Leon Barnes is our Preaching Minister at Central. He grew up on a farm in Alabama. He attended Freed-Hardeman University. He’s been preaching since 1964 and has written 15 books. He has been married to Linda since 1964 and has three children and nine grandchildren. Leon has been with the Central congregation since 1993.

Wade is our Directional Minister at Central and oversees our group ministries, education, and ministry development in a variety of areas. Wade and his wife, Ranell, have been married @ 24+ years and have three great kids; Gabriel, Samuel & Elijah. Wade has been a part of Central since 1989. He is a graduate of Harding University (BA '89) & attended Harding Grad. in Memphis & the University of Central Arkansas (MS '96).

John Phillips, Jr. is the Pastoral Care Minister for the Central Church. John grew up on a farm in the small east Arkansas community of Almyra. He is a graduate of Harding University, (BA ’90), and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, (MPA ’94). John began preaching at the age of 12 and has been preaching the gospel for over 30 years. He is the son of a gospel preacher; John Phillips, Sr. who currently serves as one of the shepherds at Central. John and his beautiful wife, Valerie, have three children. John has been with the Central congregation since 1996.

Shannon is our Youth/Family Minister at Central. He is a graduate of Harding University with a B.A. in Bible and has received his MDiv from Harding Graduate school of Religion in Memphis, TN. Shannon and his wife, Leslie, have two great kids, Josiah and Karis, and one on the way!

Dennis serves Central as a full-time shepherd and graciously volunteers on staff helping to coordinate new member classes, communications, and more! Dennis and his wife Anita have served in the Kingdom in Africa and in Louisiana. They are great servants for God and are sure to touch your life in a powerful way through the work they do as a couple and through the full-time volunteer work Dennis does as one of our newest staff members.

Tammy Beck heads up Central's Children's Ministry. Tammy grew up here in the Little Rock area. She earned a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Freed-Hardeman University in 1989, and has been involved in teaching and working with children ever since. She has been married to Brian Beck for 21 years and their lives have been blessed with six children, Kyndra, Stephen, Michael, Holdyn, Hannah, and Joshua. The Beck family has been serving with the Central congregation since 1994.

Chad is our Worship Minister. Chad works full-time in the President’s Office at Central Arkansas Christian Schools. He is married to Andrea Tappe and they have 2 daughters, Ella and Livia. Chad graduated from Harding University with a BBA in Professional Sales and then with an MBA in 2005. Chad would love to hear from you about your favorite praise song!

Dana is our Administrative Assistant at Central and facilitates the smooth operation of a number of tasks in the church office on a weekly basis. Dana and her husband, Jim, have been married for over 32 years and have two adult sons; Matthew & Caleb. They also have a new Daughter-in-law Becca who is married to Matt. They have been a part of Central since 1989.