American Lutheran Church in Prescott is highly praised by visitors for its welcoming atmosphere, engaging services, and dedicated pastors. Reviewers appreciate the beautiful stained glass windows and pipe organ, as well as the powerful preaching of the Gospel.
Many describe ALC as their home church, emphasizing the sense of community and connection they feel with fellow believers. The music program is highlighted for its excellence, contributing to a warm and accepting environment that eschews pretension.
Worship at American Lutheran Church
The Word of God is preached powerfully at both the contemporary and traditional service. We attend the contemporary service. Don’t get hung up on the denominational name.
With no interest in public speaking at the time, Mark’s path toward becoming a pastor was a period of growth rather than an “Ah Ha!” moment. “Who I am today is not who I was growing up, and as I learned and grew in the word, I became more comfortable in the pulpit,” he said.
“Having grown up attending a traditional program, I have a great appreciation for the time and effort that ALC has put forth in the Traditional Service, but people receive the word in a variety of methods, regardless of age and demographic. However, if I were to choose a service while traveling, it would most likely be Contemporary in nature,” he said.
My wife and I were in Prescott visiting my mom for Christmas. We found American Lutheran Church online and decided to attend their 4pm Christmas Eve service. The service was a beautiful as any I’ve ever attended. Pastor Mark was awesome. He was engaging and easy to follow. We’ll definitely be back if we are in Prescott on a Sunday.
Church building, music, and atmosphere
Very large church. Beautiful church with stained glass windows and pipe organ. Wonderful, caring pastors that preach the Gospel.
Not only are the pastors fabulous, the music program is awesome. This church is warm and welcoming, leaving behind pretention and self righteousness.
I have experienced many churches over the years, but ALC feels truly like home. This “body of believers” are the real deal!
A welcoming church community
Our home church since we moved to Prescott. We “shopped around” when we got here - ALC always called us back. We haven’t left and are now deeply connected to this wonderful body of Christ.
You will be welcome here with love and acceptance! It truly is a family.
Attended a memorial service. The service was beautiful. Church members were courteous and helpful.
Pastor Mark Johnson and the church’s next chapter
“Attending a Christian School growing up, I memorized copious amounts of scripture. It wasn’t until later in life that I delved into, and learned the meaning and power of those words,” said Mark Johnson, senior pastor of American Lutheran Church.
Mark, along with Pastor Steve Balog, and Vicar Christian Theo, was recently selected to shepherd the congregation of American Lutheran Church as they celebrate their 75th anniversary.
“I grew up in a very Christian, and church-focused family with many of my relatives having been ministers. I used to joke that as a child I had a drug problem. I was drug to church, I was drug to bible study… and really had no intention of becoming a pastor. My considered field of study was engineering and even meteorology,” Mark said.
“Later when 19, I went through a difficult period, which I felt it was spiritual in nature, and it was then that I made the decision to attend Lutheran Bible Institute in Anaheim, California, to learn more about the scripture.”
While attending LBI, Mark also participating in a touring Musical Troupe, Shaliach, or Hebrew for “Sent.” It was also at LBI where Mark met his wife of 30 years, Paula. The couple have two grown daughters who live in Orange County.
Not one to leave any tool unused, Mark has a penchant for character costumes and uses the presentation of historical figures to deliver the message.
Along the way Mark would study religion at Concordia, California, and eventually back home to Minnesota, the land of Lutherans, to attend Luther Seminary.
Prior to Prescott, Mark was senior pastor at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Fallbrook, California, for 26 years. “Christ the King, was similar to Prescott in a lot of ways, and I served as associate pastor and the last 12 years as senior pastor,” Mark said.
Being led to work as an interim pastor, Mark was called to Prescott, where like many, he fell in love with the area and the church family. Being selected as senior pastor in the past month.
“American Lutheran has a very vibrant history, and diverse congregation, which I’m pleased to have the opportunity to help envision the next 75 years,” Mark says.
Ministry priorities and intergenerational life
With a love of children and youth ministries, Mark looks forward to growing the family programs at ALC and intergenerational services, while embracing both the traditional and contemporary services that are currently offered.
He also looks to further develop discipleship through mission work, both local and abroad.
When asked about the current politicalization of religion, Mark replied: “Our faith informs who we are, and we have a world view as to who we are as children of God, but you will not hear me espousing political views or individual parties. But you will hear me champion how internalizing our faith and looking at the world with the knowledge that we are broken people. Holding up the truth and righteousness, without condemning the broken, because we are all broken.”
As to the next 75 years, and the ever-expanding service styles offered at various churches, “Everything has its season. And sometimes, no matter how perfect a season is, or how much we enjoy it, seasons change. And I’m very excited about the next season for American Lutheran and the joy and growth it can bring,” Mark adds.
American Lutheran School
Growing a Love of Learning, Knowing the Love of Jesus Since 1987.
2026-2027 marks American Lutheran School’s 38th year serving families with young children in the Prescott, AZ area. As a preschool-only program, we provide an intentional, Christ-centered enrichment experience that complements the nurturing foundation parents provide at home.
Our mission is to foster a strong partnership between teachers and families to bring out the best in each student-spiritually, socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically.
Children are encouraged to explore and develop their unique abilities through hands-on learning experiences and a wide variety of engaging activities that nurture both academic and spiritual growth in a loving environment.
Morning preschool for ages 3-5
American Lutheran School offers a nurturing, Christ-centered morning preschool program for children ages 3-5. Our school hours are 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, with extended care available until 1:00 PM.
We maintain a 1:12 teacher-to-student ratio, supported by a classroom aide 1-2 days per week to ensure every child receives personal attention and care.
Children must be 3 years old by August 31st and toilet-trained before enrolling. Students are expected to use the bathroom and dress independently.
To support busy families, we also offer early morning care (8:00-8:30 AM) and lunch care (11:30 AM-1:00 PM) for a minimal fee.
Preschool program options
Our purpose is to instill the strong roots of God's love and His Word in the children we serve. We are an intentional enrichment program; enhancing what families are doing at home in the areas of spiritual growth, academics, and socialization.
Our goal is to prepare our students and their families for the next step in their educational journey.
- 2-day class (Tuesday/Thursday) for ages 3-5
- 3-day class (Monday/Wednesday/Friday) for ages 3-5
- 5-day Pre-K class for 4-5-year-olds entering kindergarten the following year
First Day of School is Tuesday, September 8th.
We look forward to answering your questions.
Groups and events
American Lutheran Church hosts support opportunities for people dealing with loss and grief.
Find relief and comfort at a GriefShare support group. Each week you’ll watch a 30-minute video with insights from grief recovery experts and people who share their personal stories.
You’ll then spend time sharing with people who get what you’re going through (there’s no pressure to talk!) and take home a guide with helpful exercises for personal healing.
Groups meet for 13 weeks.
- GriefShare Group Thursday, September 17
- Surviving the Holidays Event Saturday, November 14
Location
American Lutheran Church is located at 1085 Scott Dr., Prescott, AZ 86301.