About Us
Second Downtown | Where Faith and Justice Meet
Mission
Second Baptist Church is a vibrant, historic, downtown Little Rock congregation.
Our faith compels us to seek justice, care for the oppressed, and pattern our lives after the way of Jesus. We are a unique Baptist church that prioritizes diversity and inclusion for all. We gather as a community of faith to worship, learn, grow, serve, and care for each other.
We are committed to a Christ-centric expression of faith.
We are committed to the study and wisdom of scripture and its power to shape our lives and world.
We are committed to gathering regularly for worship, formation, community, and service.
We are committed to the inclusion and affirmation of all people, including races, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, marital statuses, physical and mental abilities, and nationalities.
We are committed to our downtown presence and the flourishing of our city.
Our life together at Second Baptist is guided by the following theological statement:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). Do this as if it is the most important thing in all the world…because it is.
Location
Second Baptist Church Downtown is located at the corner of Eighth St. and Cumberland St. in Little Rock, Arkansas.
The church also stands at the intersection of faith and justice, sacred and ordinary, historic and innovative, service and formation.
A downtown church with a regional reach, Second Baptist Church serves as a central gathering point for folks all over Little Rock and beyond who come together for community, worship, fellowship, and service.
The main entrance is on Eighth Street with free parking directly across the street.
Second Baptist Church
222 East 8th Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
pastoral Staff
Preston Clegg, Pastor
Described by others as “wise beyond his years,” and recognized as a justice-oriented leader, Preston uses his knowledge and experience to teach the ways of Jesus and lead the congregation toward a greater vision. He is a gifted preacher and avid reader who has a way with words. Raised on a farm in the Arkansas delta, Preston loves to embrace his roots–especially when it comes to the Razorbacks! Preston is an avid reader and an Enneagram 9.
Suzanne Cain, Associate Pastor of Worship Arts and Sr. Adults
“Queen of the Music Mash-up,” Suzanne serves as 2BC’s primary worship leader and spiritual formation “guru.” Described by others as “spiritually deep,” she uses her diverse talents to call others to contemplation throughout the life of the church. Suzanne is characterized by her sense of humor, humble nature, and keen ability to identify and utilize other people’s gifts and is an Enneagram 9. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and spending time in creation; some of her favorite spots include Pinnacle Mountain and Lake Nixon Chapel.
Chris Ellis, Associate Pastor of Administration, Mission & Outreach
Chris is the guy you’ll meet at the door on Sunday mornings. With a voice that carries (you’ll hear him before you see him), this good humored, Enneagram 8, outreach minister will have you smiling and feeling right at home in no time. Known as the “Master of Multitasking,” he does outreach, administration, global missions, and so much more! You will rarely find Chris without a smile on his face and a hand to help. In his free time, this social butterfly enjoys spending time with others, hiking, camping with his family, and traveling the world!
Brittany Stillwell, Associate Pastor with Students & Families
Brittany spends most of her time laughing and learning with the church’s youth—and when she’s not doing that, she’s helping adults discover both fun and formation through small groups and lay leadership. Embracing the mantra that life should be lived joyfully, this self-proclaimed “Minister of Fun” is an Enneagram 1 and loves to plan epic theme parties and has been known to dress up as a unicorn…on more than one occasion! True to her outgoing nature, she’s the first to get up and dance like no one is watching or to cheer others on, especially her students. Brittany and her husband, Aaron, love dreaming up their next travel adventure—but for now, most days are an adventure at home with their toddler, Rocky and their dog, Luna.
Andy Black, Lake Nixon Outdoor Center Executive Director
Described by others as deeply thoughtful, contemplative, and organized, Andy serves as Executive Director of Lake Nixon. A former professor and non-profit leader, he is also someone whose life was shaped by a variety of “camp” experiences in his formative years – and he cares deeply about Lake Nixon offering the ingredients for similar experiences during a set-aside time in a set-aside place. Passionate about caring for “that part of God’s creation we tend to call ‘nature’ or ‘the outdoors’” (as he likes to put it), Andy will take every opportunity to introduce you to Lake Nixon and to find a way for you to contribute! Andy is an Enneagram 4. In his free time, he enjoys his family (he and his wife Jennifer have three school-aged kids), music, trail building, learning to play the banjo, and trying to be still.
Kevin Pranoto, LMSW, Associate Pastor of Social Work
As a licensed social worker, Kevin helps 2BC engage our downtown neighbors. You will often find him networking with Little Rock’s community organizations and connecting our church family with various ministry opportunities. Raised in Houston, TX, Kevin is an avid baker and a group fitness instructor who will help you sweat off all the calories he just fed you. Kevin is an Enneagram 6 and loves to watch the Great British Baking Show with his retired show dog, Romero.
C.J. Fowler, Minister with Children and Families
As someone passionate about all things Arkansas, CJ thinks that life’s sweeter with a southern accent (and a big glass of sweet tea). CJ is an outgoing Enneagram 2 that loves nothing more than to get to know new people. He’s so excited to be back home to serve in 2BCLR’s Family Ministry where he works mostly with our CityKids and their families. When he’s not in church or buried in a book, you’ll find CJ and his husband, Josh, out hiking, hosting one of their famous dinner parties, or spending time with family.
Gavin McCollum, Minister with Young Adults and Youth
Gavin is a lover of good storytelling. Whether it’s a great TV show, a gripping fantasy novel, a clever TikTok, or a poignant piece of art, Gavin appreciates seeing the human experience displayed in all of its forms. That’s why Gavin loves walking alongside youth and young adults as they journey with God to write their stories. As an Enneagram 4, Gavin feels all the feelings, which he has discovered can be quite a gift for ministry. In classic theatre kid fashion, Gavin is also a big fan of Disney and tries to make it down to Orlando as often as he can. Gavin also might be the greatest lover of dogs you will ever meet. Gavin loves to spend time with his own two dogs, Hudson and CJ (no relation to the Children’s minister), as well as spot- and remark on- every dog on a walk or in a car that he sees.
Jessica Daniell, Preschool Ministry Associate
Described by others as passionate and gifted, Jessica, known as “Ms. Jessie” to her students, actually attended the 2BC preschool ministry herself! From former pupil to now teacher, Jessica uses her talents and outgoing personality to care for our youngest learners, RiverKids: infant – Kindergarten. Affectionately known as “the one with all the goldfish crackers,” Jessica, an Enneagram 9, divides her time between our preschoolers and serving as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.