Submitted by philip on
[img_assist|nid=8137|title=A first|desc=James Jenkins D.Min. stands between David Hankins, executive director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, and John Hebert, LBC missions director, during an office time of celebration following graduation after nearly five years studying for his doctorate at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.|link=none|align=left|width=640|height=427]By Karen L. Willoughby, Managing Editor
NEW ORLEANS – “I want to be part of what our denomination will be in its next hundred years,” says James Jenkins, African American and Hispanic Ministry Strategist for the Louisiana Baptist Convention, and pastor of Baptist Bible Fellowship in Shreveport.
“Part of that is leadership,” Jenkins says. “Everything revolves around leadership.”
Toward that end – and for the intellectual stimulation, Jenkins adds – nearly five years ago he began work on a Doctor of Ministry – D.Min. – degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
He graduated May 12 with a D.Min. in Denominational Leadership, the first ever given at NOBTS, school officials said.
“We congratulate James on receiving this first-of-its-kind degree,” said John Hebert, director of the LBC Missions and Ministry team. “The benefits of his study are going to be seen in churches and associations across the state.”
Jenkins and Hebert started work at the LBC on the same day, 13 years ago, Hebert said.
“He’s one of the most competent men I’ve worked with and he’s the best analytical thinker I’ve ever worked with,” Hebert said. “His capacity to dissect the elements of the work we do in associations and churches into its parts is unmatched by anyone I know.”
Jenkins said he appreciated the quality of education he received at NOBTS and that he uses what he has learned at home, at the church he pastors – Baptist Bible Shreveport – and with the churches and associations he works with.
“It was an organized way of knowing the latest techniques,” Jenkins said, referring to the nearly five years he gave to complete the degree.
“I’m glad I’m done, though,” he added with a grin.