The Rev. Dr. Herbert Laval Jenkins, Sr. is an ordained Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and has been preaching and teaching the gospel since 2004. Dr. Jenkins achieved his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the College of Charleston, a Master’s of Divinity with Honors from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta GA., and a Doctorate of Ministry from Drew University (Summa Cum Laude), in Maddison, New Jersey, where his dissertation focuses on the emotional stress of injustice and its effect on church families and relationships. It is entitled: “The Elephant in the Room: Analyzing and Restructuring Congregational and Clergy Anger”.
Dr. Jenkins is a native of South Carolina. He is the son of Reverends Herbert G. and Mattie S. Jenkins, both ordained ministers of the African Methodist Episcopal church. He has four siblings one of which is his twin brother.
Dr. Jenkins believes in serving others. He is a part of the 100 Back Men of Charleston, Incorporated. Dr. Jenkins also devotes time to Owens Christian Academy, where he also serves as the Chaplin and holds Chapel Services for the students, faculty, and staff. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Charleston Youth Leadership Council.
Rev. Dr. Jenkins is the servant pastor of St. Luke A.M.E. Church in Downtown Hollywood, South Carolina. Under his leadership, they feed the homeless, provide support to institutions such as the Department of Social Services, and 180 Place to name a few. They donate food, shoes for children, and toiletries regularly. Currently, he serves as the South Carolina Annual Conference Secretary, Edisto District Secretary, and Social Media Manager for the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal church.
His ministries include This Linked Life: a marriage/relationship support ministry shared with his wife, meant for equipping couples and individuals who seek marriage or are already married, Kidz Korner: a fun and engaging puppet show with his friend and church member “Carter James aka CJ” that teaches biblical standards for people of all ages. He is dedicated to relationship growth and development and speaks on many platforms involving his ministry passion: Anger, Indignation, and Relationships. He is a preacher, teacher, expositor, and presenter, who enjoys engaging people of all walks of life. Dr. Jenkins is a proud member of the Beta Kappa Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and gratefully serves the community and brotherhood through Scholarship, Manly Deeds, and Love for all mankind. He serves on various committees including A Voteless People Is a Hopeless People, Reclamation and Retention, and Brother’s Keeper. He also serves as the Lowcountry Area Chaplain of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.
Dr. Jenkins shares this ministry journey with his wife, Kelli Anderson Jenkins, and they have 4 beautiful children: Janae LaShon, Herbert LaVal II, Anderson LaMal and, Myles LaCroix. Above all his accomplishments, he puts God before all things, living out the scripture that states All things work together for those who love the Lord, those who are called for His purpose (Romans 8:28). He is a man who both serves and LOVES the LORD.