Rev. Lightfoot was educated in Kankakee School District 111 where he graduated and received his diploma in 1987. He continued his education at the Kankakee Community College and received an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts in 1989. Being a student athlete, Rev. Lightfoot moved on to Bowling Green, Kentucky where he received a full ride basketball scholarship while continuing his studies. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in Speech Communications from the Western Kentucky University in 1992.

Rev. Lightfoot received his theological training through Faith Seminary of Tacoma, WA, the WHW Conference of Los Angeles, CA and later became an instructor of the Biblical Exposition Conference (BEC) of Chicago, IL. He received his church leadership training from the Greater New Hope M.B. Church under the tutelage of his grandfather Pastor Howard L. Wills Sr. Rev. Lightfoot served under Pastor Wills training as a faithful Associate Minister for 32 years. He was ordained in 2016 and appointed to the role of Assistant Pastor in 2018. On July 28, 2024 Rev Joseph W. Lightfoot was appointed and accepted as the pastor of his home church, Greater New Hope M.B. Church of Kankakee, IL.

Rev. Lightfoot also served and gave leadership to the Kankakee & Vicinity Baptist District Association Assistant Minister’s Division. He is proudly married to Staci Lightfoot and the father of three wonderful children, Joseph lll (Meagan), Sion and Jace Lightfoot, while being the grandfather of Brooklenn Lightfoot.