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.”  

A Sanctifying Space

The local church does not simply occupy space. Rather, it makes place.

Beyond Burnout: Finding God in the Ashes

Where you are burned out, and you’re just desperately craving some real comfort, Jesus breaks himself into a feast for you, so that you can savor and taste and see that the Lord is good, and your heart can burn with hope within you again.

Merry and Bright Family Golf Night Attracts a Crowd

Sunday school classes and other groups “adopted” a hole and decorated it for Christmas, and with average Sunday attendance at around 260 at the church, there was a good pool of potential volunteers to staff the event.