Our Pastor
Pastor Lincoln Albrecht
As a young pastor, and the spiritual leader at River of Life, I know who and what I am. I know my limitations. I won't pretend to be something I'm not. I don't have to. Jesus loves me as I am. I want share that love with you, too.
In order to better proclaim that love I studied for a long time--4 years of undergraduate studies and another 4 years of seminary training. Many people hear that and they are surprised. They ask if I like school that much why didn't I become a doctor or lawyer. They're noble professions, but I wouldn't trade my calling for anything else. I study law, God's law, to better understand the struggles and pains of this life. I spend time with sick and hurting people, not to heal them for a little while, but to apply the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which heals souls for eternity.
God warns that knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. It's not enough for me to just know God's truth. I want to know you. So forgive me if I knock on your door, or introduce myself to you at a ballgame or the grocery store. I might buy you a cup of coffee and ask to hear your story. I want to know who and what you are. I want to learn your limitations. I don't want to see what you pretend to be in front of others. I want to know what you thirst for, because I've got some refreshing truth to share.
My family and I moved here from Wisconsin in July of 2014. I know, crazy right? But we survived our first summer, and my wife, Jenni, my three kids, and I could not be happier. Yes, Goodyear is nice. The people are friendly. The stores are close and convenient. The restaurants are plentiful and delicious. Since we’ve been here, we’ve welcomed two more children into our family. But that's not why we couldn't be more joyful.
We are joyful because we know Jesus. Friendly people, good deals, tasty meals, and a growing family are great--but real happiness cannot be taken away. People move away. Things break. Meals become a distant memory. Kids grow up and move out on their own. Even happy things fade--but our joy doesn't.
That's why I'm here. I've got a message I want to share with you--I'm here for you. I moved my family here for you. To lead you. To guide you. To help you get to know my joy and have it as your very own.
“Even happy things fade—but our joy doesn’t.”
Pastor Lincoln Albrecht was born in Houston, Texas, but spent his formative years in Bear, Delaware. After graduating high school, he attended Martin Luther College (New Ulm, Minnesota) where he studied Classical & Koiné Greek along with Biblical Hebrew and received his degree (Bachelor of Arts). Upon graduation from Martin Luther College, he attended Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (Mequon, Wisconsin) where he continued his studies for full-time pastoral ministry—including a year of practical experience in Covington, Georgia—and received a Master of Divinity Degree.