For 15 years, Al served as senior pastor of the Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood in Ketchum, Idaho. Serving as the church's primary preacher, worship leader and teacher, he also provided leadership to an eleven member staff.. As senior pastor, he led an RSI capital stewardship campaign that resulted in $3.4 million in pledged commitments - a record for a church of that size.

Al's previous ministerial experience includes associate pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Wenatchee, Washington, and Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministries at Mercer Island Presbyterian Church in Mercer Island, Washington.

With more than 30 years of pastoral and church consultation experience, Al Oliver's wealth of knowledge and experience with stewardship is invaluable. As RSI Vice President and Director of Planning Studies, Al organizes and oversees all of RSI's study activities. He has led nationwide studies for denominations and church associations, multi-state studies for regional judicatories, mission organizations and seminaries, as well as localized studies for Christian schools and camps. Al has consulted in a broad range of denominational and non-denominational settings (including Baptist, Methodist, Congregational, Assembly of God, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Lutheran, Catholic, Disciples of Christ, Seventh Day Adventist and Churches of God). For two years, Al led a national campaign for the Baptist General Conference denomination.

In addition to directing a full complement of planning studies, he also regularly consults capital campaigns and supervises other consultants.

Education

An avid learner and teacher, Al holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work and psychology from the University of Washington, and a Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary.