About The Pastor

Anthony Lawrence Jenkins

Pastor Anthony Lawrence Jenkins, Sr.’s greatest passions are studying the Holy Word and spending time with his family, but he also loves fishing and restoring vintage cars. Scripture and poetry are his greatest sources of inspiration. This dynamic and dedicated man of God loves helping others experience the power of God’s love and grace. To that end, he extends his ministry far beyond the walls of the church, bringing this unconditional love to the rest of his community, counseling residents of federal halfway houses and serving as a certified chaplain at the Contra Costa County Jail in Richmond, California.
His wife, Valerie Lipscomb-Jenkins, is an Oakland native and his best friend. The couple is blessed to have a blended family full of love and support – and this includes many, many grandchildren.
Pastor Anthony was born in Oakland (but says he is from Mississippi) and actually grew up in the Taylor Memorial UMC congregation, so stepping into the pulpit was a return home for him. He received his calling after graduating from El Cerrito High School. As a result, he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Trinity College and Seminary in Indiana in 2002. Upon returning to Oakland, he began his ministry at Taylor with the guidance of the Reverend Ron Swisher.