Love Casts Out All Fear

Joe Aldrich
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Joe Aldrich

Joe Aldrich (1940–2009) was an American preacher, pastor, and educator whose ministry emphasized relational evangelism and leadership within the evangelical Christian community. Born in Portland, Oregon, as one of nine children to Willard Aldrich, a founder and former president of Multnomah School of the Bible, he grew up in Vancouver, Washington, in a devout family. Converted in his youth, Aldrich pursued theological training, earning a Th.D. from Dallas Theological Seminary. He served as senior pastor of Mariners Church in Newport Beach, California, during the 1970s, where he honed his approach to sharing faith through authentic relationships. In 1962, he married Ruthe Miles, and they raised two children, Kristen and Stephen, integrating family life with his ministerial calling. Aldrich’s influence expanded when he succeeded his father as president of Multnomah School of the Bible (now Multnomah University) in 1978, a role he held until 1997. During his tenure, he oversaw significant developments, including the construction of the John and Mary Mitchell Library, the founding of Multnomah Biblical Seminary, and its accreditation. A prolific author, his book Lifestyle Evangelism: Learning to Open Your Life to Those Around You became a bestseller, advocating that faith is best shared through caring actions rather than just words—a stance both celebrated and debated. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he retired in 1997 and died in 2009 at age 68, leaving a legacy of practical faith, institutional growth, and a vision for evangelism rooted in love and authenticity.