OUR PASTOR

​

​

Brenda Arnold- Scott is an Itinerant Elder in the AME Church. She received her current appointment as Pastor of Mt. Calvary AME Church during the 157th Session of the Texas Annual Conference. She has led Mt. Calvary for the past 13 years. Brenda spent 12 years glorifying God through her artistic talents, prior to hearing and accepting the "call" to preach the gospel. She asserts that she came into ministry via the way of the Psalmist or Poet.  When she realized that her ability to write and perform Spoken Word were gifts that could make a difference;  she dedicated the gifts to God; and only performed as a Christian Poet. She also produced and hosted a radio show, where in that space there was no doubt that the graces and gifts to proclaim the gospel were upon her. She was the first Texas Poet to be placed in rotation in urban gospel radio markets for her Christian spoken word and music CD, "A Mighty Long Way," that was released in 2003.  Her poetry/art was also recognized by the Texas Healing Council; with the Council causing the work to be selected to grace the walls at St. Luke's Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. Her poetry/art hung in exhibition for almost twenty years; bringing inspiration to the masses. Though Brenda found great fulfillment in the creative arts ministry that God had given her, it became unquestionably clear that God had more for her, when she heard "a still small voice," directing her to preach the gospel. Within a year of accepting the call to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ,  she began study in the Ministerial Institute under the Board of Examiners of the 10th Episcopal District AME Church; and later began assisting in pastoral ministry in her local church, Jones AME Praise and Worship Center Church, under the Rev. Robert J. Green.  Prior to receiving her first pastoral appointment in 2007, she had served at Jones AME Praise and Worship Center Church, formerly  known as Jones Chapel AME Church, where she had been an active member since childhood.  She continues to study to show herself approved of God as a workman who need not to be ashamed as she rightly divides the Word of God.  She received her Master of Divinity from Houston Graduate School of Theology in 2012, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and receiving Special Recognition for Highest Academic Honors in Seminary. She received her Doctor of Ministry from Southern Methodist University (SMU) in December 2017.  Her project received an honors designation. She  participated in the 2018 Spring Graduation Ceremony for the Perkins School of Theology at SMU. That same year, she was extended induction into yet another honor society, the Golden Key International Honour Society.  Brenda's life experiences have prepared her to serve with grace and strength as she has navigated through the often treacherous waters of ministry and public service, being sustained through both the good and the bad; and through defeat and victory; all  to the glory of God.  Retired from public service after a 30-year career in community development with the local government, she still has varied interests. However, she makes time to write, as she considers it one of her strongest creative gifts. She will release seven (7) inspriational books within the next year.  The second of five siblings, she is now the oldest living sibling in her family; making her the matriach. She strives to leave a legacy of love. A faithwaker, and a lover of family and family connectivity: she holds that pastoral ministry reflects her greatest work.