Pastor John Arrington was born on August 31, 1960 to pioneers in the gospel, Pastor Harold and Mother Barbara Arrington. He was the fourth of nine siblings. His parents, especially his mother, raised him to treasure the Word of God through scripture memorization. Being raised in the home of parents who served others consistently, Pastor John began working in the ministry at a very young age. He served the church as a janitor, Sunday school teacher, bus driver, youth choir director and an assistant in the presentation of the Tabernacle Radio program, which was a powerful prayer meeting and counseling program on the local gospel station.

He graduated from Lincoln Elementary, Salem Lutheran Middle, Calvin Christian Elementary, and Thornton Township High School. He received his Bachelors in Business Administration from Chicago State University, his Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University and his Type 75 Administrative Certification in Educational Leadership from Western Illinois University.

John married Joy Lewis on August 4th 1990. They grew up together as their parents were good friends and partners in ministry. From their union four children were born-two girls and two boys. John was an involved parent. He diligently promoted his children’s education and took great pride in the fact that they all attained a college education and degrees. He also supported his children by attending all their graduations and sporting events and was their coach and biggest cheerleader (almost to the point of embarrassment).

He was a man driven by a strong work ethic, sense of duty, and professionalism. He started his professional career working at Blue Cross Blue Shield, as a substitute teacher, Community Organizer mentored by President Barack Obama at the South Suburban Action Conference, U.S. Congressional Aide for the 2nd District, Alderman for the City of Harvey 2nd Ward, Computer Trainer for the Department of Human Services for the State of Illinois, Thornton Township H.S. District 205 Director of Human Resources, Director of Harvey Park District, Superintendent at Mary P. Moody Christian Academy, Educational Consultant of Calvary Academy, and currently served as District 205 Director of College and Career Partnerships. He was a man of many interests and talents. While pursuing his career, he also found time to do volunteer work as a youth mentor and Harvey Little League coach. He was also a singer, accomplished saxophonist, and lover of many styles of music.

Pastor John touched the lives of thousands throughout the South Suburbs, U.S., and around the world. He was known for his kindness, loyalty, and hearty laugh. He was always ready and willing to lend a hand. Many youth looked up to him as a father figure.

In 2014 upon the death of his father, Pastor Harold Arrington, he was ordained as Senior Pastor of Bethel Gospel Tabernacle. The church progressed and expanded. He established ministries and cultivated the youth group and Summer Bible Camp to provide encompassing sports and fine arts summer activities. The Mother Barbara Arrington Women’s Center and the children’s church were also established under his leadership. Through these ministries many were saved and healed. Recently, the church joined in fellowship with the Assemblies of God.

Pastor John Arrington was well versed in local and global events, and gifted in connecting the Word of God to current events. He was also heavily involved in local government, politics, and community affairs. Although he was engaged in local matters, he traveled far beyond the borders of his home, Harvey, IL. He enjoyed taking his family on vacations and especially travelling with his wife, Joy. They visited many sites including much of the U.S., the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Canada, Mexico, Paris, Rome, and Israel. He enjoyed fine dining, concerts, basketball, plays, writing, swimming, and bicycling.

Pastor John Arrington made his final and greatest trip to glory on June 14, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pastor Harold and Mother Barbara Arrington. To cherish his memory he leaves his wife, Joy; sons: John Jr. and Luke; Daughters: Barbara (Fiancé Kevin McGinnis) and Kaylynn; Sisters: Pamela, Deborah, & Barbara; Brothers: Harold, Phillip, Paul, Timothy, and Michael; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews as well as his entire beloved Bethel Gospel Tabernacle family, Harvey community, District 205, and friends.