You might have noticed a new face around the house lately, smiling ear to ear when you meet, and delivering the most engaging seminar about how we got our Bibles. Today we wanted to formally introduce you to—if you haven’t already met, Amanda Jenkins.

 

Where did you grow up and how did you end up here? 

I grew up in Southern California in a town called Riverside; all of my family is still there. After graduating from college at a school in Southern California, I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area for grad school/seminary. I briefly moved back to Southern CA to teach at California Baptist University for three years, and then I moved to Phoenix to work at Grand Canyon University. 

What’s your job? 

I teach as a Professor at Grand Canyon University’s College of Theology and Theological Seminary.

Why are you at Roosevelt?

I love the local church and chose Roosevelt because of their location in the heart of Downtown Phoenix and their heart for all people. 

How long have you been here? 

I am new to Roosevelt, having only attended regularly for about four months. 

How long have you been a Christian? 

I was raised in a Christian household, loved Jesus, and knew that Jesus loved me at a very early age. When I was 15 years old, I was working at a summer camp and realized that if Jesus was leading my life then I needed to stop putting myself first in everything and start prioritizing Him and others. I call that the time when Jesus became my Lord. 

What are your hobbies? 

I love to travel (when we aren’t in a pandemic), find the best pastries in town, spend quality time with people, talk about/eat/curate fancy cheese, and do aerial yoga. 

 

Do you have pets?

I don’t have any of my own, but I enjoy other people’s dogs 🙂

Name two things on your bucket list. Why are they on your bucket list? 

1. See more of the world–I’ve been to close to 50 countries and spent significant time in both the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
2. Take a French pastry class- -because the French know how to make a croissant.

What is your favorite book? 

My favorite theology book is Knowing God by JI Packer.
I was part of the Harry Potter generation, so I am a fan of the series when it comes to fiction.

What is your favorite movie? 

I’m pretty bad at this question… maybe The Emperor’s New Groove–old-school Disney.

 

What is your favorite TV show?

Equally bad at this question. I don’t watch much on my own initiative. 

 

What is the weirdest place you’ve visited? 

I wrote my dissertation on Jonathan Edwards, and I recently dragged two of my girlfriends through the graveyard at Princeton to see his grave while on a road trip. It indicated that he was shorter than I always imagined him to be. I’ve also been to Jerome, AZ, which is pretty bizarre.

 

Do you have any special plans for 2022?

I’ve got lots to look forward to this year in my professional, personal, and spiritual life.