Pastor Monte Lester has created a vibrant spiritual and socially conscious ministry characterized by outstanding praise and worship, dynamic teaching, powerful preaching and a multilevel staff. He is passionately committed to positively impacting the world by the preaching and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and is a vital component of the future success and development of Cedar Grove Church.
Family & Christian Background
He is happily married to the love of his life, First Lady Tamara N. Lester. They are the proud parents of their daughters Victoria L. Lester and Olivia L. Lester and their son Monte L. Lester, Jr. (MJ). He is the second son of Delores and James Lester, and is a native of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He is the brother of Aundra Lester, Tomicka Lester-German, and Antonio Lester.
At the age of 13 years old, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at Locust Ridge Primitive Baptist Church under the leadership of Elder Jasper G. Hatcher. Elder Lester faithfully served there as church Trustee, Scholarship Committee President, Vacation Bible School Director, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Teenage Bible Study Teacher, Youth Ministry Director, Kingdom Building Committee Member, Adult Choir President, Male Chorus Treasurer, and Associate Minister of the Gospel until his becoming the Senior Pastor of Cedar Grove.
Education & Career
Pastor Lester is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Because of his expertise in accounting, he excelled in the corporate world. From 1989 to 2001, he worked for Rogers Group, Inc. where he served as a Subcontract Administrator, Financial Analyst, Senior Fixed Assets Accountant, and Senior Pension & Benefits Accountant. After success with Rogers Group, Pastor Lester used his marketing and accounting training at Dell, Inc. from 2002 to 2006. While at Dell, Inc. he was consistently a top performer and he served as a project leader for team competency development. He also spent time mentoring and advising new employees for training programs. While working for both Rogers Group, Inc. and Dell, he received many awards, honors, and accolades.
On January 5, 2006, Elder Monte Lester was honored with the opportunity to serve as the first full-time pastor of the Cedar Grove Church. Dating back to the mid 1800’s, Cedar Grove had a long history of part-time ministers. Pastor Lester is dedicated to both the calling on his life and being a godly leader to others.
Community Impact
Pastor Lester is a proud active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., where he has held the offices of President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Chairman of numerous committees and special projects. He is also the Founder of Middle Tennessee Unmarried Ministry, which is a singles ministry in the Rutherford and Davidson county area that ministers to the spiritual, financial, and emotional needs of single Christians to develop the character and qualities necessary for victorious living based on God’s Word.