DORIS STOKES KNIGHT, D.W.A.
Worship Pastor • Psalmist • Worship Leader • Musician • Best-Selling Author • Workshop Instructor • Preacher • Stage Play Actress • Media Hostess • Entrepreneur
Doris Stokes Knight founder of DORIS STOKES KNIGHT MINISTRIES, is a seasoned Worship Pastor and Psalmist with over 45 years of professional ministry and music experience, carrying a distinct anointing for worship, teaching, and spiritual formation. A Dayton, Ohio native, she was raised in a musically gifted household of seven children, grounded early in church life and biblical instruction—foundations that shaped her lifelong calling in worship arts.
Doris has shared platforms with and opened for some of gospel music’s most respected and celebrated artists, including Dorinda Clark Cole, Karen Clark Sheard, Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, CeCe Winans, Lemmie Battles, and Byron Cage, among others. In 2007, she released her first full live CD, Praise & Worship Unleashed, which she co-executive produced with her husband, gospel music industry veteran Bruce Knight. The project earned her FIVE, I Hear Music in the Air People’s Choice Awards and she was nationally featured on television media platforms such as Bobby Jones Gospel (BET), Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), the “Dorinda Clark Cole Show”, “Rejoice in the Word” w/Bishop George Bloomer, the “Dr. Belinda Scott Show” (The Word Network), “I’m Just Sayin’” w/Pastor Dan Willis on the TCT Network, Gospel Superfest and multiple Stellar Awards Week showcases in Nashville and Las Vegas.
Ordained in 2011 by the late Apostle Eunique Collier, Doris currently serves as Pastor of Worship Arts at The Embassy Training Center Church in Forest Park, Ohio, under the leadership of Apostle Gail Davis. She is a highly sought-after instructor and teacher in the Praise and Worship Ministry, known for combining biblical depth, historical understanding, and practical ministry application.
An accomplished author, Doris, released two foundational works in 2013:
- PRAISE: The Foundation of the Worship Arts Ministry
- WORSHIP: The Foundation of the Worship Arts Ministry
These works earned her Best-Selling Author status and recognition at the 2013 Dayton Book Expo and are widely used as instructional resources for worship leaders, churches, choirs and music ministries across the country. Soon to come, her 2026/2027 release is an in-depth study of the Book of Psalms.
For 15 years, Doris hosted the Cincinnati-based television program “Another Way to Praise.” Her ministry experience also includes service with several influential regional gospel music ministries, including The Fire Choir under the direction of Jana Mitten, David Minor With One Voice, New Vision under the direction of the late Archie Byers, and the group PRAISE under the leadership of Elder Rodney Posey. She is currently a founding member of the Cincinnati United Choir, directed by Minister David Minor.
Doris has roots with the I HEAR MUSIC IN THE AIR Conference as she was involved from its inception. Initially as one of the Worship Leaders for the then, IHM Praise Team that would open each event in the early days. Later, she served as Administrative Support for a couple of years with the organizing team. She is also a 5x Time “I HEAR MUSIC IN THE AIR” AWARD WINNER in five categories at the IHM People’s Choice Gospel Music Awards held in 2011 for her project “Praise & Worship Unleashed.”
Doris’ academic background bridges both ministry and organizational leadership. She holds:
•Associate Degree, Human Services – Sinclair Community College
•Bachelor’s Degree, Organizational Management – Wilberforce University (HBCU)
•Master’s Degree, Organizational Church Leadership – IAUofGT
•The production and release of her LIVE Recording “Praise & Worship Unleashed” completed
her Doctorate requirement for Worship Arts & Sacred Music – IAUofGT
She also holds multiple secular certifications in support of her goal to secure her PMP in Project Management, reflecting her excellence in both secular and ministry leadership contexts.
Doris is the proud mother of two adult children, a devoted grandmother (“GiGi”), and wife to Bruce Knight, President & CEO of Push-It Marketing & Promotions. Her life and ministry reflect a steadfast commitment to worship, excellence, and service to the Body of Christ.