The Decency Test: Is Max Lucado A Trump Supporter? The Definitive 5-Point Breakdown
The question of whether Max Lucado, often referred to as "America's Pastor," is a supporter of Donald Trump is one of the most polarizing and persistent debates within the evangelical Christian community. As of December 24, 2025, the answer remains complex and nuanced, rooted not in a clear political endorsement, but in a rare and powerful public critique of character that broke a lifetime of political silence.
For decades, the best-selling author and minister at Oak Hills Church maintained a strict non-partisan stance, believing the pulpit should focus on Christ, not candidates. However, the rhetoric of Donald Trump during the 2016 and subsequent election cycles prompted Lucado to speak out, not as a political operative, but as a moral guide, leading to an article that sent shockwaves through the conservative Christian base and firmly established his position as a prominent evangelical critic.
Max Lucado: Biography and Profile
Max Lucado is one of the most recognized and celebrated Christian authors in the world, having sold over 100 million copies of his books globally. His ministry is characterized by a focus on grace, hope, and accessible theological lessons, making him a household name far beyond the walls of his church.
- Full Name: Max Lucado
- Born: January 11, 1955
- Birthplace: San Angelo, Texas, USA
- Education: Lucado attended Abilene Christian University, initially pursuing a degree in law before shifting his focus to ministry. He holds a B.A. in Mass Communication and an M.A. in Biblical and Related Studies.
- Current Role: Teaching Minister at Oak Hills Church (formerly Oak Hills Church of Christ) in San Antonio, Texas.
- Ministry History: After college, he and his wife, Denalyn, served as full-time missionaries in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for five years, an experience that heavily influenced his writing.
- Family: He is married to Denalyn, and they have three adult daughters: Jenna, Andrea, and Sara.
- Notable Works: His extensive bibliography includes bestsellers like In the Grip of Grace, Just Like Jesus, Anxious for Nothing, and You Are Special.
- Distinction: He has been named "America's Pastor" by Christianity Today and has consistently appeared on the New York Times bestseller list.
The Decency Test: Lucado's Public Critique of Trump
The core of the "Is Max Lucado a Trump Supporter?" debate stems from a moment in 2016 when Lucado publicly broke his long-standing political neutrality. He published a widely-read article, later titled "Decency for President," which directly addressed the then-Republican candidate, Donald Trump.
The 'Decency' Stance
Lucado’s critique was not based on policy—he explicitly stated that he was not endorsing any candidate or party platform. Instead, his entire argument revolved around the issue of character and decency.
He argued that a candidate who claims to be Christian should "talk like one." He pointed to specific instances of Trump's rhetoric, including his mocking of a disabled reporter, his comments about women, and his general use of demeaning language, stating that such behavior failed a basic "decency test."
This was a monumental move for Lucado, who had previously stated that people do not attend church to hear their minister's views on presidential contenders. His willingness to speak out signaled that, for him, the issue transcended typical political differences and became a matter of fundamental Christian ethics and moral leadership.
The Anti-Trump Ad Controversy
Further complicating his public image, Lucado's comments were later used by a progressive Christian group in an anti-Trump advertisement. Lucado quickly clarified that the group had used his remarks "without permission" and that he had not authorized the ad. This move demonstrated his commitment to remaining non-partisan, even as his words were co-opted by those who opposed Trump. He sought to maintain a prophetic voice without becoming a political weapon for either the Democratic or Republican party.
Evangelical Divide and Lucado's Non-Endorsement
While many prominent evangelical leaders, such as Jerry Falwell Jr. and Robert Jeffress, became vocal supporters of Donald Trump, Max Lucado was grouped with a smaller, yet influential, circle of evangelical critics. This group included figures like Russell Moore, who also expressed deep reservations about the former president’s conduct.
The Voting Record Mystery
Despite his public criticism, Lucado has never publicly revealed who he voted for in the 2016 or 2020 elections. When asked about his vote, he maintained a stance of prayerful consideration, once stating, "I don't know what to do. I'll pray and see where the Lord leads me." This intentional ambiguity allows him to minister to his diverse congregation at Oak Hills Church, which includes both ardent Trump supporters and those who are deeply fearful of his political movement.
The fact that he was listed among evangelical leaders who *opposed* Trump, combined with his public "decency" critique, strongly suggests that he did not align with the pro-Trump evangelical movement. However, by refusing to name an alternative candidate, he avoided alienating the conservative base that constitutes a large portion of his readership and church body.
A Focus on Unity in the 2024 Election Cycle
In the lead-up to the 2024 election, Lucado has shifted his public commentary to focus less on the candidates themselves and more on the spiritual and emotional survival of the electorate. His recent messages emphasize the need for Christian unity in a divided world, regardless of political outcomes.
In articles and sermons, he has acknowledged the exhaustion of the current political division, urging believers to place their hope in Christ rather than in any political figure. He encourages prayer for the election and calls for a "United Church in a Divided World," a theme that reinforces his pastoral role over any partisan preference.
Conclusion: The Definitive Answer
The definitive answer to the question "Is Max Lucado a Trump Supporter?" is No, he is not a public supporter, and he is better characterized as a non-endorsing evangelical critic.
His actions demonstrate a clear separation from the political endorsement culture prevalent among some of his peers. He broke his political silence not to champion a policy, but to challenge a pattern of behavior, arguing that Christian voters should demand a higher standard of decency from their leaders. By refusing to reveal his vote, he protects his ministry's ability to offer hope and grace to all people—Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike—a mission he clearly prioritizes over political alignment.
Max Lucado's legacy on this issue will be defined by his willingness to risk his reputation to speak about character, while simultaneously demonstrating pastoral care by refusing to divide his flock over a presidential candidate. This stance, focused on the eternal rather than the temporal, is a powerful lesson for believers navigating the complexities of modern American politics.
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