Montana Conference board of directors unanimously elected Jim Jenkins on March 31, 2025 to serve as its next leader.
With prayer and humility, Jenkins accepted this new responsibility and stepped into this new role immediately.
Pastor Jim, as many call him, was born in Great Falls, Montana, and spent his childhood in Missoula after his family relocated there. To fund his college education, he started working in a print shop, where he remained for 18 years. During this time, he married Sandy Harris and they started a family.
Jenkins became actively involved in Missoula Church, teaching Primary Sabbath School and serving as a deacon and local elder. During this period, he began to sense the call to ministry. With the encouragement of Clarence McKey, Missoula Church pastor at the time, he developed skills in leadership, visitation and preaching.
Then Perry Parks, former Montana Conference president, called him to be Havre/Shelby/Fort Belknap district pastor, where he served for more than six years. Jenkins went on to pastor several Montana Conference church districts, building great relationships for God’s kingdom.
During the pandemic, his members from Livingston Church, Mount Ellis Academy Church and Bozeman Church collected more than 160 photographs to fill empty pews so he would see the beaming faces of his members while he preached for the livestream.
Three years ago, he answered the call to serve as Montana Conference vice president of administration, giving him a bigger picture view of ministry throughout Montana and beyond.
The thorough multi-week search for a new conference president began with a survey, inviting the constituency to share the character traits and skills they valued in a leader. Using these insights, the board developed a presidential profile, updated the job description and prayerfully reviewed more than 60 potential candidates. Among them, Jenkin’s name stood out repeatedly. In the end, it became clear that the Lord was calling him to serve in this role.
It was very evident from the beginning of the presidential search process that Jenkins had earned the respect and trust of many Montana Conference members. God has obviously prepared Jenkins to be a president with solid and successful pastoral, administrative and leadership experiences.
Just after Jenkins accepted the presidential responsibilities, board members gathered around him for a powerful and moving prayer of dedication.
The board’s excellent work deserves deep appreciation. Their preparation, engagement, thoughtful questions and prayerful spirits fostered a harmonious atmosphere and strong team. Each member humbly sought God’s wisdom, asking, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” and turned to Him in prayer throughout the process.
As Montana Conference works together in unity with Jenkins, the conference will experience an anointing of the Holy Spirit that will lead to a revival of godliness and a powerful witness of the glory of God throughout the state of Montana. “Lift up your heads.” The Lord is returning soon!
Jim Jenkins, Montana Conference president
