Pastor John Reed of Calvary Chapel Northwest Reno, NV, passed away on November 11, 2023. He had a broad Christian background, known as a “people person” who taught the Bible verse by verse in a simple, understandable, and practical way. He made a difference in many lives and will be missed. 

Saved at the young age of 8, he grew up in Baptist and Foursquare churches. He surrendered to ministry at age 22 and has served eight churches in California, Texas, and Nevada. His roots include Calvary Chapels in Costa Mesa, Downey, Phelan, and Stockton, CA.  

Pastor John was educated at Calvary Chapel Bible College in Murrieta Hot Springs, CA, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX.

Tom Price, editor of Calvary Chapel Magazine, was friends with Pastor John. He commented, "John Reed was just at the Calvary Chapel International Pastors Conference (CCA) last week at Calvary Chapel Golden Springs. He spent quite a bit of time with us at the CC Magazine table, since he knew all of us. John was laughing and said he was enjoying all of the teachings. We said goodbye on Thursday as he flew out from Ontario to go back to Reno.”

Tom continued, “On Saturday afternoon I received a text from their worship leaders, Gabe and Kelli Carlson, with the sad news. John had woken up at 2 a.m. on Saturday with chest pains. He called 911 and was taken to the emergency room, where he passed.

“I contacted our pastor at CC Reno-Sparks, Phil McKay. He had previously decided to have someone else teach Sunday morning service. So, Phil was available to go over and pray and be with the congregation at Calvary Chapel Northwest Reno, who were in shock. Plans for the future are uncertain. CC Reno-Sparks will send over teaching pastors as needed as the congregation recovers.”

Tom concluded, “We all know that John has no regrets as he is enjoying the wonderful presence of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and heard those words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. Come into your rest.’ Please pray for the congregation.”

© 2023 Calvary Chapel Magazine (CCM). All rights reserved. Articles or photographs may not be reproduced without the written permission of CCM. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.® Used by permission.