MEET PASTOR DAWRELL RICH

 

Rev. Dawrell Rich, Ph.D. is a pastor-scholar, public speaker, and community builder whose interdisciplinary work bridges the gap between religion and society.

 

He is the founding CEO of Rich Word, LLC, a consulting firm that offers strategic coaching, public speaking, and program development for mission-driven organizations. He also serves as the executive director of Joshua’s House, Inc., a tax-exempt 501 c (3) community development corporation that uplifts low-to-moderate-income communities across New Jersey and beyond through education, empowerment, and equity-focused initiatives. Also, he is the author of two books, “The Love Challenge: A 21 Day Journey in Love” and “Come to the River: Release the Power Within.”

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With a background in architecture, infrastructure planning, and theology, Dr. Rich brings a rare and holistic perspective to his leadership roles. He earned a Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture from North Carolina State University, a Master of Infrastructure Planning from New Jersey Institute of Technology, a Master of Divinity and a Ph.D. in Religion, Society, and Ecology from Drew University. His research and praxis focus on the intersection of Black church studies, urban sustainability, and environmental justice.

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Currently, Dr. Rich serves as Pastor of The River of Life Christian Church in Elizabethport, NJ, where he leads congregational growth, community outreach, and strategic partnerships. He is also Chaplain at the Church Farm School (and former Adjunct Professor at Montclair State University), where he mentors the next generation of socially conscious leaders. 

 

A sought-after speaker, workshop facilitator, and grant strategist, Dr. Rich has received multiple honors, including the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Social Justice Award from Drew University. He also received the Rev. Robert W. Edgar Prize for Social Justice at Drew University for his transdisciplinary research in urban black religious environmentalism. He is a member of the American Academy of Religion, the Association for the Sociology of Religion, and International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature, and Culture, and the United States Green Building Council. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Zeta Iota Lambda Chapter. 

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Whether preaching, teaching, organizing, or building, Rev. Dr. Rich is committed to empowering communities and equipping leaders to imagine—and implement—transformative change. He enjoys traveling, the arts, and music.