As the lead pastor of St. John, Andrew helps shape the overall mission of the congregation along with the church council and lay leaders. He also leads our 3 worship services, visits our members, teaches both adults and youth, oversees the church staff, volunteers in the community, and represents St John out in the community and the wider world. 

Pastor Bell grew up as a Lutheran pastor’s kid in Lordstown, OH. He met his wife, Angela, at Youngstown State where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2005. They married in 2006 after which he attended the Lutheran Seminary at Gettysburg where he concentrated on Town & Country ministry and graduated in 2010.

“Before coming to St. John, I served a congregation in western North Carolina for 4 years. Angela and I have three children: our daughter, Kalina and twin boys, Isaac and Marek, who are all pure chaos and love. I am an avid reader, enjoy hiking, traveling with my family, and watching movies. As a pastor I have a particular love for preaching and teaching as well as helping people grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. I am always happy to meet with anyone to talk about life & faith; just contact me to set up an appointment. If you’d like someone to pray with you or for you, or would like a visit please let me know.”

Email: pastor.andrew.bell@gmail.com

This is Jonathan’s second gig at St. John and what a blessing it is. From 2003-2007 he served as the Music & Worship Director at St. John. He then went on to teach Choir at BJHS & BHS from 2007-2013 before returning to St John in the summer of 2013.

His responsibilities include playing the piano and organ for all worship services, directing (four adult choirs, hand bells, the children’s choir and praise band), coordinating musicians, planning worship (with the pastor and the Worship & Music Committee), and doing whatever it takes to help glorify our Lord.

Jonathan is also a student at Luther Seminary pursuing a potential call to ordained ministry. 

“This is a generous congregation, and my wife Anitta and I enjoy the gracious privilege of living in the lake house at the Retreat Center. We have five grown children and live with one cat and three chickens, not to mention all of the other animals roaming in nature.”

Email: jonathan@stjohn-bellville.org

Born and raised in South Africa, Gershon found his calling to full-time Youth Ministry in 1994. He then completed missionary training and worked in several different parts of South Africa as a Community Development and Youth Worker in rural communities. He became involved in Camp Ministry in 1997 and later on, in 1999, he traveled to America and worked at different Christian camps. He is very passionate about his music and spreading the Gospel. Gershon then became the Youth and Family director at St. John Bellville in May 2016.

“It is a privilege to serve a church whose purpose is to grow and make disciples. My desire is to personally experience God’s joy and love and then pass that on to others by means of teaching, witnessing, acts of kindness, humor, play, and childlike faith. Working with young people helps keep me grounded in my own personal faith walk.”

Email: gershon.stjohn@gmail.com

Vickie has worked as the Office Administrator here at St. John since May, 2001.

“I have been a member of St. John from the time I was baptized in January, 1963 until January, 2010. In October of 2009, my family and I moved to Montgomery, Texas for my husband’s job. My husband, Keith and I have 2 children, Lauren and Austin. I love working here at St. John and the opportunity it gives me to share God’s Love with all who come through the doors. I invite you to come in and let me show you what St. John has to offer you and your family.”

Email: vickie@stjohn-bellville.org