Lemon graduated with honors from Southwestern Adventist University with bachelor's degrees in theology and broadcasting. He also received a master of divinity with a New Testament emphasis from Andrews University Theological Seminary. He worked as an editor for Fernando Canale, theology and philosophy professor, while a student at Andrews University. Lemon then served as a pastor in Idaho Conference for 21 years. He brings extensive experience from having served rural and urban churches, as well as a multicultural, largely immigrant church, which gives him an important perspective for serving the publishing work of the Adventist Church in North America.