Why I gladly endorse Scott Redd

As the Briarwood community knows, Dr. Scott Redd was the first and unanimous choice of our search committee for the role of lead pastor at Briarwood. I have known Scott for about ten years and immediately noted his gifts as a leader and his energy and good cheer. I gladly endorse Scott as Briarwood’s next pastor for several reasons.

To place first things first, Scott is theologically sound and wholly aligns with the views and mission of the PCA.

Second, he has the gifts, training, and experience to lead well. He earned both a Master of Divinity at Reformed Theological Seminary and then a Ph.D. in Old Testament studies. Dr. Ligon Duncan has mentored him and he has been on the pastoral staff of several large churches, so that he understands the dynamics of large churches. He has long experience in leadership and grew up in a family of leaders, which is excellent preparation.

Third, he is a gifted, confident preacher and communicator, as you will soon see and hear. (Let me remind you that it took you a few weeks to get used to a new preaching style.) Fourth, Scott has the native intelligence and work ethic necessary to lead Briarwood. I have constantly been impressed by Scott’s desire to gather information in order to prepare for Briarwood.

Finally, Dr. Redd’s friends and colleagues all agree that he is a man of godly character who lives faithfully in light of the gospel of God’s grace in Christ.

Scott’s current job as president of two campuses in the Reformed Theological Seminary system provides extensive preparation for pastoral ministry. In Reformed’s system, a president teaches and pastors students and spends many hours in ministry with area pastors. As an aside, Scott’s path is similar to mine: seminary leaders teach and disciple students, hire and lead the faculty. Scott and I both preached nearly every week, and served as theologian-in-residence at a large church. When I became lead pastor at a church like Briarwood, all of the skills I developed in seminary leadership applied to the leadership of a large church. I am confident that Scott will have a similar experience.

Finally, Scott has long desired to enter pastoral ministry; he was drawn to Briarwood even as we were drawn to him. A strong sense of calling is essential to pastoral work. Healthy pastors know we have a sinful nature and gaps in our skill sets. Knowing that leads to the humility that is essential for ministry. We lean on God’s grace and our teams, not just our abilities. I see in Scott that double sense of confidence and humility. The people of Briarwood know how to love and welcome a pastor and his family. I pray that you will so welcome him and his family with warmth and joy, to the benefit of everyone.

– Dan Doriani, Interim Senior Pastor