richard ulrich

senior PASTOR

Richard was born in Bowling Green, Missouri and came to know the Lord at the age of 12.  He’s thankful for faithful family members (especially his grandparents) who went out of their way to make sure he was raised in church and that he always knew he was loved by the Lord.

  

After feeling a calling into full-time ministry, Richard earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies from Hannibal-LaGrange University.  From 2011-2013 he served as a missionary with the International Missions Board in a variety of Middle Eastern countries.  Upon his return to the states, Richard earned a Masters Degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.  Since graduating seminary Richard has pastored churches in both Southern Indiana and Northeast Missouri.

  

Richard is married to Ashley and has three kids: Jonah, Sophia, and Norah.  In his downtime you can find him reading books, sipping a good cup of coffee, or beating his son in Mario Kart.

Robb Rockwell

Associate Pastor of children

Robb was born and raised in Florida. Robb's life was changed when, at eight years old, a teacher took the time to explain to him how to make Jesus Lord of his life


Robb graduated from the University of South Florida and spent a frustrating year trying to figure out what God wanted him to do. It was during this year that Robb knew he was called into full-time ministry and began serving as a youth pastor. He soon realized that his passion was to work with children and families, and he enrolled and then graduated from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. 


Robb is married to Bambi and they have three children: Hayley who is married to Caleb and lives in Kentucky; Sydney, who is married to Reed and lives in Jacksonville and Lance, who lives at home. Robb and Bambi are embracing grandparent life with their first grandchild, Henry!


Robb is a lover of all things Disney, loves running and working out, anything with an engine, and  always loves to have fun while teaching kids about Jesus.


DAVID HIGGS

ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF WORSHIP

David grew up in Greenville, MS. A “lifelong" southern Baptist, David grew up in Greenfield Baptist Church there, which has since been passed to another congregation. But back then, David “walked the aisle” and was baptized young like good Baptist kids often do. However when he was 14, he saw his friends experiencing something more real at youth camp. That’s when he believed the Gospel and met Jesus for real.


David married Connie and finished college at Delta State University with a Bachelor’s in Music Education. He planned to be a collegiate choral professor, but God had other plans. After only a couple of years in teaching, David answered God’s call to ministry. He has served churches in Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, and now two in Illinois. He attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.


David and Connie have two kids. David is married to Farrah and they live in Champaign, and Victoria is married to Zach and they live in Harrisburg. David and Connie have two grandchildren and love being grandparents!

Brian Kenney
volunteer ASsistant PASTOR of Congregational Care

Brian was born and raised in Morris, IL. Brian's life changed at fifteen years of age, after his sister and mother both accepted the Lord at a revival service at Calvary Baptist Church in Morris. They persuaded he and his dad to attend the services where they both accepted the Lord. Brian answered the call to ministry the next year.


Brian is a graduate of Southwest Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He "retired" from full time ministry in 2018 after 40 plus years of pastoral and chaplaincy ministry.


Brian met his wife, Terry, at First Southern Baptist Church in Coal City, IL. They were married in 1998. Terry is a seamstress and enjoys using her talent to reach out to and minister to her community. Brian and Terry enjoy ministering to pastors and their families and also offer bereavement ministries to those who are hurting.

Stacey Helmich
Executive ADMINISTRATIVE Assistant

Stacey and her husband, Michael joined Lincoln Avenue in 2017, and she answered the call to serve the church as our Executive Ministry Assistant in 2019. 


Stacey and Michael have been blessed with three boys, Eli, Ezekiel, and Everett.


Besides fulfilling her role as the EMA, Stacey has served in

many other ministries, including leading our Deaf and Hard of

Hearing Ministry Team, the Marriage Ministry Team, and working with our youth. 


She loves spending time with her family, thrifting, and game nights.

Melissa Carruthers
administrative Ministry Assistant

Melissa and her husband, Bob joined Lincoln Avenue in 1999, and have been part of this faith family ever since. They have three children: Seth, married to Leann live in St. Louis, Missouri; Sarah lives in Eureka, Missouri; and Leah, married to John, live in Jacksonville. Melissa and Bob also have four grandchildren: Marilla, Roger, Owen and Keshon.


Melissa was led to begin serving as our Ministry Assistant in 2019. Beyond her normal duties, Melissa has served in a variety of ways including leading our Midweek Meals ministry and faithfully serving in the Children’s Department. 


She loves to spend time with her family, reading, and shopping for vintage finds.