Pastor Scott McKinney

Pastor Scott McKinney serves as pastor of First Baptist Church in Cookeville, Tennessee, where he has ministered since June 2015. Born and raised in middle Georgia, Scott grew up in a Southern Baptist environment and developed a strong work ethic through his family’s business. After studying civil engineering at Georgia Southern University, he built a successful career in business and agriculture. Despite enjoying financial success, marriage, and life with two children, he recognized a deep emptiness that achievement could not satisfy. In June 2003, at age 31, Scott surrendered his life to Jesus Christ, experiencing a transformation that changed his family, priorities, and direction. Scott preached his first sermon in October 2004 and began pastoring in 2005. Following God’s call into ministry, he pursued graduate studies through New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and later completed his doctorate in 2019. His ministry has included helping congregations grow stronger through seasons of difficulty, with a commitment to faithfully teaching Scripture and caring for the people entrusted to him. Drawing from his own journey, Scott is passionate about helping others move beyond religious routine into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ marked by genuine repentance, obedience, and lasting transformation.