60Chet Lowe’s journey started in the Bahamas, where he was raised in a home centered on faith and service. His parents, Ira and Pam, lived out their Christian values with sincerity, creating a family environment that strongly emphasized loving others and trusting God. Their example left a lasting impact on Chet. At seven, he took his first step into ministry by organizing a Vacation Bible School in his parents’ garage. It was a small beginning that reflected a much deeper calling in his life.
Family played a major role in shaping Chet’s early years. Alongside his siblings, Susan and Matthew, he grew up learning the importance of compassion, responsibility, and being available to help others. These lessons laid the groundwork for the life of service that would follow. As he grew, it became clearer that his path would lead him toward missions and ministry.
By his early teens, Chet had already begun to step into that path. At thirteen, he traveled to South Korea with his church to help build a church facility. The following year, he went to Liberia to assist with constructing a school. These experiences opened his eyes to the global need for service and confirmed the direction in which he believed God was leading him. The willingness to go wherever he was called became a defining part of his journey.
In 1994, Chet married Andrea. Just one year later, the two moved to Liberia with their newborn, entering a country that was caught in a violent civil war. The situation was dangerous and uncertain, but Chet and Andrea were moved by a desire to serve people living through deep hardship. It was not an easy life, but they remained focused on the purpose that brought them there.
While in Liberia, they helped build 17 churches and launched Joseph’s Brethren, a ministry that focused on rescuing children impacted by war. Over 1,500 children, many of whom were former child soldiers, were brought into care. These children were allowed to heal, grow, and experience safety through foster families and rehabilitation centers. The work was challenging, but the outcomes were lasting.
During these years, Chet and Andrea’s family expanded. They had five biological children—some born before their time in Liberia, some during, and some after returning to the United States. In addition to their biological children, they also opened their home to four more through adoption and mentorship. Their home life became an extension of their ministry, offering love and stability to those needing a family.
After returning stateside, Chet began serving at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, a church he had long participated in. Over nearly thirty years, he led several ministries, focusing on marriage, parenting, missions, and foster care. He pursued a Master’s degree in Christian Counseling to better support others during difficult times. His heart for ministry extended beyond sermons—it was expressed in personal relationships and steady support.
In 2005, he launched Patmos: Reality Discipleship, a program for young adults that helped them grow in faith and character. The program expanded internationally, reaching people in the Bahamas, Brazil, El Salvador, and California. One of the individuals Chet mentored through this effort would go on to become like a son to him—a reminder that ministry often leads to deeply personal bonds.
In 2011, Chet experienced a season of loss. His younger brother, a Navy Lieutenant, died in a plane crash at age 33. In the years that followed, he also lost his father and uncle. These moments of grief were difficult, but Chet chose to remain present and faithful in his calling. He leaned into ministry, not away from it, continuing to walk alongside others through their seasons of pain.
A new chapter began in 2015 when Chet moved his family to Southern California. He became lead pastor at Coast Hills Church in Aliso Viejo, where he helped lead the church through important transitions. In 2021, he was invited to take on leadership at Calvary Chapel South Bay. Under his guidance, the church became Calvary LIFE, built around the mission of learning the Word, investing in relationships, following Christ, and engaging the world.
Chet lives with Andrea and their children in San Pedro, California. Together, they lead Calvary LIFE, which is active in local and global outreach. Their work includes feeding the homeless, anti-trafficking efforts, prison ministry, and international missions. The church currently supports more than 30 missionary efforts worldwide.
Today, Chet remains committed to discipleship, biblical counseling, and serving others meaningfully and personally. As 2025 brings several milestones in his ministry journey, Chet remains focused on what lies ahead. For him, the mission has never been about recognition—it has always been about responding to the next opportunity to serve and say yes to where God is leading.
Living Parable – Chet Lowe’s Honest and Inspiring Faith Journey: https://chetlowe.com/living-parable-book/
Portfolio 2: https://chetlowe.com/