John A Reed

Pastor John A Reed of Calvary Chapel Northwest Reno, NV, passed away suddenly on November 11, 2023. He was born on August 22, 1961 to Eleanor and Howard Reed.  

Saved at the young age of eight, he grew up in Baptist and Foursquare churches. He surrendered to ministry at age twenty two 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 founded Sonrise Church in Reno in the late 80’s which is now known as Calvary Chapel NW Reno.  He put his heart and soul into reaching others for Christ and started many ministries (some still active) including KBOOK Radio 93.3, the Calvary Ranch, Bible Club, Reno Christian Singles Group, numerous Bible Studies at Assisted Living Centers, Weekly Food Bank, Homeless Goodie bags, A Thrift Store, a Chapel Book Store, and Men’s Breakfasts. He also supported and encouraged the Prayers and Squares Ministry and Women’s Ministries within the church.  He led Annual Church Mexico Mission Trips to various orphanages to support Calvary Chapel NW Missionaries’ Victor and Sonia Mayoral, Calvary Chapel Hermosillo Pastor German Lopez and Calvary Chapel Homex Pastor Eddie Mijares, as well as leading Church Trips to Israel. He also had a weekly podcast and streamed the church services.  His radio program, Verse by Verse, is played on nine stations around the country. He had also taught classes at Multnomah Bible College and Calvary Bible Institute. He loved the Church as Christ loves the Church. He was a wonderful shepherd to the congregation at Calvary Chapel, whom are deeply mourning his loss.

Pastor John had a wonderful tenor singing voice, and a natural radio voice. As a young man he even recorded an album. He loved eating out and was known for finding the “least expensive” places. He enjoyed talking about current events, and he especially loved to travel. He attended as many conferences as he could, one of which took him to Austria. His favorite place to visit was Israel, followed by Disneyland.

Pastor John was educated at Calvary Chapel Bible College in Murrieta Hot Springs, CA, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX where he received his Master of Divinities degree.

He was predeceased by his earthly father, Howard Reed, mother, Eleanor Reed, and sister, Holly Eckes. He is survived by his brother, James Reed, two nieces, three nephews and numerous grand nieces and nephews, as well as his congregation.

A Memorial Service will be held for anyone wanting to pay their respects to Pastor John at Calvary Chapel Northwest Reno, 246 Courtney Lane Reno on Saturday December 16, 2023 at 2:00pm. 

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Calvary Chapel Northwest Reno.