Pastor John Lee grew up on a third-generation dairy farm in Northern Michigan (near McBain, MI) before attending Calvin College (Major: World History, Minors: Environmental Studies and Third World Development). Pastor John then served 2001-04 with Christian Reformed World Missions/World Relief Committee in Nicaragua. He returned for an M-Div seminary degree from Calvin Theological Seminary (2004-08), including graduate work in Israel, where he met his wife, Mary Jo. Bethel CRC is their first North American church they've served.
 
Locally, Pastor John is a member of the Dordt College Board of Trustees, various denominational committees, and is active with an immigrant ministry board (CASA). Pastor John and Mary Jo have a daughter Anna Elizabeth born December 2018 and Sarah Jane born June 2021. They enjoy practicing hospitality, traveling, and sharing in the life and mission of God’s people at Bethel!