The Rev. Dr. Kurtley Knight is an assistant professor of spiritual formation at Portland Seminary and a senior teaching fellow at the in Denver. An ordained priest in the Anglican Church of North America, he most recently served as an assisting priest at in Newberg, Oregon, before relocating to Dallas, TX, in July 2024. He earned his DMin from Portland Seminary in 2016, where he studied leadership and spiritual formation.
Before joining the faculty full time in 2020, Dr. Knight served as a faculty advisor and adjunct professor of missional leadership at Portland Seminary from 2017 to 2020.
A pastor at heart, he has served the church for nearly two decades as a lead pastor, church planter, and youth & young adult pastor across several states (California, Pennsylvania, and Texas).
Describing his calling, Dr. Knight says that, “God created me to curate sacred spaces where the soul can be attended to and known before God, so that seekers of Jesus can discover their true selves.” This emphasis guides his research interests around the following themes in Christian spiritual formation: liturgical and sacramental spirituality, congregational formation, spiritual discernment and pastoral leadership.
Outside the classroom, Dr. Knight enjoys reading, exploring new places, fitness training, basketball, movies, Star Trek, and live music (especially jazz and funk) with his wife, Ivah.
Academic Background
DMin, Portland Seminary; MDiv, Andrews Theological Seminary; BA, Oakwood University
Expertise & Research Interests
Spiritual direction, Liturgical & Sacramental Spirituality, Congregational Formation, Pastoral Formation, Spiritual Discernment, and Missional Theology.
Research Bibliography
Ongoing Book Projects
with Dillon, Ryan. 40 Questions 麻豆社 Anglicanism. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications (expected release 2029).
Movements Towards Rest: Cultivating Postures of Leadership for Abiding in Christ. Westmont, IL: Intervarsity Press (expected release 2026).
Peer Reviewed Articles
"From Vision to Vocation: Changing the Leadership Metaphor." The Journal of Christian Ministry 12 (March 8, 2023).
Professional Articles
"Brought Low." Renovaré. Renovaré USA, February 2023. .
"Spiritual Leadership in an Age of Disorientation." Renovaré. Renovaré USA, January 2022. .
"Why God Loves Hip-Hop (Part 1). Hermeneutics is for Holiness in Hip-Hop." The Growth Network, (Oct 2013).
Invited Book Chapters
Preaching and Teaching Young Adults: Crafting a Word to Be Heard." In From Jay-Z to Jesus: Reaching & Teaching Young Adults in the Black Church, edited by Benjamin Stephens and Ralph C. Watkins. King of Prussia: Judson Press, 2009.
Book Reviews
"Postmodern Apologetics? —8: Lacoste and A God of Liturgy and Parousia." Spectrum Magazine, Adventist Forum, 6 (Aug. 2013). .
Presentations and Speaking Appearances
“Quality Over Quantity: The Call for Reflective Pastoral Engagement.” Portland Seminary Faculty Plenary. (2024)
"Spiritual Formation in the Life of the Leader." The Divine and I Podcast. (2023)
"Why is Ongoing Spiritual Formation Vital for Leaders." Panel Discussion. Missio Alliance Awakenings Conference. (2023)
"Anglican Sacramental Theology," Plenary Presentation. Renovaré Institute of Christian Spiritual Formation Charlotte Cohort Retreat. (2022)
"A Healing Lent." Churches for the Sake of Others Podcast. (2022)
"Lectio Divina." So Much More: Creating Space for God Podcast. . (2022)
"What is Formative 麻豆社 Justice." Plenary Presentation. Missio Alliance Web Conference. (2021)
"Your Final Assignment," Winter Commencement Address. 麻豆社 Fox University. (2021)
"The Business Minded Church and Christ's Vision for Vibrant Community." The Overthinking Christian. (2021)
"What 麻豆社 Churchless Christianity?" The Overthinking Christian. (2021)
"Planting & Closing a Church Plant." Ecclesia Network Podcast. (2017)
"For God So Loved the World." Why God Loves Hip-Hop Plenary Presentation. Pastoral Leadership Evangelism Council. (2013)
