More than a Grammy Award-winning gospel music wavemaker, Charles Jenkins is a visionary pastor who uses his influential post as senior pastor of Chicago’s legendary Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church to provide and promote a holistic ministry within the historically depressed social climate of his Illinois hometown. Amid a dizzying day-to-day schedule, Jenkins takes a few minutes to talk to CCM about how a multi-faceted ministry – which includes his five-time Stellar Award winning CD Best of Both Worlds (EMI Gospel) – can help us serve God and others.
CCM: As a high-profile pastor, author and now artist, how do you maintain a sense of balance and priority in your life?
Charles Jenkins: Scheduling thoughtfully! I have learned to do the thing no one else on my team can, and then allow them to do what I cannot.
CCM: How does your pastorate and music career coexist on a ministry level?
Charles: It is an all-inclusive package. My music is a part of my ministry platform and my preaching bleeds through my music.
CCM: Chicago is infamous for senseless street violence among youth. Do you think music can be a catalyst for change in the staggering statistics?
Charles: People are inspired, informed and sometimes captivated by music and its culture. My hope is through my music and other initiatives youth will be inspired to consider lifestyle changes.
CCM: Music. Books. Church Ministry. What is the point of all of this?
Charles: Love! God invites all of us to love others actively through service, CDs and books. For me, these resources add substantive value to people. The church is God’s tool to touch the world through its ministries, programs and services. To be engaged in serving God and others with music, literature and His church provides an unspeakable blessing.
Learn more at cj.fellowshipchicago.com.
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