Manuel Scott Jr. A Beacon of Evangelism

Evangelist Manuel Scott Jr. stands as a testament to unwavering faith and dedication. As the first Seminary-trained, full-time evangelist emerging from the Black Baptist Church on a national scale, his impact resonates across the country.

Recently appointed as the “official” full-time evangelist by the prestigious National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., under the presidency of Dr. Jerry Young, Scott’s ministry has been recognized and endorsed by eminent religious leaders. This includes Dr. Manuel Scott, Sr., Dr. Ephraim Williams, Dr. E.V. Hill, Bishop Charles Blake, and Bishop T. Larry Kirkland.

With a track record of over 1100 revivals, averaging 53 annually, he has ushered an impressive 20,000 souls towards the light of the Lord. His preaching prowess extends across a broad spectrum, having graced pulpits of 12 different denominations ranging from AME to United Methodist.

Beyond the pulpit, Scott’s literary contribution is commendable. His book, “The Quotable Manuel Scott Sr: Words From A Gospel Genius,” offers an insightful collection of nearly 500 quotes and seven profound sermons from his late revered father, Dr. Manuel Scott Sr. He is also the author of over 115 contemporary lectures, with titles like “I’m Too Blessed To Be Stressed” and “What A Difference A Daddy Makes” resonating with many.

His educational journey speaks volumes of his commitment. A proud alumnus of U.C.L.A. (BA 1971), Scott went on to obtain his Masters of Divinity (1975) from Princeton Theological Seminary. He also gained acceptance into the esteemed PhD program at Claremont School of Theology.

A reflection of his leadership qualities, Scott held positions as the Senior Class President at Dorsey High (1967) and Freshman Class President at Bishop College (1968).
His core belief remains unshaken — the Gospel has the innate power to transform, heal, and uplift, transcending boundaries of race, creed, or color.
Highlighted by the media for his commendable contributions, Scott has been featured in several newspaper articles. From setting new records in evangelism (Los Angeles Sentinel, 2011) to discussing ministry in-depth (Los Angeles Sentinel, 2009), his impact is undeniable.

In the words of Evangelist Manuel Scott Jr., the journey of faith is perpetual, and through his ministry, he continues to guide countless souls towards salvation.

David Emmanuel Goatley

David Emmanuel Goatley was inaugurated as the sixth president of Fuller Seminary on January 21, 2023. Prior to his appointment, he served as the associate dean for academic and vocational formation, Ruth W. and A. Morris Williams Jr. Research Professor of Theology and Christian Ministry, and director of the Office of Black Church Studies at Duke Divinity School. For nearly four decades he has served in leadership roles in organizations dedicated to justice advocacy, Christian mission, and global ecumenism. He earned his BS in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Louisville and holds two degrees from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary: an MDiv with an emphasis in pastoral care and counseling, and a PhD in Theology.

A constructive theologian and globally recognized missiologist with a background in pastoral counseling, Goatley brings a unique blend of experience and expertise that aligns with Fuller’s major disciplines of theology, missiology, and the psychological sciences. Having studied or worked in more than 35 countries, he brings a global perspective to his leadership and vision for Fuller, believing the gospel of the kingdom is truly good news and hope for all of the world, transcending politics, denominations, and single nations.

For more than 20 years (1997–2018), he served as CEO of Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society, where he led the organization’s efforts to sustain mission partnerships in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America. He is passionate about justice and advocacy as reflections of God’s desire to offer flourishing to the whole creation. As such, he has been both a thought leader and an activist in addressing the issues of genocide, poverty, racism, hunger and inequality, serving in leadership capacities for organizations including Kids Against Hunger, the Save Darfur Coalition, and the NAACP. Ordained in the National Baptist Convention, USA, he served as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Campbellsville, Kentucky, for nine years (1986–1995).

In addition to his articles, essays, and book chapters, Goatley is the author of Were You There? Godforsakenness in Slave Religion and A Divine Assignment: The Missiology of Wendell Clay Somerville, as well as the editor of Black Religion, Black Theology: Collected Essays of J. Deotis Roberts. His current research focuses on flourishing in ministry and thriving congregations, most recently working on projects funded by the Lilly Endowment and the Duke Endowment
He is married to Pamela Goatley, and they have a son, Atiba Emmanuel.

ABOUT FULLER SEMINARY
Fuller Seminary is an evangelical, multidenominational graduate institution committed to providing indispensable, formational education for diverse Christian leaders everywhere. Through its two academic schools—the School of Mission and Theology and the School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy—Fuller Seminary offers master’s and doctoral degree programs to a diverse student body hailing from 80 countries and 113 denominations. FULLER Equip, the institution’s signature digital learning platform, provides accessible, non-degree courses built on Fuller’s robust scholarship. Fuller’s headquarters and historic main campus are located in Pasadena, California, with additional campuses in Phoenix and Houston, and most programs are available completely online for global access.

Freddie and Wanda Roberson were both raised and educated in the Los Angeles area and met in high school. Wanda spent two years at LA Harbor college and while Freddie spent the same amount of time at California State University at Long Beach. They both left college to train as missionaries at Christians in Action in Long Beach California and, after marriage in January 1980 moved to London, England in April of the same year.

They both began working among young people in three areas: Thornton Heath, Addiscombe and Brixton, during their first 4 years in Britain. Freddie also led the UK Christians in Action missionary training college after two years while Wanda was responsible for the management of the college kitchen, which included the purchasing and preparation of all foods and all maintenance. In 1986 Freddie became the director of the overall ministry of C in A UK and became the senior leader of the C in A church in 1991.

During his years of service, Freddie has been a very popular public speaker and motivator, particularly among churches in Croydon and parts of South London. He has also been a keynote speaker for many youth events, dealing with subjects such as dating, sex, marriage and peer pressure. He frequently worked with local government on projects concerning youth crime and offenders and has been a key liaison between local government and faith groups.

Wanda has always had a major involvement with young children and is a qualified childminder and nursery nurse with NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) at level 3. She is the head of our church Sunday school programme (ages 3-11) and also plays a prominent role in the ministry to women in the church.

In 2009 Freddie was appointed Area Director for Europe, India and for the new field of Pakistan. After hosting a strategic European conference he made his first extensive trip to Pakistan and India, during a very dangerous and difficult period (2010) in which terrorism has significantly increased in the region. Freddie has also travelled to most western European nations, has strong connections in N. Ireland and has ministered in Sierra Leone both before the recent war and not long after the end of the conflict. Much of his financial support is used to offset his travel and mission projects.

Freddie is a highly motivated man who has impacted many in Croydon and beyond in a positive way. Freddie and Wanda have been married since 1980 and have two adult children and four grandchildren.

The Reverend Brandon Harris is the new Associate Dean for Religious and Spiritual Life at the University of Southern California.
Previously, he served as a Protestant Chaplain at Georgetown University, where he taught courses on African-American religious thought, lived as a chaplain in residence, and served as the co-chair of the Martin Luther King Jr. Initiative.

Additionally, Reverend Harris is the youngest Senior Minister to ever lead the one hundred and thirty-one-year-old Peoples Congregational Church in Washington D.C. Committed to interfaith engagement and racial justice, he was ordained at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, the historic church community of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He also served as a member of the Mayor’s Interfaith Council in Washington, D.C.

A proud graduate of the first historically black college in the United States, The Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Religion. He earned a Master of Divinity and certificates in Black Church Studies and Baptist Studies at Candler School of Theology at Emory University. While at Candler, he was a Robert W. Woodruff Fellow in Theology and Ministry and a recipient of the Frederick Buechner Preaching Award and the Charles Owen Smith Jr. Award for the exceptional promise of service in Baptist Ministry. He is currently a doctoral student at the New York Theological Seminary in the inaugural Doctor of Ministry in Social Justice Cohort.

A proud native upstate New Yorker, he loves all things fall, being near water, coffee, reading, and exploring cities. He recently moved to Los Angeles with his wife Tiffany Daniels-Harris and their dog Sophie Bailey.