Arch Bishop Dr. Floyd A. Knowlin
“I’ll go if I have to go by myself.”
Bishop Dr. Floyd A. Knowlin was born to the late John and Lizzie Duncan Knowlin and is one of seventeen children. After God called both parents from labor to reward, he was blessed with an adoptive mother, Momma Queen E. Harris.
At a young age, Bishop Knowlin recognized that God had a special calling on his life. At the tender age of thirteen, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. In 1976, he was ordained into the ministry, marking the beginning of a powerful and lifelong journey of service to the Kingdom of God.
Family and Ministry Partnership
In 1980, Bishop Knowlin found the love of his life and married the former Mildred Grayson. Their union was blessed with two children — Antonio and Alexia Knowlin — along with a daughter-in-law, Shiquanna, two granddaughters, Londyn Grace and Bella Mil’Lea, and one grandson, Messiah Tytron. Together, Bishop and Lady Knowlin serve as spiritual parents to many within their congregation and surrounding communities.
Education and Early Career
A proud graduate of Andrews High School, Bishop Knowlin worked for fourteen years at the Andrews Apparel Industrial Plant in Andrews, South Carolina. His commitment to spiritual and academic growth led him to attend Nicholas Theological Seminary School, Cathedral Bible College, and Berean Bible Institute.
He earned a Certificate of Leadership from New Birth Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia, and a Doctor of Theology from His Excellence Theological Seminary. On March 6, 2010, he was consecrated as Bishop of the Lord’s Church.
Pastoral Leadership
Bishop Knowlin began his pastoral journey more than eighteen years ago as pastor of Shiloh AME Church and Singleton Chapel AME Church in Georgetown, SC. After seven years in the AME denomination, God placed a vision in his heart to establish a new church headed in a new direction.
He became the founder and pastor of Lighthouse of Jesus Christ Independent and Non-Denominational Church (IDN). Under his leadership, seven churches have joined under the Lighthouse of Jesus Christ IDN Church covering.
Lighthouse is known for hosting powerful gatherings each year, including:
● Holy Convocation (June)
● Mid-Year Conference (3rd Saturday in January)
● Leadership Conference (1st Saturday in October)
The Lighthouse Vision
The vision God gave Bishop Knowlin came to life on September 29, 2007, when the new 26,000 sq. ft. edifice was dedicated. The sanctuary, located at 159 Johnson Road, Georgetown, SC, sits on seven acres and includes a bookstore, library, classrooms, dining room, fellowship hall, baptismal pool, conference room, choir rehearsal room, prayer room, and administrative offices.
“To God be the Glory,” is how Bishop Knowlin describes these great blessings. In 2022, the $2.6 million edifice was paid in full. In 2025, Lighthouse completed a $90,000 renovation of its hallways, bathrooms, and fellowship hall.
Community Impact and Recognition
Bishop Knowlin is deeply loved and respected across his community and beyond. His humility, compassion, and steadfast leadership have earned him numerous awards and accolades, including:
● The Citizens Award
● Outstanding Master of Ceremony Award
● Recognition by the Georgetown Alumnae Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. for uniting various world religions
● Induction into the Live Five Hall of Fame, the first minister in Georgetown to receive this honor
● Religion Award from the Sadie Grice Funnye Foundation at its annual gala in Myrtle Beach, SC
He also spearheaded the Boys II Men Mentoring Program at Sampit Elementary School for four consecutive years, volunteering twice a month to guide and encourage young boys.
Bishop Knowlin’s ministry has also reached national platforms. He was invited to preach for Pastor Shirley Caesar on two occasions — in August 2010 at the 38th Annual Will Thou Be Made Whole Conference, and again in March 2013. In 2015, Bishop Knowlin and the Lighthouse Choir were honored guests when Pastor Caesar was inducted as the Queen of Gospel.
A Ministry That Reaches the World
Through the “Walking in Your Calling Conference,” Lighthouse has hosted and welcomed many celebrated gospel artists and ministers, including:
Pastor Marvin Sapp, Bishop William Murphy, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Jekalyn Carr, Prophetess Juanita Bynum, Bishop Rance Allen, Dorothy Norwood, Bishop Richard Wright (“Mr. Clean”), Le’Andria Johnson-Walker, Pastor Tim Rogers, Beverly Crawford, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Evelyn Turrentine-Agee, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Doc McKenzie, Debra & Bishop F.C. Barnes, Helen Miller-Best, and Wess Morgan.
Notable Honors and Legacy
● Honored by President Barack Obama at the White House with an Outstanding Performance Award
● Recognized at the South Carolina State House on February 25, 2025
● Visited by Pastor Shirley Caesar at his new home on May 30, 2025, where she also attended the revival he was preaching that night
● Recognized on the Yolanda Adams Radio Broadcast as the longest-running Evangelist in these days and times
● Known for preaching 47 consecutive weeks of revival, five days a week without pause
In 1993, Bishop Knowlin was featured in the book “True Places: A Lowcountry Preacher, His Church, and His People” by Stanley F. Lanzano of Boulder, Colorado — a best-selling work inspired by Bishop Knowlin’s ministry and featured on the cover of the University of South Carolina’s Spring Book.
That same year, he became the first Georgetown preacher honored by Live 5 News in the Charlie Hall Fame.
A Living Legacy
As of October 2025, Bishop Dr. Floyd A. Knowlin celebrates 50 years of preaching and 32 years of pastoring.
He continues to serve faithfully as pastor, mentor, and spiritual father — including to Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, the five-time World Champion and reigning World Champion in the 100m and 200m.
Bishop Knowlin’s life and ministry stand as a testament to faith, perseverance, and the boundless power of God’s calling.