Interim Pastor
James Jones
Rev. James L. Jones began his Christian journey in 1994 at Highpoint Baptist Church in Eight Mile, Alabama, where he was baptized. During his time there, he was ordained as a Deacon and later licensed as a Minister, marking the foundation of his calling to serve God and His people.
A native of Chicago, Illinois, Rev. Jones relocated to Mobile, AL, in 1993 while serving in the United States Coast Guard. He retired from the Coast Guard in 2001 after 20 years of honorable service. He currently resides in Mobile, AL with his lovely wife, Chantel. Together, they are blessed with three children and five grandchildren.
Rev. Jones pursued theological education at Covington Theological Seminary, where he earned a Bachelor of Theology degree and a Master of Ministry degree in Pastoral Studies. He is the founding pastor of Forest Hill Baptist Church in Mobile, where he faithfully ministered to the congregation. Additionally, he has served with the Mobile Baptist Association as a Chaplain with Mobile Baptist International Ministries, demonstrating his deep commitment to sharing Christ’s love across diverse communities.
Currently, Rev. Jones serves as the Director of Evangelism at Highpoint Baptist Church, where his heart for Christ and passion for spreading God’s Word continue to impact lives. He also fulfills his pastoral duties bi-vocationally while employed by Volunteers of America Southeast, further embodying his dedication to serving both the church and the broader community.
Rev. Jones’ purpose is guided by his personal statement:
"With the help of the Holy Spirit, I shall endeavor to seek, apply, and teach the Kingdom of God and His righteousness in my marriage, fatherhood, work, and throughout the community."
As Interim Senior Pastor, Rev. Jones is committed to leading the congregation in faith, love, and service, always seeking to glorify God in all that he does.
Pastor Emeritus
Lemuel Taylor, Jr
Dr. Lemuel Taylor Jr. was born in Prichard, Alabama. He is a product of the Mobile County Public School System and has dedicated over 50 years of loyal and faithful service to his community and country.
Dr. Taylor's educational experience included an associate degree from Alabama State Branch (now Bishop State Community College), a B.S. degree from Alabama State College (now Alabama State University), a M.A. from Iowa State University an Ed. D from the University of Alabama, and a Master of Divinity Degree from Alabama Interdenominational Seminary. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.
As an educator, Dr. Taylor has compiled a remarkable and distinguished career as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent. Dr. Taylor provided outstanding service and leadership to the Mobile County School System for 35 years. He retired in 1987.
Dr. Taylor was called as pastor of Highpoint Baptist Church in January 1991. His commitment, passion and vision were all established during his 15 years in pastoral service. He led Highpoint from mission status to membership in the Mobile Baptist Association and a vital spiritual force in the community.
He is a visionary and a kingdom-minded leader who initiated all kinds of programs and ministries to meet needs and provide opportunities for spiritual growth and development for the membership and community.
Dr. Taylor led the Highpoint Baptist Church to partnership with Volunteers of America and was awarded a $4.37 million HUD Grant for senior citizens low-income apartments. The three-story 58-apartment complex was opened in 2002.
He retired as senior pastor of Highpoint Baptist Church on December 31, 2005. In 2006, Highpoint Baptist Church conferred Pastor Emeritus status to Dr. Taylor for his exceptional pastoral leadership. In 2008, Dr. Taylor was inducted into the City of Prichard Leadership Hall of Fame.
Dr. Taylor is married to Ezonia Moore Taylor. He has four children and five grandchildren.
Dr. Taylor gives all praise and honor to the Almighty God for all that has been done in and through us in this ministry. To God be the Glory!
Youth Pastor
Gregory T. Knight
Reverend Gregory T Knight Received Christ at an early age and was “country creek baptized” into the Christian faith in 1962 by the late Pastor David Blackwell, under the auspices of the Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church of Foley, AL, where he remained a member until joining Highpoint Baptist Church in January 2024.
Reverend Knight is married to Sister Sharon [Yearling] Knight, and they are parents to 8 children and 10 grandchildren.
He is a 1974 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School of Pensacola, FL and has attended Creighton University and St. Leo University. He and Sister Knight are currently pursuing their Doctorate degrees in Divinity, through the EL White Seminary.
They are both US Army retirees and are decorated combat veterans. At the completion of his military career, he continued in service to country, working overseas for over 11 years as a federal contractor.
Under the mentor, leadership and guidance of Pastor George S. Henderson, Sr., Minister Knight was ordained as a Deacon of Little Rock MBC on 26 April 2015 and was blessed to bring his initial sermon on 28 July 2019.
His first encounter with Pastor York, was on 13 October 2019, when Pastor Henderson came to Highpoint to deliver the 33rd Church Anniversary Message and brought his associate Ministers with him.
On 01 January 2024, Reverend Knight was given the trust and honor of leading the youth and young people of Highpoint Baptist Church of Eight Mile, AL and currently serves in that capacity as Youth Pastor, carrying out the vision that God has Given to Senior Pastor, Dr. Charlie E. York.
