Rev. Debra McKnight
BIOGRAPHY
Rev. Debra McKnight, M.Ed., M.Div. is the founding pastor of Urban Abbey, a United Methodist congregation in downtown Omaha, Nebraska. Before attending seminary, Rev. McKnight lived and worked in Germany as an education counselor for active duty military personnel. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska, a Master of Education degree from Doane College, and in 2008 she received a Master of Divinity degree from the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.
In 2010, Rev. McKnight was ordained in the United Methodist Church. She says that receiving her seminary training at Perkins was an invitation to love liturgy, explore diverse theological perspectives, push boundaries on the church’s traditional structures and experiment with preaching in a rigorous, academic community.
In 2008 Rev. McKnight was serving as an Associate Pastor at First United Methodist Church of Omaha when she founded Urban Abbey. During that year she created a spiritual gathering for young adults called Wesley Pub. Participants were allowed to bring beverages of their choice to Wesley Pub meet-ups, but given the Methodist Church's historical connection to the Temperance movement Rev. McKnight thought that launching a new church with an actual pub wasn't entirely appropriate. A coffee shop, however, was an option.
Under Rev. McKnight’s leadership, Wesley Pub officially became Urban Abbey in 2011. A partnership with Soul Desires bookstore in downtown Omaha provided a non-traditional, accessible space for worship services.
In 2015 Urban Abbey became an independent, chartered congregation and grew to three Sunday services and weekday programming. The bookstore and coffee shop are now fully operated by Urban Abbey. During an era in which attendance at mainline protestant churches in the United States has declined, Urban Abbey has succeeded as a new church start and is continually growing.
Education
Masters of Divinity, May 2008
PERKINS SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY, SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY
Dallas, Texas
Women’s Studies Certificate
Magna Cum Laude
Student Body President 2005-2006, 2006-2007
Women’s Week Chair 2006, 2007
Worship Committee 2005-2006, 2006-2007
Gender Ethnicity and Race Committee, 2004-2005, 2005-2006
Building (USER) Committee, 2005-present
Community Life Committee, 2005-2006, 2006-2007
Masters of Education, August 2004
DOANE COLLEGE
Lincoln, Nebraska
Curriculum and Instruction Focus
Teaching Certificate, July 2003
Bachelor of Arts, August 1998
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA - LINCOLN
Lincoln, Nebraska
Major: Psychology
Minors: History, Women’s Studies, and Religious Studies
Dean's List
Cornhusker Marching Band
Awards
The William K. McElvaney Preaching Award in Homiletics
PERKINS SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
This award is given to the student who has presented the best written sermon on a public issue, which includes a social crisis, a controversial issue or a chronic social problem.
MAY 19, 2007
The Jane Marshall Award for Outstanding Scholarship and Leadership in Christian Worship
PERKINS SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
Funded by a gift from Jane and Elbert Marshall, this award is given to a Master of Divinity or Master of Theological Studies student who has demonstrated excellence in the study and practice of Christian Liturgy and worship.
MAY 19, 2007
The Bert Affleck Award
PERKINS SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
This award is given to the student for creative ministry during internship.
MAY 17, 2008
The Hoyt Hickman Award for Outstanding Liturgical Scholarship and Practice
PERKINS SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
Awarded by the Order of Saint Luke, this award is given to the graduating student who, in judgement of the selection committee, has given evidence of a high quality of Scholarship in the study of liturgy and is an effective leader in Christian worship.
MAY 17, 2008
The Dr. and Mrs. Glenn Flinn Senior Award
PERKINS SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
This award is given to that member of the graduating class who, in the judgement of the faculty, best exemplifies the aims of the school and the church for its ministry.
MAY 17, 2008
The Robert Weatherford Prize for Internship Preaching
PERKINS SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
Awarded to theology students for excellence in preaching during internship. The recipient is chosen by the intern faculty of Perkins School of Theology and a representative from the preaching faculty.
MAY 17, 2008
The Esla Cook Award For Outstanding Student Contribution to the Perkins Community
PERKINS SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
Chosen by the 2008 graduation class.
APRIL 24, 2008
Honoree for the 36th Annual Tribute to Women
WOMEN’S CENTER FOR ADVANCEMENT OMAHA
The Women’s Center for Advancement honored Rev. Debra McKnight as one of ten outstanding women in Omaha whose actions have helped others stay safe and grow strong.
June 11, 2023
Awards for Urban Abbey
Visionary Award
DOWNTOWN OMAHA INCORPORATED/OLD MARKET BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
2017
Community Partner of the Year
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA OMAHA’S OFFICE OF MILITARY AND VETERANS SERVICES
2018
Retail - Outstanding Guest Services
OMAHA METROPOLITAN AREA TOURISM
Awarded to Sierra Salgado Pirigyi
2018
Otto Swanson Spirit of Service Partner of the Year
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
Awarded to Rev. Debra McKnight and the Urban Abbey by Inclusive Communities for forward thinking and inventive partnerships.
2023
Recognition in Today’s Omaha Woman Magazine
WOMENS’ FUND OF OMAHA
Recognized Urban Abbey and Rev. Debra McKnight for their service in the community
2023
Additional Training
Lewis Fellows
THE LEWIS CENTER FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP OF WESLEY THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
2001 TO 2012
CAST 1-2-3-4
COACH APPROACH SKILL TRAINING
Approved Coach Specific Training Hours by International Coach Federation
NOVEMBER 2017 • 60 HOURS