Pastor retires to start ministry

When Buddy Mohon retired April 30 from Canaan Baptist Church, Bessemer, after nine years of service there, he began yet another aspect in his long career in the ministry.
   
“I’m retiring from pastoring but not from ministry,” he said.
   
Far from retiring, Mohon said he and his wife Jean of 41 years plan to begin their own ministry in Andalusia.
   
The ministry, “DaySpring,” will help fund religious activities such as scholarships for ministerial students, Christian counseling for those who cannot afford it and prison ministries. Money will also be used for organizations like First Priority, American Red Cross, United Way and Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries.
   
Mohon said he felt a call to ministry when he was in his early 20s, before finally surrendering to it at 34. He enrolled at Samford University in 1973, from which he graduated in 1975. In addition, he received his degree in theology from Southwestern Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas, in 1977 and also graduated from the University of Biblical Studies, Bethany, Okla., in 1983.
   
He also served in pastorates while preparing for the ministry, including Acmar Baptist Church, Acmar (St. Clair Association), from March 1974-August 1975, and Lone Oak Baptist Church, Lone Oak, Texas, from May 1977-October 1977. During his time at Southwestern, Mohon served as associate pastor of Crestmont Baptist Church, Burleson, Texas, from September 1975-May 1977.
   
The Locust Fork native returned to Alabama in October 1979, when he assumed duties as pastor of Hopewell Baptist Church, Pinson, where he served through June 1983. Following that, he served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Carbon Hill, from June 1983 until April 1991, when he accepted his present assignment at Canaan Baptist.
   
Mohon served on committees for both the Texas Baptist General Convention and the Alabama Baptist State Convention. He is a member of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions and vice moderator of the Bessemer Baptist Association.
   
Mohon said he delights in the many blessings God has allowed him to play a part.
   
Mohon said he will miss his church family but is anxious to continue serving his Savior in whatever direction he is called. In doing this, he clings to the Scripture Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”