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.”  

Walking Like Jesus

Jesus seems to have an unhurried pace. That is to say, he always seems to have time to stop for people, even when doing so was annoying to those around him.

Fight Church: A Fighting Chance

“Here was a people group that wasn’t being served by any form of chaplaincy like many major sports have,” says Pastor Joshua Boyd, of the local MMA community. “And they needed care just like anyone else.”

Perfectly Imperfect Churches

Most of the great breakthroughs and innovative ideas are a result of problems being viewed not as a problem to solve, but an opportunity to make things better.