Due to health reasons, prolific author Max Lucado has decided to step aside as senior pastor of his San Antonio megachurch, but he plans to continue writing at least one new book each year.

“I will probably write more,” Lucado, 52, told the Associated Press (AP), explaining that he would have more free time.

Lucado, whose books have sold more than 40 million copies, is suffering from a type of heart arrhythmia but is confident the condition can be treated. He announced to the Oak Hills Church congregation last Sunday that he was leaving the senior minister post and would assist in finding a successor.

In a “Letter from Max” posting on the Oak Hills Church Web site, Lucado said the church “needs a healthy, full-time servant in this position. Upon his selection, I will turn my attention to doing more what I love to do the most: writing and preaching. I have no intention of leaving this great church, but simply altering my role in it.”

Lucado, who is physically active and participated in a half ironman triathlon last year, started feeling dizzy last summer, which led to the diagnosis, the AP reported.

Called “America's Best Preacher” by Reader's Digest and “America's Pastor” by Christianity Today, Lucado has written more than 50 books, including Just Like Jesus, In the Grip of Grace and Facing Your Giants (all by W Publishing Group).