Chet Lowe
Chet Lowe
Chet Lowe’s life began on the islands of the Bahamas, where his earliest memories were shaped by a family deeply committed to living out their Christian faith. Ira and Pam Lowe's parents modeled a quiet but strong example of serving God and others sincerely. They built a home where love, respect, and biblical values weren’t just taught but lived out each day.
From a young age, Chet paid attention. By the time he turned seven, he sensed that God had placed a desire in his heart to serve. Without waiting for formal training or approval, he hosted his first outreach: a Vacation Bible School held in the garage of his childhood home. It may have been small, but it began a lifelong ministry journey.
His siblings, Susan and Matthew, were part of that early environment. Their presence, support, and shared experience helped shape Chet’s understanding of family and faith, which would remain central in the years ahead.
Chet’s passion for missions emerged early. At thirteen, he joined a church mission trip to South Korea, where he helped in building a church. The following year, he traveled to Liberia and contributed to constructing a school. These experiences, although brief, gave him a glimpse into the kind of life he felt called to—a life of going where needed and serving without hesitation.
In 1994, Chet married Andrea. Their relationship was rooted in mutual faith and a willingness to follow wherever God would lead. A year later, they moved to Liberia with their newborn child. At the time, Liberia was in the midst of a civil war. Their decision was not made lightly, but it was made with clarity. They believed their role was to live among the people and offer support during one of the darkest seasons in that country’s history.
Living in Liberia during wartime meant facing danger, discomfort, and constant uncertainty. However, Chet and Andrea were focused not on safety but on service. Over their years there, they helped plant 17 churches, offering places of spiritual refuge and community.
Perhaps the most impactful part of their time in Liberia was the founding of Joseph’s Brethren, a ministry created to rescue children who had been caught in the violence—many of whom had been forced to serve as child soldiers. Through the ministry’s work, over 1,500 children were taken in, given foster care, and supported through seven rehabilitation centers. These centers provided more than shelter—they offered healing and stability.
Their family also grew. One child had been born before Liberia, two more during their years there, and another two after returning to the United States. In time, they would also welcome four others into their home through adoption and spiritual mentorship. Chet and Andrea’s family became a reflection of their values—one shaped by compassion, faith, and a willingness to say yes to those in need.
Upon returning to the United States, Chet joined Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale staff, where he had already been a member for fifteen years. His return to pastoral ministry was marked by consistency and depth. Over nearly thirty years, he led ministries focused on couples, singles, parents, foster care, and missions.
Realizing that serving others meant walking with them through all aspects of life, Chet pursued and earned a Master’s degree in Christian Counseling. He learned that being present in someone’s pain was just as important as delivering a sermon. Ministry became a balance of listening, advising, and simply being available when needed.
In 2005, he launched Patmos: Reality Discipleship—a program to mentor young adults. It began in Florida and expanded to include California, Brazil, El Salvador, and the Bahamas. Through this program, many grew in faith, and some became lifelong friends. One participant, in particular, became a spiritual son to Chet, adding a new layer of meaning to his understanding of discipleship and family.
In 2011, Chet endured a heartbreaking loss. His younger brother, who served as a Navy Lieutenant, died in a plane crash at just 33 years old. In the years that followed, he also lost his father and uncle. These were years of sorrow but not retreat. Chet continued to minister during this time, trusting that God would work even through grief.
His faith and calling remained strong. These losses gave him a deeper empathy for those walking through pain, and he became even more committed to offering support, especially when words were few and presence meant everything.
In 2015, Chet and his family relocated to Southern California. He stepped into the lead pastor role at Coast Hills Church in Aliso Viejo, helping guide the church through a season of change. His leadership was marked by stability, care, and a focus on community.
Then, in 2021, a new opportunity arose. Pastor Jeff Gill of Calvary Chapel South Bay stepped down, and Chet was invited. He accepted, and soon after, the church was renamed Calvary LIFE. Under Chet’s guidance, the church embraced a renewed mission shaped by four core principles: Learning the Word, Investing in Relationships, Following the Way of Christ Jesus, and Engaging Our World.
Chet and Andrea now live in San Pedro, California, where they continue to lead Calvary LIFE and pour themselves into their church and community.
Chet’s view of ministry goes far beyond Sunday mornings. Calvary LIFE is actively engaging in outreach efforts to meet people in their most vulnerable places. “Feed His Hope” serves the homeless population in Los Angeles by providing food and supplies. “Jesus Loves Fig” focuses on fighting human trafficking in the Figueroa Corridor. Other efforts include beach ministry, prison outreach, and community service projects.
Internationally, Chet’s work continues. He has traveled and ministered in Brazil, South Korea, El Salvador, and the Bahamas. Today, Calvary LIFE supports over 30 missionary efforts around the world.
Chet remains personally involved in discipleship and biblical counseling, walking closely with people through life’s challenges. His approach is not rushed. It is grounded in presence, patience, and a steady commitment to the people God places in his life.
At home, the family remains central. Chet and Andrea have built a life around inclusion, faith, and service. Their house reflects their mission—welcoming, supportive, and guided by God’s direction. Their experience with adoption and foster care has become both a personal calling and a public testimony.
The year 2025 marks several significant milestones in Chet’s life and ministry. It has been 30 years since he and Andrea first moved to Liberia. Calvary LIFE celebrates its 45th year. Patmos reaches its 20th anniversary. And ten years have passed since the publication of Living Parable, Chet’s autobiography.
However, for Chet, milestones are not the focus. His heart remains fixed on the next step—the next opportunity to serve, the next person to walk alongside, and the next moment to say yes.
Living Parable – A Real-Life Parable of Faith and Trust: https://chetlowe.com/living-parable-book/