What began as a call to serve a Methodist charge of six churches led Pastor Jim Stewart to step out in faith and plant a new work in Albany, Ohio. With only a handful of people gathered in a smoke-filled VFW hall, Living Water Word of Life was born.
What started as a small step of obedience quickly became a powerful move of God. In 1987, Living Water Worship Center established its permanent home on five God-ordained acres just beyond the Ohio University Airport. Since then, we have witnessed the faithfulness and goodness of God as He has continued to transform lives, restore families, and draw people to Himself through this ministry.
For nearly forty years, Pastor Jim and his wife, Vicki, faithfully shepherded the congregation with a passion for helping hurting people find hope in Jesus Christ. Their unwavering commitment to the gospel laid a foundation that continues to impact generations.
In the fall of 2025, Pastor Jim and Vicki entrusted the day-to-day leadership of Living Water to their daughter and son-in-law, Jami and Joe Paintiff.
Today, Joe and Jami continue to carry the original vision forward: helping hurting people find hope by obeying Christ’s command to go into all the world and make disciples. Their heart is to reach the lost, equip believers to grow in their daily walk with Christ, and build a church family where everyone can encounter the presence of God.
At Living Water, we believe Heaven still rejoices over one lost sinner who repents. That’s why we live with a simple mission: there is always +ONE MORE.
+ONE MORE person to reach.
+ONE MORE family to restore.
+ONE MORE prodigal to come home.
+ONE MORE life to be transformed by the power of Jesus.
Whether you’ve followed Christ for years or you’re simply searching for hope, we would love to welcome you. Come visit us, let us hug your neck, and become part of the Living Water family.