Our Pastor

Pastor Scovens is a courageous, dynamic, and visionary leader who hails from Baltimore, Maryland, grew up in one of the toughest communities of Charm City. Growing up in the inner city helped cultivate and mold him for a ministry defined by taking risks, defying the odds and overcoming obstacles. He began his Christian journey at an early age as he received his salvation at age nine and accepted the call to preach the gospel at age twelve.

Dr. Scovens has been serving as the fifth Pastor of the Galilee Missionary Baptist Church since April 1, 2007. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from Elizabeth City State University, NC, and a Masters and Doctorate degrees in Divinity from Jacksonville Theological Seminary, Jacksonville, FL. His experiences in ministry and divine favor has helped him to guide the church through a period of tremendous growth. Since his arrival, the church’s membership has tripled and propelled Galilee to become one of the leading churches in the state of North Carolina and recognized by many throughout the United States of America

Even in the midst of a national economic downturn, Galilee succeeded in building a new32,000 Sq edifice and acquiring 28-acres of land. Moreover, Dr. Scovens led the charge in negotiating to build a new, attractive and vibrant CVS Pharmacy, creating one of the first commercial cornerstones of community re-development efforts for the MLKJr.,. Galilee continued to thrive during the pandemic and served as a beacon of hope for the citizens of Winston-Salem and the triad.

Being a strong advocate for missions and reaching “beyond the walls” of Galilee, Dr. Scovens has widened the scope of Galilee’s ministries to include a local, national and global impact. His altruistic spirit has become infectious in the ministry of GMBC as he preaches, teaches and unequivocally believes that we’ve been blessed to be a blessing.

In 2022 he launched Global Galilee Virtual Church and the Mobile Galilee Church on Wheels that takes the church to local communities for a pop-up worship experience and outreach. His vision is to reach the masses for Jesus Christ. Weekly, he is the host of the “Galilee Experience” Radio Show that allows him to connect with thousands on a weekly basis.

Consequently, Galilee has participated in mission and outreach initiatives throughout the United States, within the Winston-Salem Community, Guyana, The West Indies, Italy, Liberia, Sudan and South Africa. Bi-Annually he also has led several delegations to the Holy Land of Israel for Spiritual Renewal Pilgrimages. This year Galilee will expand its’ ministry in Rwanda through a partnership with World Vision.

Serving and caring for people is not just a philosophy, but a standard for living and joy for Dr. Scovens. Currently he serves as a Chaplain for the Winston-Salem Police Department, serves on the Board of Directors for Family Services, Vice-Chair for the Executive Board of Directors for Family Services, Board Member for Thrive More (Formerly Baptist Retirement Homes), Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department Resident Health and Wellness Council, United Way Forsyth County Faith Advisory Board, General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (General Board & Executive Board), Ecclesiastical Advisory Council for Triad Pastors Network for Wake Forest Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Greensboro Housing Authority Hearing Officer and a member of the Executive Pastors Committee for the American Heart Association Heart Walk.

He is a former board member for the S.G. Atkins Community Development Corporation, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, United Way of Forsyth County, Bethesda Center for the Homeless, Communities In Schools, and served as the Statistician for the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.

Dr. Scovens is a proud member of the NAACP, SCLC, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. For his outstanding community service to the city of Winston-Salem and the citizens it serves, he has received many awards and recognitions. In 2014 he was awarded Man of the Year by the Chronicle, 2015 Delta Sigma Phi Beta Sigma Chapter Leader of the Year, Church of the Year in 2016, HBCU Living Legend in 2019 and honored in 2020 with a Humanitarian Award for men who are making positive changes. Pastor Scovens has recently been recognized as an honoree of the Black Business Ink, Power 100 – representing 100 of the most powerful and influential people in North Carolina.

Dr. Scovens believes in serving God, and His people with excellence. This anonymous quote defines his “Excellence” is the result of caring more than others think is wise, risking more than others think is safe, dreaming more than others think is practical, and expecting more than others think is possible. Never an accident! It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities.