker for Chris Tomlin’s Good Friday Nashville event each year, delivering a cross-centric message to the capacity crowd and those watching online.
In 2023, the two-time K-LOVE Fan Award winner hosted an original Christmas special, “Because of Bethlehem,” which featured teaching segments and personal stories inspired by his book of the same name; as well as musical performances from Matthew West, CeCe Winans, Anne Wilson, Matt Maher and Evan Craft. Lucado’s “Because of Bethlehem” is available to watch on K-LOVE On Demand.
