Max Lucado
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MAX LUCADO
Max Lucado has the heart of a pastor and the pen of a poet. He is a preacher who writes and a writer who preaches, though none would call him preachy. This unique combination of gifts led Christianity Today to label him "America's Pastor." Since 1985 this Texas pastor has taken pen to paper, sharing his heart and his stories with readers around the globe. And readers have responded, snapping up more than 50 million copies of his 60 plus titles during the last two decades.
Every year, Max's books are consistently among the best selling and most well-reviewed books in the industry. He is the first and only author to win the ECPA Christian Book of the Year award three times (1999 for Just Like Jesus, 1997 for In the Grip of Grace and 1995 for When God Whispers Your Name). And his name has become a fixture on national bestseller lists—a Max Lucado title has appeared on the CBA hardcover bestseller list every month for more than a dozen years. His works regularly appear on the Publishers Weekly religion bestseller lists and have graced the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists more than once.
Tony Dungy says that being a father is his most important job, and with six children, it's a job that keeps him very busy. Since his retirement from the NFL in January, Coach Dungy and his wife, Lauren, are enjoying their first real "off season" from professional football at their home in Tampa.
Coach Dungy's fatherhood role model is his own dad, Wilber Dungy. Tony grew up in Michigan, and says his father was always there to support him and encourage him. From him, Tony says, he learned that being a good father takes commitment and compassion.
Quite simply, Coach Dungy loves being a dad. He says a good friend gave him some very important advice years ago, that he still tries to live by. The advice is this: fathers need to cherish whatever stage their children are in instead of wishing for the next one to hurry up and get here, because before you know it, that stage will be over, never to return again.
Special Guest
LAUREN DUNGY
Being the mother of six children and the wife of Tony Dungy, Head Coach of the Indianapolis Colts, takes a lot of patience and planning on Lauren Dungy's part. She relies on prayer, meditation, friends and motivational books to help her structure her family's busy schedule. Lauren is a former elementary school teacher and current Sunday school teacher who diligently utilizes her professional skills to guide children and mothers to a greater understanding and application of biblical principles.
"My favorite Bible story is about the Prodigal Son," said Lauren. "The story illustrates love and forgiveness, two essential things I teach my children every day. We all must learn to love and forgive in order to live a harmonious existence."
In addition to being a full-time mom, Lauren is the president of the Colt's Women's Organization, a group of the NFL team's wives who participate in civic and community-based activities. Also, she is a motivational speaker and the founder and president of the Christian Sister's Book Club.
Since Lauren considers it a personal obligation to reach out to other mothers, she has joined iMOM as an ambassador to extend her message. "Relationships and advice from other mothers is what has sustained me and my family through some of our toughest times," Lauren says. "I hope to be a voice of motivation and encouragement for a lot of mothers, especially since my children were born in a three decade span, the 80's, 90's and the 2000's. If I'm not dealing with some toddler, preteen or adult issue now, rest assured I will be refreshed soon."
Peer pressure is what Lauren sees as one of the greatest outside threats to children today, which is why she encourages parents to love and nurture their children, but to release them when its time. Adding, "Children will one day have to make their own decisions; parents just have to guide."
Lauren is a Pennsylvania native who currently lives in Florida with her husband, Tony, and their children.
SHERWOOD PICTURES
Sherwood Pictures is a ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church and was founded in 2003. When brothers Alex and Stephen Kendrick came on staff, they shared their passion for filmaking with senior pastor, Dr. Michael Catt. Because the pastor knew that most people in this world are touched by media, he saw filmaking as a feasible goal to set for Sherwood Baptist Church. Sherwood Pictures began with the same goal as the church, "To Reach the World from Albany, Georgia".
With God's help, Sherwood Pictures has produced three full length feature films. In 2003,Sherwood Pictures premiered its first full length motion picture, Flywheel. Following that, the second feature, Facing the Giants was released on September 29th 2006 in 441 theaters nationwide. Sherwood Pictures latest movie, Fireproof, was released nationwide in over 800 theaters on September 26, 2008. The Love Dare, written by Alex & Stephen Kendrick and featured in the film Fireproof, has topped The New York Times Best Seller Paperback Advice list.
The leadership team of Sherwood Pictures is Senior Pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church, Dr. Michael Catt, Executive Pastor Jim McBride, Associate Pastors Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick."
