From the Inner-City Streets of Baltimore… to the Pulpit
Pastor Keith was born in Baltimore, MD, and at a young age found himself navigating the challenges of the inner city. He joined the United States Marine Corps and served ten years, earning his place in some of the toughest training grounds the Corps has to offer. From the hallowed sand fleas of Parris Island to Infantry Training School at Camp Pendleton, and on to guarding nuclear weapons in Guam, Pastor Keith’s journey is one of transformation and grace.
After leaving the Corps, Pastor Keith answered a higher calling: ministry. Alongside his beloved wife, Coco—his partner of over 30 years—they raised three adult children and now celebrate the joy of one granddaughter. Together, they served in ministry at Trinity Christian Center in San Marcos, CA, before re-planting Jubilee World Outreach in Eugene, Oregon. Over 13 years, they grew that ministry from 17 members to over 1,000, transforming it into a thriving, multicultural community that’s still impacting lives today.
Pastor Keith also mentored athletes on the University of Oregon’s basketball and football teams from 1997 to 2009, pouring into young men as a father figure and spiritual guide. He later served as Missional Director in the Greater Los Angeles District of Foursquare and currently offers apostolic covering to New LifeLA in Los Angeles.
In 2016, Pastor Keith joined the pastoral team at Beaverton Foursquare Church, and in 2019 he became Lead Pastor of East Hill Church in Gresham, Oregon. His passion to see the church return to the mission of God, and his heart to see communities transformed by grace, drive his every step.
Pastor Keith is a bold, inspiring, and humorous communicator who connects deeply with people from all walks of life. His transparent testimony, his unwavering faith, and his commitment to sharing the gospel are a reminder that grace is not a fairy tale—it’s real, and it’s for everyone.
I look to Pastor Keith Jenkins as a mentor in faith and fatherhood. His story isn’t just his own—it’s an invitation for us all to walk boldly in grace and purpose.
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction
(2:30) Pastor Keith’s Early Life
(8:00) Joining the Marines
(12:30) Bootcamp and Beyond
(18:00) Service and Struggles
(24:00) Coming to Faith
(30:00) Family and Marriage
(36:00) Ministry Journey
(42:00) Leadership Lessons
(48:00) Advice for Veterans
(54:00) Mentorship and Faith
(59:00) Final Reflections
(1:04:00) Closing Thoughts
Shout Outs
To Our Heavenly Father—for the grace that guided my journey
“Hot Chocolate” Coco - My wife of 36 years
My three children
My three grandchildren
The Marines who served with me
The people of Baltimore who taught me resilience and grit
The faith community that welcomed me to the pulpit
