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NRB | December 19, 2024 | Member News

Inspired by a profound spiritual vision, artist Max Greiner, Jr. founded the Coming King Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to creating unique spaces for spiritual reflection and evangelism, twenty years ago. The foundation’s flagship project, the Sculpture Prayer Garden in Kerrville, Texas, is a serene outdoor sanctuary featuring biblical sculptures integrated into natural landscapes. Greiner established the garden as an evangelistic experience, taking visitors on a Gospel journey of faith and discovery.

“God made me an artist,” Greiner said. “Artists don’t really make themselves.”

To date, Greiner’s artwork has been displayed in all 50 states and approximately 85 countries. His renowned Divine Servant sculpture, a life-size bronze depiction of Jesus washing the disciple Peter’s feet, was housed at the former NRB headquarters in Manassas, Va., for many years as a gift from Pat Robertson and CBN. His sculptures, paintings, and architectural installations have been featured in churches, seminaries, and galleries worldwide. His work has been recognized by notable individuals, including Billy Graham, Franklin Graham, Pope John Paul II, and prominent political figures like President George W. Bush as well as Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas).

Max Greiner’s Divine Servant Sculpture. / Photo courtesy Max Greiner.

Greiner’s artistic journey began in his youth. He pursued a degree in architecture, but his true passion was always art. Starting in 1978, Greiner made his living as an artist, and he and his wife went into business producing landscape and wildlife paintings, jewelry, and sculptures. In 1989, God lit a new fire in his heart to use his talent for evangelism, and his artistic focus shifted from secular subjects to Christian themes.

As an artist, “I can work up ideas,” he said. “And that works. But what’s better is when you let the Holy Spirit tell you.”

As a longtime NRB member, Greiner attended NRB conventions from 1993 to 2021, consistently setting up an exhibit booth, which he viewed as a ministry opportunity in itself. While showcasing his artwork and traveling to and from the event, Greiner struck up conversation and evangelized nonstop. Interacting with respected Christian leaders like James Dobson, Bill Bright, and Charles Stanley at NRB significantly influenced Greiner’s life and ministry.

“A lot of what I’ve accomplished in my life by the grace of God is because of great men and women seeing in me what God was doing, and praying over me,” he said.

As Greiner’s artistic influence grew, so did his spiritual journey. In 2001, while attending a church service, Greiner received a prophetic message from a visiting evangelist, foretelling his involvement in the restoration of the “Tabernacle of David.” He and his wife were confused, but this unexpected pronouncement prompted them to watch for God’s guidance.

Eight months later, the same evangelist called Greiner and told him that God wanted him to build a 77-foot cross. While Greiner questioned it, he learned: “Don’t turn people down until you pray, because sometimes there’s a blessing hidden there.” While they prayed, Greiner received the same picture in his mind, solidifying his conviction that God was calling him to this extraordinary project.

That’s when God led him to a 23-acre property overlooking Interstate 10 near Kerrville, Texas. Remarkably, this land had been inexplicably off the market for years, despite its prime location. The property’s owner, a former client of Greiner’s, had purchased the land in 1984 but never listed it for sale. Ultimately, through unexpected events and generous donations, the foundation secured the land, paving the way for the construction of their first Sculpture Prayer Garden.

To initiate the project, Greiner and his wife generously donated his lifetime collection of artist copy sculptures, valued at approximately two million dollars. They further contributed thousands of dollars of their own funds.

“When we did that, God opened the whole thing, and the floodgates of heaven opened with volunteers, money, and people,” Greiner remarked.

The Coming King Sculpture Prayer Garden, now a tangible reality, is shaped like a 300-foot cross and features a collection of inspiring sculptures, including the iconic 77-foot-tall “Empty Cross” centerpiece. Visible from the interstate, the cross draws visitors to the garden, where they can enjoy a free tour. The garden is open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight.

The garden’s pathways, inscribed with biblical verses, guides visitors on a journey toward the cross. Along the way, the Gospel message is presented in English, Spanish, and German, exposing visitors to the core tenets of Christianity. Annually, between 150,000 and 200,000 people visit this inspiring attraction, and numerous individuals have found Christ and experienced physical and emotional healing within the sacred grounds.

“The art is just the bait,” he said. “It’s just what catches people’s curiosity.” He calls this approach SEE: Strategic Eye-gate Evangelism. “I use the eye to capture the heart.”

The whole garden and all its success came about by his simple, yet faithful obedience:

“I just do what God tells me to do every day,” Greiner said. “I give him my life and it’s up to him to tell me what to do. … I have my dreams and hopes, but I let God set my priorities every day.”

Greiner is now working to ensure the legacy of the Coming King Foundation and its Sculpture Prayer Gardens, establishing a sustainable structure that will continue to impact generations to come. He envisions a continuing network of “Covenant Certified” Sculpture Prayer Gardens across the world. To be certified, a garden must include biblical scripture in multiple languages, Christian artwork, and a prominent cross. The foundation offers support to those who wish to establish such gardens, including donating the cost of the cross. Through the creation of these unique and inspiring spaces, Greiner hopes to bring the Gospel to the world.

“I recommend people become so intimate with God through prayer and worship that they are willing to follow him right out of the boat,” he said. “That’s how people walk on water. Because God gets in the deal. … Don’t miss your destiny.”

Max Greiner, Jr. has been an NRB member since 1999. To learn more, visit the Coming King Foundation website: thecomingkingfoundation.org.