Speaking in a conversation with Mike Schmitz, Jenkins described how a disappointing career setback became the turning point that reshaped both his faith and creative direction.
The son of bestselling author Jerry Jenkins, known for the Left Behind series, Jenkins said his passion for storytelling was nurtured early. His ambition to become a filmmaker was solidified after watching Stanley Kubrick’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Yet beyond artistic success, he long sought validation through mainstream recognition—dreaming of winning an Oscar as a platform to share the gospel.
That opportunity seemed within reach when producer Jason Blum backed a large-scale faith-based project. However, the film ultimately failed commercially, leaving Jenkins questioning both his career and spiritual direction.
“I was disappointed in my failure… I began to doubt that the Lord was in it at all,” he recalled.
At his lowest point, a moment of reflection on the biblical story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand—where Jesus multiplies five loaves and two fish—became transformative. Encouraged by his wife, Jenkins saw parallels between the disciples’ limited resources and his own situation.
The breakthrough came unexpectedly. While writing a post-mortem analysis of his failed film in the early hours of the morning, Jenkins received a message from a social media acquaintance reminding him: “Your job is not to feed the 5,000, but to provide the loaves and fish.”
“That moment changed my life,” Jenkins said, describing it as a divine wake-up call that redefined his purpose.
Inspired, he returned to a modest project—a short film about the birth of Jesus told through the eyes of shepherds, co-written with Tyler Thompson. Filmed in a friend’s barn, far from Hollywood’s scale and glamour, the project marked a humbling but pivotal shift.
“It didn’t feel like five loaves and fishes—it felt like a loaf and a half,” he said. “But it was where I felt most at home.”
The experience helped him rediscover a deeper connection to biblical storytelling, focusing not just on scripture but also on historical and emotional context that made the narratives come alive.
The idea for The Chosen emerged soon after, inspired by binge-watching serialized content on Netflix. Jenkins realized that audiences connected deeply with character-driven storytelling—something largely missing from traditional portrayals of Jesus.
“We’ve had films about Jesus, but not long-form storytelling that explores relationships and backstories,” he explained.
Despite initial doubts, Jenkins embraced an unconventional path: crowdfunding. With no major studio backing and limited online following, the approach seemed risky. Yet it proved decisive. Around 16,000 supporters contributed roughly $10 million, funding the first season of The Chosen after being moved by another short film, The Two Thieves.
Today, the series has grown into a global phenomenon, spanning multiple seasons and reaching millions worldwide, with a sixth season already on the horizon.
Jenkins’ story stands as a testament to persistence, faith, and the idea that even the smallest offerings—like loaves and fishes—can lead to extraordinary outcomes.