A Shepherd's Heart
Pastor LeeArtis's ministry is the culmination of a lifelong commitment to God and this congregation. He brings decades of discipline and leadership to the role, having served as a Correctional Officer for 21 years. Within St. John's, his service began with his ordination as a Deacon, with First Lady Linda's consecration as a Deaconess alongside him, and he later served as a Minister and Elder. They have been a fixture in nearly every department of the church: as Sunday School Teachers, with Pastor LeeArtis serving as Superintendent, in the Choir, and leading the Marriage Ministry. Together, they have truly worked in almost every aspect of the ministry here.
Serving Together
Pastor LeeArtis and First Lady Linda's service has mirrored the length of their beautiful union. They were married on June 20, 1987, after the two met as pen pals and knew each other for just six months before getting married, a true testament to following the Lord's direction.
Pastor LeeArtis and First Lady Linda are blessed with a loving family. Their sons and partners are Kowone, married to Bianca; Joshua, married to Jessica; and Elisha, whose partner is Kathleen Darigan. They are the proud grandparents of eleven grandchildren.
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." — 2 Timothy 2:15, Pastor LeeArtis's favorite scripture
A Word From the Pastor
Their lives and work are anchored in Scripture. First Lady Linda's favorite verse is Hebrews 6:10 — "For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do." We're grateful you're here, whether you're reading this from across town or across the world. St. John's is a family, and we'd love for you to be part of it. Please keep Pastor LeeArtis and his family in your prayers as he takes up the mantle of leadership. Come as you are this Sunday; we'll save you a seat.