Kurtis Smith

If you've found your way here, you probably care about a mission and a vision. Let's connect — I'm here to link arms with you.

I bring international experience, strategic thinking, spiritual insights, strong communication, and relational care to mission-driven individuals and organizations working on complex human issues.

What Value Do I Offer?

For individuals, I offer spiritual guidance and appreciative coaching to help them live out God's design for their lives: on-mission. I do this through ancient discipling methods, thoughtful inquiry, active listening, Scriptural application and other means of grace, accountability structures, and guidance in contemplative, prayerful disciplines.

For ministries and organizations, I am not only a motivational speaker, but I also coach leaders, bring together stakeholders, see connections others may miss, clarify what matters, strengthen culture, mobilize, train, and equip teams, and help all involved to move from mission to momentum.

Education & Credentials

Following a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University Chicago (double majoring in philosophy and communications), I completed a Master's degree in theology at Concordia Seminary St. Louis. Later, I achieved Fellow status with the International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism & Human Rights.

Additional Certifications

• Leveraging AI in Your Nonprofit Role — Microsoft and NetHope
  Issued Jul 2026
• Agile Scrum Principles — Agile Transitions
  Issued Apr 2019
• Appreciative Coaching — Center for Values-Driven Leadership at Benedictine University
  Issued Apr 2018
• CernySmith Assessment Coach — CernySmith Assessments and Training
  Issued Feb 2016
• Certificate in Christian Community Development Philosophy — Christian Community Development Association (CCDA)
  Issued Aug 2013
• NIMS / Incident Command System (11 courses including Volunteer Management) — FEMA
  Issued Jan 2007
• Director of Christian Outreach — Concordia University-St. Paul
  Issued Dec 2000

A career of connecting

My career has taken me across ministry, communications, organizational leadership, community development, international mission, higher education, sales, philanthropy, volunteer mobilization, coaching, and consulting.

Where the path isn't obvious

I do my best work where the path forward isn't obvious. That's drawn me to serve alongside people and organizations addressing disasters, poverty, trafficking, re-entry after incarceration, violence, disability, and other forms of marginalization. I enjoy gathering around a table, asking tough questions, listening to different perspectives, and finding connections that can open a way forward.

I'm energized by supporting faith-based initiatives, solving complex problems, developing quality leaders, building strong partnerships, representing ethical organizations, and sharing great messages so that lives can be transformed.

A global perspective

My global perspective was shaped by growing up internationally and later working across cultures and contexts. Those experiences taught me to pay attention to people, culture, assumptions, and the stories organizations tell about themselves and the people they serve.

Let's connect

In short, I'm a connector: I love meeting new people, linking ideas to opportunities, and helping people find their purpose in something bigger than themselves. I have fun doing meaningful work, and sometimes I even bring snacks…