Dauphin Way Baptist’s Whitfield retires after 17 years

For William “Bill” Whitfield, his years in ministry have taught him that God “really ministers to people by way of His servants.”

He should know — he’s been one of God’s servants at Dauphin Way Baptist Church, Mobile, for 17 years as minister of pastoral care. 

Prior to that he served as pastor of Cypress Shores Baptist Church, Mobile, for nearly 22 years and interim pastor for several Mobile-area churches. 

After retiring Aug. 30, which also marked 50 years in ministry for Whitfield, The Alabama Baptist asked him what were some lessons he had learned along the way. 

Whitfield said it’s the individual ministry that really speaks to people and is meaningful to them. 

“Ministering to people in need … allows the Holy Spirit to work in someone’s heart,” he said.

Whitfield served in the U.S. Marines during the Korean War and later earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Mobile; his master’s degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky; and his doctor of ministry degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

He and his wife, Nell, have three children, nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. The couple will remain in the Mobile area and serve as volunteers where God leads them.