Church of God Black Ministries Charts New Course
With a new leader in place, Church of God Black Ministries will continue the positive momentum of the office, while at the same time charting a new course of mission and vision.
Appointed by the International Executive Committee at the 2016 General Assembly, Doyle P. Scott, Sr. comes to the office of Black Ministries having served as a pastor, Florida-Cocoa State Evangelism and Home Missions Director, Florida-Cocoa State Administrative Bishop, and Regional Administrative Bishop of Southern New England.
“There is a unique style of worship in black communities,” Scott stated when explaining the purpose and vision of the Black Ministries office.
“There is a need for true expression to our God in all cultures and Black Ministries helps ensure that resources of the Church of God are made available as we customize those resources to the Black culture and provide opportunities for leadership and events.”
Scott went on to explain how the diversity of cultures is called out in scripture.
“Matthew chapter 1describes the diversity of cultures, talking about every creed and color,” Scott related. “In Genesis 5 God identifies our cultures and in Revelation 22:2 identifies a tree in heaven, the leaves of which were for the healing of the nations.”
Bishop Scott has been described as an “innovative trailblazer, kingdom builder, restorer of the breached, apostolic spiritual teacher and transformative servant leader.” He believes unequivocally in T.E.A.M. (Training, Equipping, Amplifying and Mentoring), as well as, “divine purposeful sowing of faith seeds and Christian discipleship amongst leaders at all levels and in communities worldwide.”
In his first few months in office, Bishop Scott has focused on building relationships and learning how people feel about the ministry. Among his priorities in the Kingdom of God are soul winning, pastoral leadership development, church planting, intentional impactful missions and transparency in the ministry.
Scott and Black Ministries has the full support of General Overseer Tim Hill who sees this ministry as critical.
“Our heritage as a missions-sending denomination began with two black ministers,” Hill explained referring to Edmond and Rebecca Barr who traveled to the Bahamas from Florida in 1909. “Today, our focus continues on reaching the lost as we work together to complete the Great Commission. I commend our black ministry leaders and the congregations they serve…our heritage is great, but our destiny is greater.”
Bishop Scott earned a degree in Biblical Studies from Logos Theological College, a licentiate from Overstone Theological College and an earned Bachelor’s degree in Divinity from Canada Theological College. He also holds designations as a Certified Victims Advocate, church consultant, community service chaplain, and has been bestowed an honorary doctorate degree by St. Thomas University.
In summing up his vision for Black Ministries, Scott noted that he wants to be, “more solution-driven,” and “to build a historical review of Black Ministries of the past to build on the future.”
Church of God Black Ministries has two events scheduled in commemoration of Black History Month. The first takes place this week at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary in Cleveland, Tenn., on Thursday, February 9 at 11:00 am. Special speaker will be Rev. Mitchell Corder, administrative bishop for the Church of God in Tennessee. The public is invited to attend. Black Ministries Awareness Sunday International Celebration takes place across the nation this Sunday, February 12, 2017. Local churches are encouraged to receive a love offering for Black Ministries.
In addition, Bishop Scott will be the keynote speaker at this week’s International Offices chapel service, which will be streamed live on churchofgod.org this Wednesday, February 8 starting at 10:45 am EST.
Finally, on July 19-22, 2017, the 17th Biennial International Fellowship Conference will be held at the Cathedral of Faith Church of God, 2319 Fairfield Ave., in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
For more information on these events, please visit cogblackministries.org.
