Plymouth Magazine-Winter24-DIGITAL - Flipbook - Page 23
Get to Know Pastor John Tyson
Now that you’ve been at Plymouth for
a few months, what has been your
favorite moment so far?
I was encouraged to lead and facilitate a
conversation on Christian Nationalism
in October. The evening attendance far
exceeded my expectations! Though the
nature of the topic is distressing, I learned
a great deal during the evening, and I left
energized to facilitate more conversations
on relevant topics in the future.
Was there a specific life experience
that inspired you to become active in
social justice movements?
As a college student, I spent a semester in
the Middle East. A large portion of that
experience involved studying the nature
of the conflict while living in several
Israeli and Palestinian communities.
This experience deepened my interest in
movements of social justice and solidarity
and led me to pursue an interest in
community organizing and other forms
of activism when I returned home.
What’s something you and your family
like to do outside of Plymouth?
As residents of the Des Moines Metro for
the last six years, we enjoy all the various
things that the city has for family fun like
visits to the DSM Arts Center, the Science
Center, the downtown farmer’s market
and Drake University basketball games.
What book did you read most recently
and that you enjoyed?
The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates
What is your favorite holiday or season
in the church?
I’ve always gravitated to the spiritual
temperament of Lent. I appreciate its
solemn beginning and its emphasis on
simple yet powerful spiritual disciplines
that lead to a celebration of hope and
new life.
Is there anything else you’d like to add
that we haven’t asked?
I’m grateful for the warm Plymouth
welcome that I’ve received since joining
the staff. I’m always happy to chat over
coffee and I look forward to getting to
know you all better! You can reach me by
email: jtyson@plymouthchurch.com.
Plymouth Magazine 23
