Daniel with his wife Kiyona Wright and youngest child, Dania , who is nine.(Photo:Submitted)

Pastor Wright Looking to Reach Community for Christ

9/8/22

Dayton, TN -- Pastor Daniel came to Mountain View in July 2022.  He was an answer to prayer as the church prayed for a pastor with a heart for children, the community, and the unchurched.  Daniel Wright was born on August 20, 1986, in Memphis, Tennessee. He is the second of three children born to Joe and Linda Boddie. Daniel accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age at Mt. Joyner Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. Daniel was very involved in the children and youth ministries at Mt. Joyner. He also actively served in the church’s music, usher and media ministries. Additionally, he faithfully attended and participated in Sunday School and Bible Study. 

Daniel is a 2004 graduate of Ridgeway High School, Memphis, Tennessee. In August 2004, he enrolled in Chattanooga State Technical Community College, Chattanooga, Tennessee, and then transferred to University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and completed coursework for the United Methodist Church in the Local License Pastor School He has been ministering for over 15 years in the capacities of Youth and Young Adult Director, while also consulting with churches in the area of Diversity, Social Media Outreach and Strategic Growth. He has also started youth athletic programs and ministered by his actions to children and teens. Daniel has a heart and passion for God's people and God’s Word. His personal journey with Christ is evident through his actions.

His vision and mission is to see every person accept Christ in their life and have a personal relationship with the Lord that grows and matures. He is a productive member of God’s Kingdom and the driving force behind his mission is that others will be productive children of God and know the security and unconditional love that it brings to their lives. He currently resides in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he has been employed by the Hamilton County Schools for 15 years as a behavior Management Specialist. He is married to Kiyona Wright. He has two children, Dakota, who is sixteen and Dania , who is nine.  

Pastor Wright was kind enough to answer a few questions about his mission at United Methodist.

Do you have goals and missions for Mountain View UMC?

Pastor Wright said, "Yes, Our goals and mission for Mountain is to be a Christ Centered  family oriented church , while being the hands and feet and of Christ in our community." 

What is your philosophy and life focus on taking Christianity to the community?

"My, Life’s philosophy on taking Christianity to the community is to hand the need help meet the need for the glory of God."

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

"My favorite bible verse is Ephesians 3:20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."

What are the challenges to you and your family face being a minister?

"I don’t know if we have challenges , but one are f focus I would say is maintaining time as a family ! I believe God calls ministers in particle to have their families a their first ministerial priority."

What are the challenges of working full-time and being a minister?

"The biggest challenge there is getting sermon title and scriptures in to the media team on time! But they give me grace."

What are the essentials to being a youth pastor and how does a youth pastor meld the youth with the rest of the Church?

"Its actually works really well , I’m blessed to have so many youth that are apart of mountain view so till being able to be some one related to their needs and things that they go through!"

When did you become a Christian and describe the transformation?

"For me it was easy ! I was already working in my church at a young age and I knew at the age of nine I wanted to give my life to Jesus and serve him with my life."

Did you have a strong Christian influence in you life before and after your transformation?

"Yea , my grandparents, parents and my aunt anf uncle all developed me in my faith at a young age! Wanting to go to church, Sunday and Bible have to grow in God's word and to learn how to follow Him better."

When did you decide to go into the ministry?

"I was about 20 years old at UTC , I had ran from the call all through high school and when I hit life as an adult, I knew it was time to stop running and fully commit to God and preach and speak his word."

What are the essentials to living a Christian life in today's society?

"There are 4 simple essentials , Love God and Love his people , serve God and serve his people."