Name: Rick Knoth
Graduation Year: 1982 (CBC), 1990 (AGTS)
Major: Bible, MDiv.
Current Position: Managing Editor of Influence magazine at AG National Leadership Resource Center
City and State: Springfield, Missouri
Tell us about your career and what you do now.
I’ve held ordination credentials with the Kansas Ministry Network since 1986. In Kansas, I served two churches, First Assembly of God in Burlington (co-pastor/youth pastor) and Calvary Assembly of God in Wichita (associate/youth pastor). While working on my MDiv. from AGTS, I served on pastoral staff of a local AG church in Springfield. I graduated from AGTS in 1990. I’ve held numerous ministry positions at the AG National Office for the past 31years, including: youth editor, Radiant Life curriculum; District and Church Relations Coordinator, Office of Public Relations; Managing editor, Enrichment journal; Managing editor, Influence magazine.
What is your favorite memory from CBC?
I always looked forward to Friday night CMF (Campus Missions Fellowship) services, where seasoned missionaries would pour out their hearts and tell of what God is doing around the world. The altar times following the meetings were always powerful, packed with God’s presence and demonstrations of the gifts of the Spirit.
How did CBC help you identify/develop your calling?
Every aspect of campus life was geared to the development and discipleship of student ministers. The classroom, chapel services, Friday night Campus Missions Fellowship services, off-campus ministry opportunities, spring outreaches, and the like all helped identify and develop my calling.
How did your experience at CBC prepare you for life after graduation?
CBC provided the foundation, both spiritually and pragmatically for a long life of service in the kingdom of God. Obviously, some things can only be learned through the school of hard knocks, but for the most part CBC did its job in preparing me.
What advice would you give a current student preparing for the workforce?
I’ve held to the Scripture, “Do not despise this small beginning, for the eyes of the Lord rejoice to see the work begin” (Zechariah 4:10, TLB). My ministry started small, but as I remained faithful, God was faithful to provide and lead me to greater opportunities to serve Him. If your beginnings seem small, you can trust God to lead you. Every opportunity, every ministry experience God will use to perfect His will for your life.
What would you look for if you were in a position to hire a new graduate?
Attitude is everything. An entitlement mentality doesn’t go far in life nor in the workplace; certainly not in the ministry. Have a servant’s heart, and be willing to start at the bottom and work your way up. Your gifts and attitude will be recognized by others, and they will make a way for you.