The Lord used a variety of ways to mold Lee's desire to serve Him. Besides his family and his home church, Camp Hickory in Round Lake, Illinois played a major role in capturing Lee's love for Christ. The Christian Youth Center and the Navigators college ministry provided excellent training and opportunities for Lee to serve. He directed the Roaring Twenties college and career ministry for eight years.

Born in Washington to Roger and Janet Swank, Lee has lived in the Joliet area most of his life. His father, who was a teacher and a coach, moved the family back to Joliet to accept a position with Joliet Township High School. Lee accepted Christ as a small child with his mother during bedtime prayers. He grew up attending Bethel Baptist in Joliet where he later served as the director of the Ironworks youth ministry. Lee graduated from Eastern Illinois University and has his Masters degree in Education from Northern Illinois University.