The Reverend Courtney Clayton Jenkins

The Reverend Courtney Clayton Jenkins is a bold, biblically grounded, and innovative spiritual leader shaping the future of the church. As the Senior Pastor and Teacher of South Euclid United Church of Christ (formerly Euclid Avenue Congregational Church), she represents a new generation of pastoral leadership—Spirit-led, theologically rooted, and unafraid to reimagine church for a changing world.

At just 27 years old, Rev. Jenkins made history as the first woman, first African American, and youngest person ever called to lead this historic congregation. Her leadership began in the wake of devastation: just months before her arrival, the original church building was destroyed by fire. But under her vision, SEUCC experienced transformation—relocating, rebuilding, and recommitting to radical welcome, innovation, and sacred community. Today, SEUCC thrives as a vibrant, multigenerational, multicultural congregation serving greater Cleveland and beyond.

A Cleveland native, Rev. Jenkins holds a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary with a concentration in Preaching and Congregational Ministry, and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Spelman College. She is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and a proud inductee into the Morehouse College Board of Preachers. She has completed intensive leadership fellowships with both Duke University’s Convocation of Christian Leaders and the Louisville Institute.

In addition to her pastoral leadership, Rev. Jenkins is the visionary behind several groundbreaking initiatives, including the Liberation Library—a bold project to preserve banned and challenged books that amplify diverse narratives, inspire justice, and advocate for equity and inclusion. The Liberation Library is a sacred declaration that stories have the power to educate, empower, and liberate future generations.

She is also the author of Stepping Back to Step Up: A Six-Week Devotional to Recharge, Refresh, and Refuel Women in Ministry and is currently writing The Bible in 52 Weeks for Black Women, scheduled for release with Callisto Media in September 2026.

Rev. Jenkins has been recognized widely for her work, including induction into YWCA’s 2022 Women of Achievement, selection as one of Crain’s Cleveland Business “Forty Under 40”, and inclusion in the Grio article, Black women preachers who changed—and are changing—history. She is also a published writer and public theologian, contributing editorials like “Praise, Patriarchy, and the Stained-Glass Ceiling: Black Women Deserve a Church That Sees Us” in The Cleveland Plain Dealer.

A certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach, she is frequently sought after for consulting, vision casting, and revitalization strategy for legacy congregations and emerging ministries alike.

At the heart of her ministry is a clear, life-giving mission:

“Nothing compares to a long walk with God.”
Whether someone is beginning their spiritual journey or discerning how to stay on the path, Rev. Jenkins exists to help people walk closely with God—with courage, clarity, and sacred conviction.

She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and the joyful mother of her son, Caleb.