Max Hilgendorf
Director of Youth Ministries

What is your role at LUMC? How long have you been in your current role?

I’m the Director of Youth Ministries and I started in this position in late March 2023. (I’m the new guy!)

What is your place of birth/where are you from? Where all have you lived?

I was born and raised in Forth Smith, Arkansas, but have been living off and on for the past eight years in Little Rock.

Where did you attend school (high school/college/grad school)?

I graduated from Union Christian Academy in Fort Smith, and attended the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas for my undergraduate degree.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work?

I’m an avid outdoors-man, and especially enjoy hiking, kayaking and mountain biking. I’m also a movie and history buff. I enjoy music and cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse, passage, or story? If so, what is it?

I don’t have a favorite Bible verse, but I think the Sermon on the Mount is one of the most profound and important Bible passages, as it tells us the way Jesus intends for us to live.

What is a fun fact about you that most people may not know?

I’ve thru-hiked the entire Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine!

Do you follow sports? If so, what are your favorite sports/teams?

The Arkansas Razorbacks!

What is your favorite place you have visited? If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? What would you do there? Who would you go with?

I studied abroad in Scotland during college. It was definitely one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited!

If you were given the opportunity to share a meal with any one person - past or present, who would you dine with?

Abraham Lincoln or, of course, Jesus Christ!

If you had to choose your last meal, what would it be?

A cheeseburger and mac & cheese, or my mama’s meatloaf!