By Rev. Dr. Kevin A. Slayton Sr.
Special to the AFRO
The upcoming retirement of one of Baltimore’s favorite sons, Bishop Walter Scott Thomas is truly the end of an era. Baltimore is and has been a preaching gold mine, producing some of the nation’s most revered homiletical geniuses. Names like Hiram Revels, the first African American elected to the U.S. Congress as a senator from Mississippi but ordained in West Baltimore. Rev. Daniel Coker, the would-be founding leader of the African Methodist Episcopal church, to legendary preachers such as Harold Dobson, Mariam Bascom, Harold Carter Sr., and Bishops Frank Madison Reid III and John Bryant, who both pastored the historic Bethel AME. Not to mention the more recent dynamic figures, which include names like Sen. Rev. Dr. Raphael G. Warnock, Jamal H. Bryant, Donte Hickman, MarCarl Pierce and Heber Brown III. All of these clergy and countless others have made an indelible impact on Baltimore’s faith-based landscape. But I would argue that there has never been one more prolific, charismatic, articulate, genuine and impactful than Walter Thomas Sr.
Born in the Cherry Hill community and rising through the ranks to build one of the most nationally recognized ministries in the world, Bishop Thomas stands alone. In 1975, he took a small church of approximately 150 people and grew it into a congregation of now more than 8,000. His members have included some of the world changers in our American tapestry. Walter built upon the lessons learned at the feet of his late pastor Harold Carter Sr. and developed a ministry that would transcend the nuances of an ever changing ecclesial urban landscape.
I first witnessed this gifted preacher on a warm spring morning in 1998. I was new to the Baltimore area, and at the urging of my grandmother sought out a church where I could nurture my faith. That Sunday morning, I made my way to the edge of West Baltimore’s Old Frederick Road to witness the overflowing parking lot of people exiting one service as throngs of others waited to enter for another. As I made my way into the massive sanctuary, I was stunned at the décor and enthusiastic vibe that emanated from those in attendance. Something was happening in that place and, soon, in me.
I arrived in Baltimore as a result of having had a child with a woman who lived in the city. We were not married, and I knew that if I was going to have an impact on my child I would have to move here from the South. Still struggling to settle my faith and my role as an unmarried father, I sat in the pews that morning to listen to Thomas’ sermon, which was entitled, “That’s Just My Baby Daddy.” The title, clearly inspired by a very popular song during that year by rapper B-Rock, would put on full display the oratory skills of a master at work. With a command of the pulpit and the listening ear, Thomas took those lyrics and created a sermonic offering that lifted tired and aching bones from the pews to emit an explosion of spirit-filled praise. I left with a renewed confidence in my role as a father and my spirit. I was not just some sperm donor, but I was a valued partner in God’s work on the earth. I was a father. I was a king. I was worthy. And I was needed.
When I accepted my call into ministry at the Douglas Memorial Community Church, it was Bishop Thomas who would deliver the message at my ordination. I clung to every word that leaped from his mouth. His unique ability to frame the moment in a way that evoked hope and confidence is what I believe to be the formula used to convert thousands of individuals to the faith worldwide. I’ve never understood how he could raise the inflection in his voice while harmoniously inserting a small whistling sound over his words.
But Thomas is so much more than just a gifted orator and preacher; Thomas is a visionary. Everything about his person and his ministry demonstrate an aptitude for excellence. Thomas possesses a very rare and outgoing personality that has endeared him to people from all walks and the public at-large. His relationships with his peers and church members bespeaks an ability to inspire people at every stage of life, which is indicative of the self-assurance that permeates his demeanor. Without a doubt this is what has allowed him to create disciples in a place where discipleship was in great need.
While Bishop Thomas has sat at the table with kings, presidents, and national figures, somehow, he has been able to retain an extremely approachable demeanor befitting his calling. Clergy from all across the globe seek his advice and wisdom. Over the past 50 years he has pastored an entire city in such a way that demanded it seek the best in all of its citizens. Through the various social and economic challenges of this city, Thomas has been a trusted and sage voice for both political and community leaders. Mayors, lawmakers, corporate leaders and countless clergy have looked to his guidance and his counsel in times of crisis and prosperity.
But there has been no greater benefactor of this gifted man than those who are able to call him “father.” With all the demands on his schedule and resources, the level of brilliance evident in his children speaks to the true measure of the man. All three of his children are solidly grounded and excelling in their own vocations. Walter Jr., who will succeed his father as pastor of New Psalmist, Joy and Joshua are the living proof that his legacy is authentically cemented in the earth. Bishop and his wife, Patricia have embodied and upheld the tenants of a faith rooted in a love that mirrors that only described in heaven.
I am convinced that his ultimate genius and wisdom lies in his decision to masterfully develop a succession plan that allows him and the world to continue to benefit from his giftedness. After giving over half a century of his life to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he is now able and deserving of the opportunity to share more of his time tending to those who are near and dear.
I know I said I never understood how he could insert a “whistle” in the midst of his sermon, but I have concluded that it was simply because he loved what he did. Thus, he literally whistled while he worked.
On April 6, Thomas will stand to preach and possibly whistle a note or two for his last sermon as the lead pastor. But I am certain that it will not be the end of anything, but the beginning of something new. On behalf of clergy all over the world and especially here in Baltimore: Thank you, Bishop. We thank you for your leadership, your loyalty, your friendship and your Christian witness. To God be the glory.
The post Commentary: Whistling while you work: A tribute to retiring Bishop Walter Scott Thomas Sr. appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
