Bishop Calvin Scott, founding pastor of Believers Temple and community advocate, dies at 67
Bishop Calvin Scott was a builder, a bridge-maker, and a steady voice for North County whose ministry reached far beyond the pulpit. Scott — founding pastor of Believers Temple Word Fellowship, civic leader, and a spiritual anchor for North County for more than three decades — died on April 16, 2026, after complications from ALS. […] The post Bishop Calvin Scott, founding pastor of Believers Temple and community advocate, dies at 67 appeared first on St. Louis American.
Black News 
Bishop Calvin Scott was a builder, a bridge-maker, and a steady voice for North County whose ministry reached far beyond the pulpit. Scott — founding pastor of Believers Temple Word Fellowship, civic leader, and a spiritual anchor for North County for more than three decades — died on April 16, 2026, after complications from ALS. He was 67.
For 32 years, Bishop Scott shepherded Believers Temple with a blend of conviction, compassion, and a deep belief that ministry must meet people where they are. What began in February 1993 as a storefront church with eight members on Natural Bridge grew — quickly and steadily — into a thriving congregation with nearly 1,000 members, a youth ministry campus and the multifaceted Family Life Center where worship is held today.
He often said he believed in “a holistic approach to the kingdom of God,” one that centered family, children, youth, leadership, and economic development. And he lived that calling far beyond Sunday mornings.
“The best part about being in the ministry is fulfilling my purpose and God’s will,” he previously told The St. Louis American. “Also, as a preacher, you’re helping people fulfill the purpose in their own lives and giving them a sense of hope.”
Bishop Scott’s ministry extended into the civic fabric of St. Louis County. He served more than eight years on the St. Louis County Housing Authority, first appointed in 2012 by County Executive Charlie A. Dooley. In April 2020, County Executive Dr. Sam Page appointed him president of the Housing Authority, recognizing his steady leadership and commitment to underserved communities.
As CEO of Believers Temple’s Urban Initiative Community Development Corporation, he helped secure land and oversee the $9.2 million development of Scott Manor, an independent living facility for low-income seniors 55 and older — a project that stands as one of his most tangible legacies. Phase II of the project, which added another building that included 50 additional apartments, was completed in 2023.
His service also included the Community Advisory Committee for the Riverview Gardens School District, where he advocated for students and families with the same urgency he brought to the pulpit.
In 2011, Bishop Scott received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from President Barack Obama. That same year, St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley presented him with the key to St. Louis County and proclaimed June 19, 2011, as “Bishop Calvin Scott Day.”
His ministry reached far beyond Missouri. Dr. Scott traveled globally to spread the Gospel — to Israel, Sierra Leone, Jamaica, Brazil, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and more.
He was a lifelong learner and scholar of the Word, holding a PhD in Religious Philosophy from Tabernacle Bible College and Seminary, an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from St. Thomas Christian College, and a Master of Arts in Divinity from Remnant of the Lord Bible College.
While his public impact was vast, his daughters say his greatest ministry was at home.
“There are no words that could fully capture what he has been to us,” they shared in a family statement. “He was our covering, our wisdom, our steady place… our best friend and above all, he was our father. To be loved by him was a gift we will carry for the rest of our lives.”
They added that they are comforted knowing he is “resting in the presence of Jesus Christ, at peace, healed, whole, and embraced in eternal love.”
Bishop Scott is survived by his three daughters — Sharita Scott, Pastor Leandra Green, and Ann “Scotti” Scott — and six grandchildren. Pastor Green, whom he appointed as his successor, celebrated her one-year pastoral anniversary just weeks before his passing.
Bishop Scott’s life was marked by service, scholarship, and a relentless commitment to building spiritual, economic and community platforms.
“I am doing the work that I have been called to,” he told The St. Louis American in an interview about his initial appointment to the St. Louis County Housing Authority Board, “which is to act justly, to love with mercy, and to walk humbly with God.”
The final services for Bishop Scott are as follows:
Visitation Friday, May 1, 2026 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Believers Temple Word Fellowship 2115 Chambers Rd., St. Louis, MO 63136
Celebration of Life Saturday, May 2, 2026 8:30 a.m. Friendly Temple Church 5515 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., St. Louis, MO 63112
Attendees are invited to wear shades of brown in unity and remembrance.
The post Bishop Calvin Scott, founding pastor of Believers Temple and community advocate, dies at 67 appeared first on St. Louis American.
