Pastor Jaquel Scott
Rev. Jaquel Scott is a faith leader, educator, and community advocate committed to liberative theology and the 9th Pastor of Valley of the Flowers. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Rev. Scott is a proud product of public education, having graduated from Tri-Cities High School in East Point, Georgia. He went on to pursue his call to ministry at Ohio Christian University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Ministry with concentrations in Leadership and Biblical Studies. He holds a Master of Arts in Religion and Education from the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, Georgia.
In January 2026, Rev. Scott was elected Chair of the Association of United Church Educators (AUCE), becoming the first openly queer African American man to lead the organization’s executive board. He also served on the Providence Juvenile Hearing Board (2024–2026), where he received a Providence City Council citation in recognition of his service and impact on the lives of young people and their families. Previously, he served as the Rhode Island Representative to the New England Association of United Church Educators.
Rev. Scott holds dual ordination standing through The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries (TFAM) and the United Church of Christ. He is married to Shomahri “Ajani” Simmonds-Scott, a Naval Supply Officer in the United States Navy. Together, they enjoy spending time with their Parti Poodle, Ella, and their Goldendoodle, Benji. Through preaching, teaching, and community engagement, Rev. Scott seeks to create spaces where all of God’s children are loved, affirmed, and restored. He believes the Church is at its best when it makes room for everyone to belong, ask hard questions, and discover God.