Next generation

I’ve been thinking about the next generation of preachers of God’s Truth some lately. It’s summer and there seems to be an intern under every rock. I’m happy about that as some of the guys are getting some attention and special training from some guys who will really bless them! Thanks to those of you who are doing that - as a “getting older” preacher who was blessed by older preachers over and over when I was younger - I really see the value of what you are doing and appreciate it. Years ago guys would go to Gus Nichols house in Jasper and move in to learn from and grow from this great man of God’s knowledge. It was a little like modern internships. The first associate Sixth Avenue had back in the very early ‘60s was Glenn Posey. When I graduated and started my first full time work there were only so many long distance calls I could make to dad so I would drive the 15 minutes over to East Cullman a couple of afternoons a week and just sit in Glenn’s office. I know I must have bugged him to death but I learned so much and he was so patient. I have always loved him for that and have always tried to “pay it forward” in my small way.

I have a special delight in the next generation of Jenkins’ in ministry and this summer has been a particularly proud (I hope with all my heart with a pure and proper proudness) time. If you mind if I share, PLEASE do me and yourself a favor and don’t read on: My older brother Jeff’s daughter Amanda Scott and her husband Boo working with the Westside church in Norman, OK where he is the University minister. His son Jeremy (who married last month, congrats Jeremy) is interning in, is it, Tyler, TX this summer. Two of my sister Missie’s sons are interning this summer. Drake is working with the church in Homboldt, TN and Blake is interning with us at Spring Meadows (he and Tristan are super!). And then there are our two sons. Philip and his wife Laura are working with the Savannah church here in TN and Andrew just started his first full time work with the Zion Rest congregation in Booneville. We never encouraged our sons to preach, just to do something that would help them be faithful and something through which they could help others. If they determined to not “do church work” tomorrow but still committed their hearts to the Lord I would be just as “proud”.

That said, the funnel of ministry in our family is fun to watch - from dad came two sons who preach and a daughter who works in ministry with people at a Christian university and from us three have come, now, six in ministry. People say our family is blessed and we are, indeed, but I would quickly add that we are blessed more than we bless. God is good. Please don’t think me overly proud, I’m just thankful - most of all thankful that they love the Lord. May He protect and watch over them.