We Have A New President

Dear Montana Conference,

I am pleased to share the much-awaited news of a new conference president! On

Monday, March 31, 2025, the Montana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Board of

Directors unanimously elected Elder Jim Jenkins to serve as its next leader.

With prayer and humility, Jenkins has accepted this new responsibility and is stepping

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 the Missoula church, teaching in the Primary

Sabbath School and serving as a deacon and local elder. It was during this period that

he began to sense the call to ministry. With the encouragement of Clarence McKey, the

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 the pastor of

the Havre/Shelby/Fort Belknap district, 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, Mount Ellis Academy and Bozeman

churches collected just over 160 photographs to fill the 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’s vice president

of administration.

The 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 of Directors developed a president profile and updated the job

description. Over several weeks, they 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 president search process that Elder

Jenkins has earned the respect and trust of many Montana Conference members. God

has obviously prepared Elder Jenkins to be a president with solid and successful

pastoral, administrative, and leadership experiences.

Just after Jenkins accepted the presidential responsibilities, the Board memberssurrounded him in a prayer of dedication. It was a powerful and moving moment.

“It is my vision and prayer that every member and every church in Montana will actively

and passionately share the good news of our Savior, Jesus Christ,” Jenkins said.

I want to express my deep appreciation to the Board members for their excellent work.

Their preparation, engagement, and thoughtful questions, along with their prayerful

spirit, created a harmonious atmosphere and a good team spirit. 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. It was a privilege to work alongside them.

Please pray often for your new president. I believe God has called Elder Jenkins to be a

conference president “for such a time as this.” The hearts of many in our world and our

country are filled with fear. Pastor Jim projects a great confidence in God to lead

through all difficulties and trials.

As the Montana Conference family works together in unity with Elder 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!

Blessings in Christ,

John C Freedman

North Pacific Union Conference president