Today we’d like to introduce you to Max Toliver.
Max, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My Story – Max Joseph Toliver Jr.
I was born and raised in the historic Acres Homes community of Houston, Texas, a neighborhood known for its resilience, culture, and strong community values. I was shaped by a loving and faith-filled upbringing, surrounded by people whose wisdom, strength, and sacrifice helped mold me into the man I am today.
My educational journey began in Houston ISD and then concluded at Eisenhower Senior High School in 2009. At just 14 years old, I experienced a collapsed lung while playing basketball on vacation in Pensacola, Florida, which ended my ability to play sports and became a significant turning point in my life. That moment drew me closer to God and led me to embrace my calling to ministry fully.
I accepted my call to preach in November 2004 and delivered my first sermon on March 6, 2005. I was licensed as a minister in 2007 and ordained as an elder in 2009, the same year I graduated from Eisenhower High School. I then attended Sam Houston State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, and was active in the Soul Lifters Gospel Choir, the oldest collegiate gospel choir.
Currently, I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Sam Houston State University. I am also a graduate of the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas, Class #93.
In 2010, I joined Kingdom Harvest Church of God in Christ in Willis, Texas, and later became the Assistant Pastor. I served in that role until July 2016, when I was called to Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Huntsville, Texas. At 25 years old, I became the 15th and youngest Pastor in the church’s history, a position I am still honored to hold today.
In 2022, I expanded my ministry by joining the Full Gospel Baptist Church International Fellowship (FGBCFI) as a Senior Pastor, and in 2025, I was appointed to the Young Pastors’ EMRG Council of FGBCFI, an opportunity to help guide, support, and build meaningful relationships with the next generation of ministry leaders across the nation.
From 2012 to 2023, I served in various capacities throughout my law enforcement career, gaining extensive experience in patrol, investigations, school-based policing, and leadership. That journey shaped my understanding of public service, safety, and the importance of strong community partnerships.
Today, I continue that commitment to service in my current role as Assistant Director of the Office of Emergency Management and School Safety with a Regional Educational Service Center. In this capacity, I support schools and districts across the region in creating safer learning environments, building emergency response plans, and developing leadership in crisis preparedness.
Whether in the pulpit, public service, or life, I strive to live out the guiding wisdom I was taught early on: “Be real, not right.* That truth remains the foundation of how I lead, love, and serve others daily.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, and I believe that’s true for most meaningful journeys. One of the earliest and most significant challenges I faced was at age 14 when my lung collapsed. That was a significant setback for a young person who loved sports and physical activity. It forced me to re-evaluate my identity and purpose at a time when many kids are still figuring out who they want to be. But that hardship became a catalyst, pushing me deeper into my faith and ministry.
Balancing dual careers in law enforcement and pastoral ministry came with unique challenges. Both require intense emotional and mental resilience. There were times when managing the demands of both roles, from night shifts, investigations, and crisis calls to sermon preparation, counseling, and church leadership, felt overwhelming. It required strong time management, deep faith, and support from my family and mentors.
More recently, I have faced health challenges from being overextended. The constant pressure to give my best in multiple demanding roles took a toll physically and mentally. It has been a humbling reminder that even as leaders, we must prioritize self-care and set healthy boundaries to sustain the calling God has placed on our lives.
Another struggle was the weight of responsibility. Whether leading a congregation or responding to emergencies, I quickly learned that leadership means making tough decisions, sometimes in moments of crisis. Carrying that responsibility humbly while remaining approachable and authentic has been a continual learning process.
Through these struggles, I’ve learned that perseverance, faith, and leaning on community are essential. My mother’s advice, “Be real, not right,” has grounded me, reminding me to be authentic and open even when things aren’t perfect. Those struggles have shaped me into the leader I am today and deepened my commitment to serve others with integrity and compassion.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Currently, I serve as the Assistant Director for the Office of Emergency Management and School Safety at a Regional Education Service Center. In this role, I specialize in supporting schools and districts with emergency preparedness, safety protocols, and crisis response planning. I work with a fantastic team that focuses on helping educational communities create safer environments where students and staff can learn and work without fear.
I’m most proud of the impact I’ve made by bridging the worlds of law enforcement, ministry, and education. I bring a unique perspective that combines frontline public safety experience with pastoral care and leadership. This allows me to approach safety not just as a set of policies or procedures but as a holistic effort that includes emotional well-being, trust-building, and community engagement.
I’m known for being a calm and compassionate leader who can connect authentically with a wide range of people, from school administrators and law enforcement officers to students and families. I take pride in listening deeply and leading with integrity, even under pressure.
My commitment to being real, not just right, sets me apart. I believe authenticity and humility create space for real progress and healing, especially when dealing with sensitive issues like school safety and crisis management. I also bring a strong foundation of faith and service that informs every decision I make, ensuring that my work uplifts and supports those I serve.
Ultimately, I aim to empower schools with the tools, training, and confidence they need to face any challenge while fostering environments where everyone feels valued and protected.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned along my journey is that you cannot be all things to all people. Trying to do everything for everyone can quickly lead to burnout and diminish the quality of your leadership and service. It taught me the importance of setting boundaries, focusing on my strengths, and trusting others to do their part.
Another vital lesson is the necessity of putting on your oxygen mask first. You can’t effectively help or lead others if you’re not caring for yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually. Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential. By prioritizing my well-being, I can show up fully and sustainably for my family, community, and those I serve.
These lessons have taught me that authentic leadership requires balance, humility, and the wisdom to know when to say no while staying grounded in your purpose and values.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jr.maxtoliver/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoliverjr/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-toliver-jr-lcc-7345bb18b
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/12mtzionchurchroad
