Kent was born March 24, 1969 in Lubbock, Texas. He graduated from Lubbock Christian Schools, and then received his Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from Texas Tech University's College of Engineering in 1991.

Kent and his wife Shelly (Smith) are life-long members of the Sunset congregation. They first met in the Sunset youth group, dated through their college years, and married in 1992. They have three sons. Connor is a high school teacher in San Antonio. Keaton is a graphic animator in Oklahoma City. Carson is a computer-engineering student at Oklahoma Christian University.

After developing software in the private sector for a few years, Kent returned to Texas Tech University in 1995 and has continued working there in various technical and management roles. Kent is currently the Managing Director of Enterprise Network Services for Texas Tech University.

Kent served as a deacon in the children’s, youth, and university ministries for a number of years before becoming an elder in June of 2022. One of Kent's favorite parts of the Bible is the account of Jesus' life and ministry in the Gospel of John. He enjoys building and fixing things, science fiction, playing guitar, music of all kinds, and spending time with family and friends.