Pastor John Jenkins

Pastor John K. Jenkins Sr. is the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Glenarden.

He is the devoted husband of Mrs. Trina Jenkins and the father of six children – Sarah, Joshua, Ana, James, Natalie, and John Jr. and grandfather of Anaya.

Coupled with the support of his wife in the ministry, Pastor Jenkins has been the Senior Pastor of this thriving metropolitan church since 1989. He was licensed to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 1973, at the early age of 15.  As a teenager, he was a much sought after Revivalist and Youth Minister.  In February 1987, Pastor Jenkins was called to serve as the Senior Pastor of the Union Bethel Baptist Church in King George, Virginia.  He faithfully served there until December 1989, when he returned to his home church, the First Baptist Church of Glenarden to become pastor.  He was installed as the shepherd of First Baptist after the home going of his Pastor and Mentor, Dr. John W. Johnson. 

Since his installation, the church membership has grown from 500 to more than 7,000 active members. Humility, compassion and integrity best describe the ministry of Pastor John K. Jenkins, Sr.  Under his leadership, the church provides more than 104 ministries, which meet the diverse needs of the congregation and community.

On May 20, 2001, Pastor Jenkins received an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Southern California School of Ministry in Inglewood, California. 

Pastor Jenkins’ ministry extends beyond the walls of the First Baptist Church of Glenarden into the metropolitan area. Pastor Jenkins serves as chairman and board member to several community organizations.  He is Chairman to Project Bridges (a coalition of churches devoted to improving the quality of family life), Trustee for Bethel Seminary and Chairman Emeritus to SHABACH! Ministries, Inc. (a nonprofit entity of the First Baptist Church of Glenarden).  He serves on the Board of Directors for Great Dads, Teen Challenge, Skinner Leadership Institute, Greater Prince George's Business Roundtable and a local bank. 

Pastor Jenkins travels extensively around the United States and throughout the world preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His overseas travel includes trips to: Guyana, Ghana, Trinidad, and South Africa. His ministry has also supported work in Vietnam, West Africa, Cuba and the Ukraine.

Since 1973, Pastor Jenkins has devoted his life to winning lost souls for the Kingdom.  His passion is to develop dynamic disciples who will impact the world for Jesus in such a way that families are strengthened, broken hearts are healed and those who are bound are freed.