John Jenkins serves as the senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Maryland, where he has been developing “dynamic disciples” since 1989. John also serves as the president of Converge, a movement of over 1,800 churches that start and strengthen churches and send missionaries worldwide. He is also the Chairman of the Board for the National Association of Evangelicals. In 2023, he released his first book, Grace to Grow.
John recently shared with Christianity Today about how the ministry is making an impact in the Church and his personal life.
How is CT making an impact on the non-white evangelical community?
CT’s willingness to engage the minority community demonstrates a true heart for the gospel of Jesus Christ. The purpose-filled action is engaging a segment of the community that would normally not be engaged. I celebrate the hiring and use of the non-white evangelical community that facilitates a level of unity in the body of Christ that is desperately needed.
I support CT because they were willing to enter into a world that they had not been in for 70 years. They were willing to come into the black community, the asian community, the non-white community. They were willing to come into that community, and I’m so thankful for their willingness.
Why is CT’s Big Tent Initiative so important in this cultural, political, and Christian moment?
The failure of the majority evangelical community to engage the wider Christian community leads to further disunity in the body of Christ. This is being presently seen throughout our country as the division appears to be getting wider.
CT is building bridges across dividing lines by writing more articles that are of interest to the minority community, hiring writers who can speak to the minority community, and sponsoring events to engage the non-white community.
How has CT shaped your personal life and ministry throughout the years?
My normal environment and connections would not usually bring me in contact with certain segments of the evangelical community. However, the influence and engagement of CT with me and others like me has brought me into relationships with many that I may not have been exposed to.
You mentioned that you have seen CT be courageous. Explain this a bit.
I was significantly impressed when I saw CT speak truth to the political system in our country, even while most evangelical organizations did not have the courage to speak the same truth.
This is why I support CT and stand behind it—because CT has been courageous. I’m proud—honored—to be able to stand behind what they are doing.
