James Leonard

James Leonard is a seasoned pastor and spiritual leader with extensive experience in community and church settings. Currently serving as the Senior Pastor at Scarsdale Community Baptist Church since August 2025, Leonard previously held the position of Director of Spiritual Care at Beacon Christian Community Health Center, where integration of Christian values into healthcare practices was emphasized. Leonard's background also includes roles as Regional Initiatives Coordinator for Young Life, Chaplain Intern at Maimonides Medical Center, and Interim Lead Pastor as well as Associate Pastor at Trinity Baptist Church, focusing on community engagement and leadership development. Additional experience includes serving as Associate Director of Church Life at Redeemer Presbyterian Church and Volunteer Manager at Hope for New York. Leonard holds a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor's degree in Speech Communication and Rhetoric from Central Washington University.