Pastor John Tyson grew up in the Greater Philadelphia area and was raised in a large evangelical church. Through meaningful friendships and a growing interest in Christian peacemaking, he began to identify as a Mennonite Christian in early adulthood.

After discerning a call to pastoral ministry in his mid-20s, John earned a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey, where he received recognition for his work in Christian social ethics.

Following seminary, John served for four years as Associate Pastor for Faith Formation at Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton, Kansas, where he completed his ordination. He later moved to Iowa after being called as pastor of Des Moines Mennonite Church, serving there for six years. During that time, he came to admire and appreciate Plymouth’s presence in the work of social justice throughout the city.

John enjoys connecting with people of all ages and helping them discern God’s presence in each season of life. His ministry is shaped by a deep commitment to faith formation for children, youth, and families, thoughtful and faithful preaching, and community organizing and other forms of service that help the church become a more engaged presence in the city. His faith and theology continue to be shaped by a wide range of ecumenical and progressive theological influences.

John is married to Amy, a native Iowan and maternal mental health therapist, and they have two young children. In his spare time, he enjoys playing basketball, listening to podcasts about politics, following Philadelphia sports, and spending time in and around Des Moines.