I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.
– Psalms 122:1 KJV
In our quest for the marks of mature spirituality and leadership ability, we must not bypass that quality which so completely characterized the life of Jesus Christ, the quality of unselfish servanthood. Elder Kiemba Knowlin’s life is marked with an unparalleled love of servanthood and service to the body of Christ. ‘Love God, Love Your Neighbor, Love Yourself’ is his mantra.
Born in Georgetown, SC to Mr. Jimmy Lee Knowlin and Ms. Claudella Wilson Smith, Elder Knowlin’s childhood was marked with challenges. His family were not avid church attendants, and the vicissitudes of life would have him to spend time in foster care for a few years in Atlanta, GA. While in foster care his foster mom took him to church. There, he experienced the glory of God and ultimately gave his life to the Lord in service and ministry.
Elder Knowlin was licensed to preach at the age of 15 at Greater Rising Star Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA, Pastor Walter J Hall. In 1994 he joined Living Word Church of God in Christ in Lawton, OK under the leadership of Superintendent Jimmie E. Stevenson. There, he was licensed as a minister in the Church of God in Christ and ordained in June of 1998 by Bishop Lee V. Broom, Oklahoma Northwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, where his service to the Episcopate began. Elder Knowlin became a National Adjutant under the leadership of Bishop H. Jenkins Bell. Elder Knowlin has served legendary leaders of the Church of God in Christ, Inc. including Bishop A. LaDell Thomas Sr., Texas Southeast Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, of Waco, TX; Chairman Derrick W. Hutchins Sr., General Council of Pastors and Elders (GCPE), of Orlando FL, Chairman Isaiah Grover, GCPE, of Chicago IL, Bishop Cody V. Marshall (Northern Illinois Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction) of Chicago, IL. All preparing him for his assignment to Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle of the Church of God in Christ Inc. (Michigan North Central Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction) of Detroit, MI.
He has served as a Sergeant at Arms for the General Assembly (COGIC), Adjutant Liaison to the International AIM Convention (COGIC) under the leadership of Bishop Linwood E. Dillard Sr., and Adjutant Overseer (Servant Leader) for the GCPE COGIC under the leadership of Chairman Michael Eaddy. In September 2017 Chairman Michael Eaddy appointed Elder Knowlin as the Chairman of the Judicial Review Committee for the General Council of Pastors and Elders with the responsibility for the Education Campaign. This was the first time in the history of the General Council an Elder without charge was appointed to this Senior Leadership position.
Elder Knowlin currently serves as Chief Adjutant, Chairman of the Auxiliaries in Ministry (AIM) Convention, and Secretary, Executive Committee for Michigan North Central Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. June 23rd, 2019, Bishop J. Drew Sheard assigned Elder Knowlin as the Supply Minister to Jackson Memorial Temple Church of God in Christ to assist him with his pastoral responsibilities. On January 11, 2020, Bishop Sheard named Elder Knowlin Pastor of Jackson Memorial Temple. On July 25, 2021, Bishop Sheard appointed him the Superintendent of the newly created Bishop H. J. Williams Memorial District in Flint MI. On March 20, 2021, the Church of God in Christ elected Bishop J. Drew Sheard as the Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle of the Church of God in Christ and Bishop Sheard made choice of Elder Knowlin to serve as his Adjutant Apostolic. On November 12, 2022 the General Council of Pastors and Elders of Church of God in Christ, Inc. Elected Elder Kiemba Knowlin as Vice Chairman. On October 14, 2023 Bishop Sheard promoted Superintendent Knowlin once again making him one of his Administrative Assistants.
His service to God is emulated in his service to Country. Elder Knowlin served as a member of the United States Army for over 15 years as a soldier culminating as an officer, branch Field Artillery. He deployed to Iraq in 2004 where he served as Base Defense Operations Officer. He attained the rank of First Lieutenant in the US Army before transitioning to the Department of Defense as a civilian employee. In June of 2011, he was promoted to the grade and position of GS-15/NH-IV, the civilian equivalent to Colonel, as the Director of Logistics/Product Support Manager working in the Army Acquisition Corps. In May of 2022 he was selected to serve as Director, Materiel Systems Organization, Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) Detroit Arsenal, MI.
The lessons of life sharpened his focus for academic pursuits. He attended Westlake High School in Atlanta, GA, graduating in the class of 1991. In 2001 Elder Knowlin graduated with honors and as a McNair Scholar from Cameron University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with minors in Mathematics and Military Leadership. He possesses a Senior Level Certification in Program Management, Naval Postgraduate School, a Senior Level Certification in Life Cycle Logistics, Defense Acquisition University, a graduate certificate from the Master Logisticians Course, Army Logistics University, and a completion certificate from Army Management Staff College Civilian Education School, Advanced Course, and Continuing Education for Senior Leaders, Strategic Leadership Course.
Elder Kiemba Knowlin is married to Mrs. Tausha Lynn Greenwood Knowlin, and they have seven beautiful children Nyazuri Ishaya (Jeremiah) Burkett, Zoe Keziah Knowlin, Nzingha, Nehderi Ann, Kazi Kiemba, Zhenya Omega, Zo Kiemba, three beautiful granddaughters Lundyn Chase Knowlin, Amari Ryan Burkett, Arie Nova Knowlin Johnson, and one grandson Zae’dyn Riley Knowlin Johnson.