John K. Jenkins Sr.

Grace to Grow
Zondervan Reflective, 2023
By John K. Jenkins Sr.

WHO: John K. Jenkins Sr., senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Glenarden and president of Converge. He also is chairman of the board for the National Association of Evangelicals.

HE SAYS: “True and lasting success in ministry is not a quick fix.”

THE BIG IDEA: This guide outlines principles to building an impactful ministry.

THE PROGRESSION: Part 1, “Build a Firm Foundation,” details the importance of integrity, humility, meaningful relationships and excellence in leadership. The author also writes on why we need to have a defined vision and mission. Part 2, “Build a Strong Infrastructure,” gets down to the nuts and bolts of running a church: budget, staff, media, and marketing.

In Part 3, “Build Up God’s People,” the author explores the relationship aspects of church life: discipleship, evangelism, worship and resolving conflicts. The book concludes with “Build a Connected Community,” looks at establishing ministries for every season of life and serving the community.

“I believe that if sound principles are in place, your church will tend to grow.”  

Evangel Church: Never Stop Serving

Last year, Evangel started a church two hours away inside the largest women’s prison in New York. A pastor and a team go every Thursday to share a message, preach and lead worship for the prisoners.

Angulus Wilson: Evangelism Is the Heart of God

When the church taps into the mission and the heart of God, she gets mobilized, she can get revived. We can see growth and new initiative.

David Kinnaman: Start the Conversation

Church leaders must recognize that what feels hidden is actually hurting people, and that discipleship includes helping people break free from destructive patterns.