Rev. dr. Leon Jenkins, Jr.
 Pastor

Rev. Dr. Leon Jenkins, Jr. is Pastor of Greater Salem Missionary Baptist Church, located at 215 W. 71st Street in Chicago.  Rev. Jenkins is the son of the late Rev. Leon Jenkins, Sr., who was Pastor of Greater Salem for 33 years.  Rev. Jenkins, Jr. succeeded his father as Senior Pastor of Greater Salem in 1990. The ministry of Greater Salem is family-oriented and is actively involved in revitalizing the community. Rev. Jenkins, Jr. was born and raised on Chicago's South-side. He is the youngest of five children. His mother, Myra was a homemaker and his father was called to preach when Rev. Jenkins, Jr. was six-years old. Two years later, the family moved to and resided in the Englewood Community. As a boy, Rev. Jenkins, Jr. was very enterprising and at 10-years old started supporting himself by delivering newspapers. Growing-up, Rev. Jenkins, Jr. graduated from Parker Elementary and Tilden Technical High School, where he was a member of the Wrestling Team.

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As a result of his continued academic work, Rev. Jenkins, Jr. is better able to serve his church and community. His educational pursuits include: a Doctorate of Divinity and a Doctorate of Ministries from the First Jurisdiction Illinois C.H. Mason William Roberts College, Chicago, IL; A Master of Arts from McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL; A Master of Arts from Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL; A Bachelor of Science from Elmhurst College, Chicago, IL and an Associate of Arts, Kennedy-King College, Chicago, IL. 

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As Senior Pastor of the Greater Salem Missionary Baptist Church, in Chicago, Illinois, Rev. Jenkins, Jr. provides leadership for Associate Ministers and a congregation of various age groups. He conducts worship services and preaches sermons as well as teaches Sunday School and Bible Study Classes. His duties also include, officiating special services, i.e., weddings, baby dedications, funerals, etc.

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For over 20 years, Rev. Jenkins, Jr. has served as an officer of The Greater New Era Baptist District Association. He has served as General Secretary under the leadership of two previous administrations, and served as Vice-Moderator under the leadership of a past administration.

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Rev. Dr. Leon Jenkins, Jr. is a community activist and serves as Visiting Chaplain, Civil Air Patrol Chaplain, Community Block Club, and organized and sponsored Community Health Fairs for Seniors. He is a charter member of 'United Power for Action and Justice' which was responsible for constructing 95 affordable single-family community homes in the City of Chicago.

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Rev. Jenkins, Jr. is married to the former Linda Renee Hawkins and has two daughters, Manequa and Marquita and five grandchildren.