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.”  

Take a Tech Break

Try consciously counting how many times you reach for [your phone] even in a single hour.

When ‘Equipping’ Isn’t Enough

If our churches’ equipping efforts stop at ‘learn, repeat,’ essentially, we are training parrots.

Kyle Strobel: Power in Weakness

“Christians should become powerful Christians. But it’s only ever a power made perfect in our weakness, and it’s only ever a power that comes from God.”