About
Dr. Walter Scott Thomas, Jr. is a visionary leader, dynamic preacher, and transformative servant of God. His life and ministry embody the principle of leading by example—not merely through words, but through unwavering action and dedication.
Answering the call to preach the gospel in 2001, Dr. Thomas delivered his initial sermon on July 20th of that year at New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland, under the spiritual
guidance of his father and predecessor, Bishop Walter S. Thomas, Sr. He was ordained into the ministry in 2007, fully embracing his divine purpose.
A scholar and a leader, Dr. Thomas pursued academic excellence with distinction. He graduated Cum Laude from Morehouse College, earning a degree in Religious Studies with a minor in Psychology, and was recognized as the top-ranking senior in his department. He furthered his theological education at Howard University School of Divinity, earning a Master of Divinity, and later achieved the pinnacle of academic excellence with a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.
Throughout his pastoral journey, Dr. Thomas has been a catalyst for growth and innovation. In November 2014, he was called to lead the First Baptist Church of Steelton in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where his ministry sparked remarkable expansion and the introduction of pioneering initiatives, including public safety programs, social media outreach, web streaming services, prison support initiatives, and introducing virtual platforms. When the church pivoted to online ministry during the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Thomas transformed the sanctuary into a Studio and designed and facilitated the installation of a multi-camera video system when the church began to offer unperson and online services.
Recognizing his steadfast dedication and transformative leadership, New Psalmist Baptist Church elected Dr. Thomas as Pastor-Elect in August 2023. On May 4, 2024, he was officially installed as the 4th Pastor of New Psalmist Baptist Church, carrying forward the church’s rich legacy while forging a bold new path for the future.
Dr. Thomas’s impact reaches far beyond the pulpit. He has been a strong advocate for education reform, community empowerment, and global peace, even participating in a peace summit in Hiroshima, Japan. His leadership extends to serving as Vice-President of the African-American Ministerial Alliance of Steelton and Vicinity and as a member of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African-American Affairs for the State of Pennsylvania. In recognition of his profound influence, he was inducted into the Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers in 2018 and continues to play an integral role in the Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors.
At the heart of his ministry is an unwavering commitment to faith, family, and service. He is a devoted husband to Mrs. Jarrette L. Thomas and a loving father to their two cherished children, Lillian Grace and Walter III.
With a spirit of excellence and a heart for God’s people, Dr. Walter Scott Thomas, Jr. stands as a beacon of faith, leading New Psalmist Baptist Church and the broader community into a future filled with purpose, power, and promise.