Meet Scott

I’m a husband and father, pastor, author, leader.
And a cancer and stroke survivor.

My goal is to live each day with grit and determination—
no matter what life brings.

Inspiring others to grow in resilience, purpose, and strength is my goal!

A man in a light gray checkered blazer and white shirt sitting with hands clasped on a wooden table, smiling at the camera against a dark background.

Over the past 14 years, Scott has walked through deep adversity and come out with a renewed sense of purpose. He endured years of stress caused by toxic leadership, battled stage 3 colorectal cancer, and survived a major stroke.

During his health challenges, Scott received invaluable advice from his father-in-law, Dr. Paul Rothwell—his primary physician and a contributor to this book.

Dr. Rothwell told him,“Scott, you must take control of your mind. We, the medical team, are taking care of your body. Physically, you’re in great condition, but only you can manage your mind. If you don’t, you’ll become someone very different.”

That powerful message marked a turning point for Scott and became the driving force behind the development of the MIND Method and the writing of Choose Your Best.

Get to know Scott

A man holding a young girl inside a building with brick walls and windows.

Scott was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He earned a degree in History from Southern Nazarene University (SNU) in 1990. He continued his education with an MA in Theology from Trevecca Nazarene University and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University. 

His career spans 25 years as a pastor, nine years as a university chaplain and administrator, two years with the INTEGRIS Foundation, and six years with OneWorld Health (OWH). At OWH, he helped build operationally self-sustaining hospitals and clinics in East Africa and Central America, supporting their mission to provide accessible healthcare in underserved regions. Scott is currently enjoying his new role as Pastor for Stewardship and Facilities at St. Luke’s Methodist Church in Oklahoma City.

A man kissing a woman on the cheek, both smiling indoors.

Scott met his wife, Katie, at SNU, and they married in 1991. Together, they have two sons, Cody and Zach; a daughter-in-law, Kendal; and two wonderful grandchildren, Sage and Solomon. Over the years, they’ve lived and served in ministry across Houston, Portland, Nashville, Kansas City, San Diego, Mount Vernon (OH), and Oklahoma City.

A pastor, survivor, and author of Choose Your Best, he shares a message of hope and resilience that empowers others to rise stronger and live intentionally. Through his story, workshops, and writing, he invites others to rebuild their lives — one choice at a time.

Ways to Connect with Scott

A diverse group of people attending a seminar or conference, sitting in chairs, some taking notes and listening attentively.

Sign-up to receive a monthly newsletter with personal stories, book release news, and other info.

Newsletter

Sign Up!
Microphone and headphones in a recording studio with a computer screen in the background.

Podcast

Pull up a chair and join the conversation as Scott chats with leaders, pastors, and friends about the hard times they face and how they persevere.

Spotify
Apple
A wooden desk with a laptop, a cup of coffee, a smartphone, a pen, and a notepad with writing, in a room with a large window and gray brick wall.

Workshops

Choose Your Best in-person workshops are available now! Schedule one for your team today!

Learn more

Some of Scott’s Favorite Quotes

  • "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way."

    Victor E. Frankl

  • "It’s all how you choose to see things."

    Marcus Aurelius

  • Jesus said: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’"

    Matthew 22:37-39

  • “Love is at the very heart of the surprise of hope: people who truly hope…will be people enabled to love in a new way. Conversely, people who are living by this rule of love will be people who are learning more deeply how to hope."

    N. T. Wright

  • "You're facing life’s darkest moments, you can almost touch the hopelessness, but there is hope. There are options in life and those options can present new dreams, opportunities, and strength for people like you and me. Sometimes we simply need to choose the best option."

    Scott A. Peterson