Rev. Dennis Lester Jr.

Bethel Family Worship Center - Kansas City, MO

Reverend Dennis Lester, Jr. is a native of Atlanta, Georgia where he was raised in the Church of God. He is the son ofBrother Dennis Lester, Sr., and Minister Alicia Lester. At the age of 18, Reverend Lester answered the call of salvation in his life. Two years later, he answered the call to the ministry. He is a graduate of Georgia State University where he obtained his B.A. in English with a Minor in Political Science. Currently, he is working on his Masters of Divinity from Anderson University's School of Theology. He served as an Associate Minister and Youth Pastor for over ten years at the Martin Street Church of God his home Church under the leadership of Pastor Emeritus Manuel Holston and Senior Pastor Reverend Arthur Grier. While serving at Martin Street Church of Cod, he married the love of his life, Jenelle Johnson Lester. They have been married for over eighteen years. From this union, three beautiful children were born, Princess, Dennis III, and Belle. In 2015, Reverend Lester accepted the call to serve as the Executive Pastor of the Community Church of God in Macon, Georgia under Senior Pastor Reverend Jason E. McClendon. Moreover, Reverend Lester has served in Georgia as the Northern District Advisor, Program Committee Member, State Youth Vice President, and State Youth President for the Georgia Fellowship Church of Cod. He also worked for Summerhill Outreach Ministry for eight years as a tutor in elementary schools.

Reverend Lester's favorite scripture that guides his life is Proverbs 3:5 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your path straight." Consequently, In July of 2018, Reverend Lester's path led to Kansas City, Missouri where he was chosen to serve as the new Senior Pastor of Bethel Family Worship Center. "God's Church is the Hope of This World" is the vision that God has placed on Pastor Lester's heart and is reflected in the culture of BFWC.

Pastor Lester also serves as the Executive Director of the Hickman Mills Community Empowerment Center a 501C3 that serves the community through sustainability and empowerment. Also, He serves as the visionary leader of the Because We Care initiative that convenes churches, ministries, government, business owners, and civic organizations together. Additionally, he serves as the leader of the S.O.A.R. Program an initiative that mentors at-risk high school students.

As an Ordained Minister of the Church of God, Pastor Lester serves the Missouri Ministries of the Church of God as a member of the Governance Board and Credentials Committee. On a national level, he serves the Church of God as a credentials coach for the Leadership Focus Program.