DR. JIM LAGRONE

Jim Lagrone was called as Senior Pastor of Little Rock's First Baptist Church on April 20, 2008.  He graduated from Trumann High School and then from Arkansas State University. He received his seminary training at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. Prior to coming to LRFBC, Dr. Lagrone pastored in Bryant and served with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention as Associate Director of Evangelism. He also served as pastor and youth minister in churches in Arkansas and Texas. Dr. Lagrone and his wife Becky have three children: Matt, Janna and Ben. They have also been blessed with one grandson. 

jlagrone@lrfbc.org

(501) 227-4500 ext. 314

 DR. JONATHAN CURTIS 

Jonathan is a graduate from Henderson State University.  He received his Seminary training from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned both a Master of Divinity with Biblical Languages and a Master of Arts in Christian Education.  He is currently finishing his Ph.D. in Foundations with a minor in Church Growth.  Jonathan has served for 13 years in churches in Arkansas and Texas. In addition, Jonathan has traveled around the country doing evangelism as a Christian Illusionist. Jonathan and Lori have one child, Isabella Grace.  

jcurtis@lrfbc.org

(501) 227-4500 ext. 321

 JAY JACOBS 

Jay Jacobs is a native of Arkansas.  He grew up DeWitt, Arkansas. He was on the All-State football team in high school and was a 4 year starter at the University of Arkansas in Monticello. Jay received his Bachelor of Science degree in May of 1988. After graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Gina, and began working in youth ministry.  He has been in youth ministry for almost 20 years and has served at 3 churches. Jay and Gina have 3 children: Addison, Jace and Jansen.  All 3 are students at Arkansas Baptist School System. Jay and Gina love student ministry, and getting to watch God transform young lives into great Warriors for the kingdom!  Jay has a heart for students to fall in love with Jesus the Christ and to passionately follow Him and build His kingdom with their lives.  Jay’s vision is to have students mentored, equipped, and  trained as the “Chosen” generation that will reach the world so Jesus can come back! 

jjacobs@lrfbc.org

(501) 227-4500 ext. 365

 CHERIE CARNEY 

Cherie Carney is Director of Preschool and Children's Ministries at Little Rock's First Baptist Church.  She joined the staff after 11 years as Director of Extended Care for Arkansas Baptist School System, where she coordinated after school activities for over 160 students.  Craig and Cherie have three children, Michelle, Ryan and Sean.

ccarney@lrfbc.org

(501) 227-4500 ext. 331

MARTY SIKES

Marty moved to Conway in 1981 to attend the University of Central Arkansas. His undergraduate studies were in marketing and he later earned his Master’s degree in Photography. Marty opened a photography studio in Conway in 1984. Marty and his wife Jennifer have been married 22 years. They have two beautiful daughters, Laura and Anna. Laura will start college in the Fall of 2008 at Ouachita Baptist University. Anna will be a sophomore at Conway Christian School. Marty loves to hunt and play golf. He also enjoys spending time with friends shooting their bows weekly throughout the summer. Marty started working in Men’s Ministry in 1995. He is the founder of the “Beast Feast”, which is an outreach sportsman’s banquet for men and boys. In 2008 they had 2,800 men and boys at a sit down dinner with 160 men and boys accepting Christ.

msikes@lrfbc.org
 

(501) 450-0963

 ARTHUR BENNETT

Arthur Bennett became the Superintendent of the Arkansas Baptist School System on May 1, 2005.  He holds degrees from Troy State University and Auburn University.  Before coming to Arkansas Baptist, Mr. Bennett was the Headmaster of the Macon-East Montgomery Academy in Cecil, Alabama.  He has more than 25 years of administrative, teaching, and coaching experience in both public and private schools.  Arthur and his wife, Robbie, have one adult son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Rachel.  They also have three granddaughters, Ellie, Mollie and Annie. You can email Arthur at abennett@abhs.org 

 DR. JOHN WRIGHT

Dr. John Wright served as Senior Pastor of Little Rock's First Baptist Church from 1971-1991.  Construction of the current facility began in 1972 and was completed in 1974 while Dr. Wright was pastor.  The Christian Family Life Center, built in 1978, was the first of its kind in the state.  Dr. Wright continues to reside in Little Rock with his wife Jeanne.  The Wrights have two daughters, Jonya and Patti, both of whom are married to pastors.  Dr. and Mrs. Wright's son, Philip, is also a pastor.