Pastor Brian D. Scott

Reverend Brian D. Scott is the eighth Pastor of the Historic Union Baptist Church in Harlem, New York. A native of Louisiana, Rev. Scott is a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry at New Brunswick Theological Seminary and holds a bachelor’s degree from Grambling State University and a Master’s in Theology from Houston Baptist University. He was ordained into the gospel ministry by the Rev. Dr. Marcus D. Cosby at the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, where he assumed leadership roles in Christian Education, Men’s Ministry Outreach, Congregational Care, and College and Youth Ministries. Before relocating to accept his present appointment in Harlem, New York, Rev. Scott pastored the Abundant Faith Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. Under the leadership of Pastor Scott, the church tripled in size of congregants, purchased new sanctuary and facilities for worship, acquired additional property for future ministry opportunities, and implemented various outreach programs.

Rev. Scott is a dynamic presence in the Harlem community, dedicating his time and energy to serving God and uplifting those around him. His passion for faith and community is evident in all his activities. Rev. Scott was inducted into the 2023 Morehouse Board of Preachers. The board recognizes clergy who demonstrate significant achievements in their vocation, have high ethical standards and are committed to their community and society. He is currently involved in various areas of ministry:

• Social Justice and Community Action Chair for the Baptist Minister’s Conference of Greater New York and Vicinity.
• Social Justice chair for Progressive National Baptist Convention of State of New York. Clergy Council Committee Leader for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
• Represents NYC Clergy/Faith Community concerns on city/state levels to Mayor’s and Governor’s office.
• Manages a program with the first daughter of UBC, Ambassador Rev. Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, to train women in ministry through Black Women In Ministry (BWIM), funded by a $1.5 million grant from the Lily Foundation.
• Member of the Strategic Pastoral Excellence Initiative through American Baptist Churches.
• United Missionary Baptist Association Cabinet Member and assistant secretary.

Pastor Scott’s favorite scripture is Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Pastor Scott believes that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only hope for liberating mankind from spiritual, political, social, and economic oppression. Therefore, it is his philosophy that the gospel must be intentionally tangibly applied to all dimensions of human existence as it is the measure, the meaning, and the message of life.

Pastor Scott is married to Maja L. Scott, a native of Louisiana. They have three beautiful children: Jules Caleb, Brian Joshua, and Maia Angelique.