When Daniel Knight retires from his position as director of missions for Marion Baptist Association at the end of the year, he has no plans for taking it easy. In fact, he expects to do the work he believes God has been leading him to for years.
In the 1970s, Knight was on a missions trip to Wyoming when he met a couple whose work has inspired him ever since. “They were financially independent, and could have been on a beach somewhere,” Knight said. “But they were in Medicine Bow, Wyo., teaching Sunday School classes.”
Taking part in missions trips to pioneer states like Wyoming, Knight has seen tremendous need for part-time or interim ministers.
“So many pastors are struggling to have time off, and they are struggling financially,” said Knight. “It’s a tough life. I know of lot of them have not been able to make it.”
After the first of the year, Knight and his wife, Jean, plan to make themselves available to help ministers and churches in areas where little assistance is available.
“It’s time for me to shift gears. I’m just going to be open and see what God has in store,” said Knight, age 62. “This has been a dream of mine for 25 years. I want to be able to do some things while I’m able.”
Freedom to work
As a retiree, Knight will finally have the freedom to work without a salary. He said he will not charge for the time he spends at a church, and he and his wife will cover their own travel expenses.
“I hope to be able to be used by the Lord, without being financially troubled,” Knight added. “I’d just like to give back a little bit.”
Charles Ballew, senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Winfield, is not surprised by Knight’s plans. “Dan has been instrumental in getting annual missions trips scheduled,” he said.
“Helping in the pioneer areas is something he and I have felt very strongly about.”
Knight completed his education at Brewer State Junior College (now Bevill State Community College) in Fayette, Samford University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He and Jean have been married 43 years and have two sons and three grandchildren.
He served as pastor of churches in Alabama and Kentucky before becoming director of missions in Marion County.
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