Truett Seminary and her Kyle Lake Center for Effective Preaching host the E.K. Bailey Preaching Celebration to honor the life and ministry of the Rev. Dr. E.K. Bailey every year.
This year, the Kyle Lake Center proudly presented Carolyn Ann Knight on January 22-23, 2024, at Truett Seminary.
Rev. Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight
Carolyn Ann Knight was born to the late Edd and Dorothy Knight and raised in Denver, Colorado. She received a BA from Bishop College in Dallas, Texas, an MDiv from Union Theological Seminary in New York, New York, and a DMin from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.
Inspired by influential figures such as the late Rev. M. C. Williams of Los Angeles, California, the late Dr. Frederick G. Sampson of Detroit, Michigan, and the late Dr. Samuel D. Proctor of New York, New York, Dr. Knight developed a profound love for preaching and the pulpit. At the Mount Gilead Baptist Church in Denver, Colorado, Dr. Knight preached her trial sermon and was licensed for the gospel ministry under the leadership of Rev. Acen L. Phillips. Dr. Knight has served in the pastoral ministry in pulpits in Colorado, Texas, and New York.
For many years she worked as assistant to the pastor of the Canaan Baptist Church of Christ in Harlem where she was mentored in pastoral leadership, organizational strategy, and finance by Rev. Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker, former chief of staff to Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Knight served as assistant professor of homiletics at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia for a decade. In October of 2011, she inaugurated her vision of “The Seminary Without Walls”, extending theological education to those who may not be able to attend a formal seminary.
Dr. Knight’s commitment to community service is evident through her involvement in numerous boards and committees including Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, The Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, and the advisory board of the African American Pulpit of Judson Press.
A passionate preacher and teacher, Dr. Knight is committed to the integrity of the discipline of homiletics as a whole and particularly the best of the African American preaching tradition. She travels extensively throughout the nation speaking at churches, conferences, and on college campuses. Dr. Knight is the founder and president of “CAN DO!” Ministries–a youth advocacy ministry dedicated to the well-being of youth and young adults.
About Rev. Dr. E.K. Bailey
Dr. E.K. Bailey (1945-2003) was the founder of the Concord Missionary Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas and President and Founder of E. K. Bailey Ministries, Inc. While obeying the call of God in his life, Dr. Bailey received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion from Bishop College, Dallas, Texas in 1969 and his Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio, in 1991. His educational accomplishments also included graduate studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas. His service began at Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas in 1969. Later in June 1975, God led Dr. Bailey and over 200 charter members to establish Concord Missionary Baptist Church. During his twenty-eight years as Senior Pastor, the church membership grew to approximately 4000 members, and his visionary leadership guided Concord toward excellence in all areas of ministry. Among other influences, he founded the E. K. Bailey International Conference on Expository Preaching, which continues as a major international force in preaching. Dr. Bailey will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, pastor, teacher, powerful preacher, mentor, and model to many and as a sincere friend.
Previous Guests Include
- Rev. Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight (2024)
- Rev. Dr. Freddy J. Clark (2023)
- Rev. William Timothy Glynn (2022)
- Rev. Dr. John K. Jenkins Sr. (2019)
- Cokiesha Bailey Robinson (2018)
- Bishop Keith Reed (2017)
- Dr. Melvin Von Wade, Sr. (2016)
- Dr. Claybon Lea, Jr. (2014)
- Dr. Al B. Sutton (2013)
- Dr. A. Louis Patterson, Jr. (2012)
- Rev. Lawrence E. Aker, III (2011)
- Rev. Bryan L. Carter (2010)
- Dr. William H. Curtis (2009)
- Dr. Ralph D. West, Sr. (2008)
- Dr. Cleophus LaRue (2007)
- Dr. Gardner C. Taylor (2006)
- Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Smith (2005)
Media
You can watch or listen to our previous guests at the E.K. Bailey Preaching Celebration media page.