GlocalNet

I am in what’s called a “pastors covering” group with Pastor John Jenkins of the First Baptist Church of Glenarden, Maryland.  Pastor John went to the church almost 22 years ago and it has grown from a few hundred to around 12,000 in attendance each weekend.  I met him a few years ago and we have preached in one another’s pulpits and shared what God has taught us.  It is an African-American church.  John is an exceptional expositor, leader, administrator, visionary - he’s got the whole package wrapped up in one person.  You see it in his church.  There are several things that stand out as I’ve just returned from a group of around 60 that meets annually. 

First, the level of hospitality is unparalleled from any church anyone has ever attended.  Anyone who visits the church knows that - any pastor who goes there.  It’s incredible how you are treated, and it’s not just you, its visitors, members, everyone.  There simply isn’t another place like it on earth in that regard.  One of the keys of the early church was hospitality - it’s why the church grew - the doors weren’t just open - they were filled with people serving each other.  It starts with John.  Yesterday, there was a delay in someone picking Nikki and I up to go to the airport.  I resigned myself to the fact I’d be spending the night at the Baltimore Airport.  John, himself - took Nikki and I, with his wife Trina, to the airport.  I told him, No, just wait someone would come.  My bags were in the car that was late.  John wouldn’t hear of it.  He took Nikki and I, had someone come another route to get our bags, and then had us wait inside the airport.  Once we were in the airport at the security line, he comes sprinting in with our bags.  I was humbled by it.  Its NO WONDER his church is hospitable. 

Second, John is always learning.  Our church is no where near as large as his, but when it comes to missions, globalization, engagement, etc. he actually listens and implements some of the things we talk about.  At our pastors covering group he had Sam Chand come and speak to us.  That wasn’t free!  Sam is one of the sharpest consultants out there working with huge churches - they’re the only ones that can afford him!  John foots the bill so we could have an evening and 3 hours with him the next morning.  John was sharing what Sam had taught him.  John has been impacted by TD Jakes - and so have I - through John.  It goes on and on. 

Third, John is always challenging us.  He shares what he’s learned and helps us apply it in our context.  He never forces us to do anything but shows different ways of applying what he’s learned.  I can’t list all the things he’s helped me with from church governance (he walked us through the elder process), to staff issues, finances - you name it.  He doesn’t force you - he throws it out there and says “I’m just sayin’ . . . .”  He does it in such a way you don’t want to miss out! 

No doubt about it - he’s awesome and I’m grateful God has brought him into my life.  One of the things I’ve enjoyed is getting to be around African America pastors - God is using so many of them powerfully.  I love them all in our covering group - from huge churches to little churches - its tough being a minority among them - especially with people like Keith Battle calling me “whitey” but I’m OK with it!