FAMILY FIRST
Pastor Robert D. Scaife was born on December 18, 1973, the youngest of eighteen children born to the late Reverend Leo Scaife, Sr. and Mrs. Mattie Scaife. His father, also a preacher and former Assistant Pastor at Union Missionary Baptist Church, was a man full for of wisdom, love for people, and powerful spiritual influence in his life—His first example of Godly manhood.
Affectionately known as Pastor Rob, he and his high school sweetheart, Wilisha Scaife, have been joyfully married since June 1994. Together, they are
Affectionately known as Pastor Rob, he and his high school sweetheart, Wilisha Scaife, have been joyfully married since June 1994. Together, they are
the proud parents of three adult children — Jauwan (and daughter-in-love, Rebeccah), Jayla, and Jasiah — and the adoring grandparents of two precious granddaughters, Jewell and Jersey. A lifelong resident of the Whitely community, Pastor Rob proudly lives where he serves — intentionally and on purpose. As he often shares, “This is the community that supported me, encouraged me, and shaped me — I stay because I believe I am called to pour back into the community that so richly poured into me and my family.”
Licensed to preach the Gospel in 1995 and ordained in June 2005, Pastor Rob faithfully served under his spiritual father, the late Pastor W.J. Jackson, Sr., as an armor-bearer, director of Men’s Ministry, and as a mentor to licensed ministers, helping prepare them to teach and preach the Word of God. Following Pastor Jackson’s unexpected health diagnosis, which limited his ability to preach and teach as frequently, Pastor Rob was appointed Assistant Pastor in May 2015, and later elected Senior Pastor of Union Missionary Baptist Church on March 19, 2016. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies and is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity at Indiana Wesleyan University.
Licensed to preach the Gospel in 1995 and ordained in June 2005, Pastor Rob faithfully served under his spiritual father, the late Pastor W.J. Jackson, Sr., as an armor-bearer, director of Men’s Ministry, and as a mentor to licensed ministers, helping prepare them to teach and preach the Word of God. Following Pastor Jackson’s unexpected health diagnosis, which limited his ability to preach and teach as frequently, Pastor Rob was appointed Assistant Pastor in May 2015, and later elected Senior Pastor of Union Missionary Baptist Church on March 19, 2016. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies and is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity at Indiana Wesleyan University.
A LEGACY OF COMMUNITY SERVICE
Before stepping into full-time ministry, Pastor Rob dedicated a portion of his life to protecting and serving the Muncie community as a Police Officer and Detective with the Muncie Police Department. During his tenure, he led the department’s Gang Task Force, facilitating trainings and community presentations on youth safety and violence prevention. His commitment to integrity and public service earned him several honors, including the Herman Freed Integrity, Loyalty, Ethics, and Attitude Award (2005), the Investigator of the Year Award (2010, presented by former Mayor McShurley), and the Muncie Black Expo President’s Award for Community Service (2014).
Pastor Rob’s influence has extended far beyond law enforcement. He served two terms as President of the Collective Coalition of Concerned Clergy (now known as The Concerned Clergy of Muncie), providing steady leadership during the challenging years of the COVID-19 pandemic. His commitment to youth and families has been reflected through service on numerous boards and committees,
including Mobilizing Muncie, the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI), the City of Muncie Civilian Review Committee, and several others.
Together with Minister Wilisha, Pastor Rob co-owns Legacy Life Security Solutions, a family business and marketplace ministry dedicated to ensuring the safety of children in local schools. The couple’s combined faith and service have been recognized through several commendations, including the
“Champions for Kids – Civic Volunteers” Award (Prevent Child Abuse, 2015), the Mayor James P. Carey Community Service Award (Dr. Martin Luther King Dream Team, 2017), the Community Partner Award (Muncie-Delaware County Black Chamber of Commerce, 2022), and the Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award (Innovation Connector of Muncie, East Central Indiana).
The Scaifes are also passionate thought leaders and authors. They co-authored a scholarly manuscript, “Reimagining Schools,” which explores how the Black Church experience can positively reshape classrooms. This work, written alongside university colleagues, was accepted for publication in Teachers College Record, the prestigious journal of Teachers College, Columbia University. Together, they have also written two faith-based works — Cultivating the Kingdom Culture Within and their forthcoming devotional, and their first book Kingdom Consecration: Set Apart for His Purpose, to be released in early 2026.
Pastor Rob’s influence has extended far beyond law enforcement. He served two terms as President of the Collective Coalition of Concerned Clergy (now known as The Concerned Clergy of Muncie), providing steady leadership during the challenging years of the COVID-19 pandemic. His commitment to youth and families has been reflected through service on numerous boards and committees,
including Mobilizing Muncie, the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI), the City of Muncie Civilian Review Committee, and several others.
Together with Minister Wilisha, Pastor Rob co-owns Legacy Life Security Solutions, a family business and marketplace ministry dedicated to ensuring the safety of children in local schools. The couple’s combined faith and service have been recognized through several commendations, including the
“Champions for Kids – Civic Volunteers” Award (Prevent Child Abuse, 2015), the Mayor James P. Carey Community Service Award (Dr. Martin Luther King Dream Team, 2017), the Community Partner Award (Muncie-Delaware County Black Chamber of Commerce, 2022), and the Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award (Innovation Connector of Muncie, East Central Indiana).
The Scaifes are also passionate thought leaders and authors. They co-authored a scholarly manuscript, “Reimagining Schools,” which explores how the Black Church experience can positively reshape classrooms. This work, written alongside university colleagues, was accepted for publication in Teachers College Record, the prestigious journal of Teachers College, Columbia University. Together, they have also written two faith-based works — Cultivating the Kingdom Culture Within and their forthcoming devotional, and their first book Kingdom Consecration: Set Apart for His Purpose, to be released in early 2026.
PREACH THE KINGDOM
Pastor Rob’s leadership at Union Missionary Baptist Church is marked by his passionate commitment to what he calls “Shared Ministry” — serving alongside the members of Union and uniting with other churches in the community as One Church. Above all, he is deeply devoted to preaching and demonstrating the Kingdom of God, a message that has become the foundation of his ministry.
Under his leadership, Union has embraced this Kingdom-centered vision:
“Extending the Kingdom of God to the community we love with Kingdom FOCUS — sharing the Life, Love, and Light of Christ.”
“Extending the Kingdom of God to the community we love with Kingdom FOCUS — sharing the Life, Love, and Light of Christ.”
Pastor Rob’s teaching challenges believers to prioritize God’s Kingdom in every area of life, in alignment with Matthew 6:33, which declares, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” Seeking the Kingdom od God FIRST is two-fold. The word “first” in “seek first the Kingdom of God” reflects both priority and placement—it means that seeking God is not just the first thing we do, but the most important thing we pursue. When seeking the King and His righteousness becomes our highest priority, it naturally takes first place in our lives—shaping our days, directing our decisions, and positioning everything else around Him.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Financial Growth, Innovation & Resource Development
Ministry Expansion & Infrastructure Enhancements- Secured over $100,000 in grant funding for youth and adult initiatives, leadership development, mental health support, technology upgrades, intergenerational fellowships, and more.
- Launched the “Seed Pledge Initiative”—raising $120,000 in just 8 months!
- Acquired the parsonage for Jackson Family Life Center (JFLC) and transitioned it into a rental property—marking the first of many future acquisitions to promote homeownership in the Whitely Community.
- Leading the renovation of the A.L. Dew Chapel, transforming it into a dedicated youth and young adult ministry space.
- Ensured significant upgrades to Union’s sound and media equipment, enhancing in-person and virtual worship experiences.
- Expanded Union’s digital presence—revamping the church website, launching its first official Facebook page, and increasing engagement beyond church walls.
- Introduced discipleship and communication platforms such as Subsplash to strengthen connection, teaching, and community outreach.
