Pastor Scott Matthews

Lead Pastor – Bolton Community Church

Growing up in the beautiful Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, Pastor Scott Matthews never imagined the journey God had planned for his life. Looking back, he can clearly see how the Lord used every season—both the victories and the challenges—to prepare him for a life of ministry and service.

Pastor Scott graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy before pursuing a career in communications at the New England School of Communications and Husson College in Bangor, Maine. His love for broadcasting began during high school when he worked as a radio disc jockey for WSTJ/WNKV Radio, owned by Northeast Kingdom Broadcasting. He later joined WGMT "Magic 97.7," where he served as a news director and radio host. Those early years behind the microphone developed communication skills that God would later use to proclaim the Gospel.

While living in Bangor, Pastor Scott worked a variety of jobs before beginning a career with Adelphia Communications. It was during this chapter of life that God brought Erica into his life. She would become his wife, but even more importantly, through her faithful testimony and encouragement, Pastor Scott surrendered his life to Jesus Christ in October 2002. That decision forever changed the direction of his life.

After coming to faith in Christ, he continued working in private security and later with TYCO Fire & Security. During those years he also pursued online studies through Liberty University. As he faithfully served in his local church, God began stirring his heart toward vocational ministry. The call became undeniable, and in 2013 Scott and Erica stepped out in faith, leaving behind established careers and familiar surroundings to move their family to Pottersville, New York, where Scott enrolled at the Word of Life Bible Institute.

His time at Word of Life proved to be transformational. Alongside Erica, also a graduate of the Word of Life Bible Institute, Scott spent five summers serving at the Word of Life Ranch & Wild Camps, helping lead and train more than 1,000 student staff members. Those years cultivated a deep passion for discipleship, servant leadership, and investing in the next generation. Scott and Erica cherished the opportunity to serve as spiritual mentors and "camp parents" to hundreds of young people, building relationships with students and families that continue to this day.

Scott later served as the Dean of Off-Campus Students at the Word of Life Bible Institute, where he had the privilege of mentoring students and supporting families navigating a unique college experience. Through discipleship, counseling, and pastoral care, he helped many young adults grow in their faith and discover God's calling for their lives. He also represented Word of Life by speaking in churches, conferences, and ministry events throughout the Northeast, sharing the mission and educational opportunities available through the ministry.

Before and throughout these ministry opportunities, Scott served in children's ministry, youth ministry, camp ministry, Bible college leadership, and various pastoral roles. Regardless of the setting, one passion has remained constant—to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and help people experience the transforming grace, hope, and forgiveness found only in Him.

In 2017, Scott accepted God's call to become the Lead Pastor of Bolton Community Church in Bolton Landing, New York. Founded in 1806, the church has a rich heritage of faithfully proclaiming God's Word. Together with Erica and their four children, the Matthews family became the first pastoral family in more than thirty years to live on the church campus, symbolizing a renewed commitment to being present, accessible, and deeply connected to the community.

Under Pastor Scott's leadership, Bolton Community Church has embraced a renewed vision of outreach, discipleship, and community impact. The church has expanded ministries for children, youth, families, seniors, veterans, homeschoolers, and those seeking restoration while remaining firmly committed to the authority of Scripture and the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.

Recognizing the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges faced by cancer patients and their families, Pastor Scott partnered with Cancer Treatment Centers of America to establish Bolton Community Church's Cancer Care Ministry. Motivated by the biblical command to "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31) and by the personal impact cancer has had on his own family, his vision is simple: No One Faces Cancer Alone. Through practical support, prayer, encouragement, and the hope of Christ, the ministry seeks to walk alongside individuals during one of life's most difficult journeys.

Beyond the local church, Pastor Scott serves as the Vice President of Homeschool New York, advocating for homeschooling families across the state through leadership development, legislative advocacy, and family encouragement. He is passionate about strengthening Christian families and equipping parents to disciple the next generation.

He is also a passionate advocate for the next generation, working to combat bullying by creating safe environments where young people can grow in character, leadership, and faith. His heart for the community extends to honoring those who have served our nation, and he proudly supports local veterans through partnerships with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and other community organizations.

Pastor Scott firmly believes the local church should be the heart of the community—a place where people find hope, healing, authentic relationships, and the truth of God's Word. Whether preaching on Sunday mornings, mentoring future leaders, serving neighbors, or simply sharing a cup of coffee with someone who needs encouragement, his desire remains the same: to help people know Jesus Christ and take their next step of faith.

Today, Pastor Scott continues to lead Bolton Community Church with a vision of seeing lives transformed by the Gospel, families strengthened by God's Word, and the Adirondack region impacted for the Kingdom of God. Through the church's NEXTGEN Campaign and the development of the Kingdom Builders Initiative, he is bringing together individuals who share a passion for investing in future generations, expanding ministry opportunities, and ensuring that Bolton Community Church remains a vibrant Gospel witness for decades to come.

Connect with Pastor Scott

Email: PastorScotty@BoltonCC.org

Phone: (518) 644-9103