Pastor Alberta was born and raised in New Jersey, where he received his undergraduate degree in pre-law from Rutgers-The State University. Married in 1969 to his high school and college sweetheart, Donna, he began a career in banking and finance.

A former atheist with an unsatisfied yearning for purpose and meaning in life, his soul-search for peace and significance brought him face to face with Jesus Christ and the claims of Christianity. He received Jesus as Savior and Lord of his life in 1977.

While considering law school, Richard's heart and mind were re-directed by God's Holy Spirit to the Gospel ministry. He eagerly responded by entering Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts, where he earned his Master of Divinity degree in 1982. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree in marriage and family counseling in 1989 at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.

Joining the Cornerstone staff in 1992 as Senior Pastor, he previously served at Ward EPC (Northville, MI) as Chairman of the Congregational Care Department. Prior to that post he ministered at Goodwill EPC in Montgomery, New York, and with Literacy & Evangelism International in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Dr. Alberta and his wife reside in Brighton and have four sons and seven grandchildren.  Pastor Alberta enjoys reading (particularly history), playing golf, and carpentry.