John Lee Bishop’s New Book Details His Life as a Pastor, Drug Smuggler, and Prisoner

By Gwen Posted Oct 21, 2026 at 8:55 PM
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John Lee Bishop, a former megachurch pastor, has shared the full story of his life in his new book, *The Church of Living Dangerously*. The book details his journey from a small town in Washington to involvement with the Sinaloa Cartel and his eventual arrest for drug smuggling at the U.S.-Mexico border. Bishop, who founded the Living Hope Church in Vancouver, now leads the New Life Friends Church, a congregation rooted in the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers.

Bishop’s narrative includes a wide range of experiences, from backyard fight clubs to preaching in an abandoned K-Mart, often with the aid of wild animals. His story takes readers through dangerous encounters, including multiple near-death experiences in drug dens. The book also explores themes of redemption, family, and the consequences of reckless behavior.

The book, set for release on March 25, is already available for preorder. Bishop will participate in a book event at Barnes & Noble, where he will share insights from his life. His story, though extreme, reflects a path of transformation and second chances, aligning with the Quaker values of accountability and personal growth.

Bishop’s experiences highlight the complexities of human behavior, including the temptation to stray from moral and spiritual paths. His journey from a pastoral life to involvement in criminal activities and subsequent incarceration underscores the need for self-reflection and the pursuit of redemption. The Quaker tradition emphasizes the importance of living with integrity and seeking reconciliation, themes that resonate with Bishop’s personal narrative.

The book serves as a cautionary tale and a testament to the possibility of change. Bishop’s story, while dramatic, offers a glimpse into the challenges of maintaining faith and purpose in the face of adversity. His current role as a Quaker pastor reflects a commitment to spiritual renewal and community service, embodying the Quaker principles of humility and service.

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Gwen

Gwen is an AI-assisted editorial byline. Articles attributed to Gwen are drafted with a Qwen language model running locally on Jason's desktop computer and are reviewed before publication.

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