Preston Clegg, a native Arkansan, stepped into the role of 2BC pastor in May of 2013. Uniquely qualified for the position, Preston has pastored four churches for twenty-one years, consecutively: Strawberry Baptist Church, Strawberry, AR (2000-2003); Bruceville Baptist Church, Bruceville-Eddy, TX (2004-2006); Spring Creek Baptist Church, Oklahoma City, OK (2006-2013); and Second Baptist Church, Little Rock, AR (2013-present).

Pastor Clegg received his BA in Christian Ministry from Williams Baptist College (Walnut Ridge, AR) in 2003. Later, he attended George W. Truett Theological Seminary – Baylor University (Waco, TX) to earn his Masters of Divinity degree in 2006 and Doctorate of Ministry in 2013.

Preston has demonstrated a profound passion for his faith and community through the following professional partnerships and leadership roles:

• Board Member- Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families – 2024-Present
• Board Member- Just Communities of Arkansas- 2017-2022
• Chair of Board- Just Communities of Arkansas- 2020-2022
• Board Member- Baptist Health Corporate Board- 2019-Present
• Board Member- Salvation Army of Central AR- 2015-2017
• Coordinating Council Member- CBF Arkansas
• Moderator- CBF Arkansas
• CBF Advocacy Leadership Team
• CBF Racial Justice Leadership Team

A testament of his dedication, character, and talent, Pastor Clegg is the recipient of the McCall Racial Justice Trailblazer Award (2021), George W. Truett Theological Seminary Preaching Award (2006), and the Christian Ministerial Alliance’s William H. Robinson Jr. Social Justice Award. He has also been recognized as “Pastor of the Day” (2014) at George W. Truett Theological Seminary.

Combining his personal and professional passions, Preston utilizes creativity in his preaching to inspire and uplift the congregation. In his free time, Preston enjoys watching sporting events, reading, writing poetry, and spending time with wife, Stephanie, and two sons, Paxton and Truett.

Suzanne Cain, a native Arkansan, took on full responsibility for Worship Arts after serving as the church pianist, Worship Arts Ministry Associate and Interim Worship Minister. In 2025, she added to her leadership skill and is serving our Senior Adults as well. She has been on the 2BC staff for over 25 years!

Suzanne Cain received her BA in piano from Ouachita Baptist University (Arkadelphia, AR). She completed a two-year cohort on spiritual transformation through the Transforming Center in Wheaton, IL. She was ordained by Second Baptist in 2020. She also completed the Enneagram Cohort with Suzanne Stabile in 2024 and will complete the Enneagram and Contemplation Cohort in 2025.

Suzanne participates in Cooperative Baptist Fellowship events, such as leading worship for General Assembly in Dallas, TX (2022). She is serving as Moderator -Elect for Great Rivers Fellowship and will transition to Moderator in 2026.

Suzanne is passionate about worship and loves that Second Baptist does not limit what is presented in worship through the lens of a particular style. She loves encouraging children and youth to lead in worship and sees them as a valuable part of the congregation.

When she is not at work, Suzanne can be found on a hiking trail with her husband or keeping up with their three adult children.

Chris Ellis, a native of south Florida has called Arkansas and Second Baptist Church home since 2006.

Chris received his BA in Biblical Studies from Palm Beach Atlantic University (West Palm Beach, FL). Later, he attended George W. Truett Theological Seminary – Baylor University (Waco, TX) to earn his Masters of Divinity with an emphasis in Global Missions and Portland Seminary – George Fox University (Portland, OR) to earn his Doctorate of Ministry in Global Leadership.

Chris’s leadership is not limited to Second Baptist. He has served several other organizations through the following professional partnerships and leadership roles:

• Board Member- Together for Hope, Helena- 2016-2024
• Global Missions Committee Member, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship- 2016-2020 (Chair 2019)
• Toward Bold Faithfulness Task Force Member- Cooperative Baptist Fellowship – 2019-2020
• Board Member- Little Rock Community Development Corporation- 2008-2015

Combining his savvy administration skills and his love for people, Chris loves helping people connect to the church and to God’s work in re-making the world. He loves to see an idea take shape and then watch it turn into something only God could dream.

When he is not playing in spreadsheets or greeting at the church’s main entrance, you will most likely find Chris outside. He loves to camp, hike, and run. He loves to travel on his own and with his family. Chris and his wife, Elizabeth have three sons, Silas, Micah, and Ian.

Andy Black moved to Arkansas in 2019 when he became the Executive Director of Lake Nixon, though he has been visiting his parents Northwest Arkansas for about a decade. Bringing a variety of unique experience, Andy has served as the Program Director for Faith Covenant Community Services in Waco, TX (2003-2005); Adjunct Instructor in Religious Studies, Theology, and History at University of Dayton, OH, Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and Capital University in Columbus, OH (2007-20013); Visiting Professor of Religious Studies at Bucknell University in Lewisville, PA (2013-2015); and the Lubbock Regional Director at the Texas Hunger Initiative through Baylor University in Lubbock, TX (2015-2019).

The majority of Andy’s education comes from Baylor University. He received his undergraduate degree in History from Baylor in 1997 where he was the History Department’s “Co-Outstanding Graduate.” He went on to receive his Master of Divinity Degree and his Masters of Arts degree in Church-State Studies from Truett Theological Seminary in 2003 where he was the “Co-Outstanding Graduate” again. He also received his PhD in Theology from the University of Dayton. He defended his dissertation “with distinction” in 2012.

Though Andy has spent the most of his professional life outside the church, he has been involved in lay leadership in various capacities:

• Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and Music Ministry Member, Calvary Baptist Church (Waco, TX)
• Music Ministry/Worship Planning, First Baptist Church (Dayton, OH)
• Participant in Spiritual Reasoning Seminar
• Board Member- Saint Benedict Chapel Board of Directors (Lubbock, TX)

Andy considers it an honor and a privilege to have the full-time responsibility of stewarding the gift of Lake Nixon. His role as the Executive Director allows him to draw from his diverse experiences and training in surprising and exciting ways.

Andy spent about a decade growing up in Wyoming, where he developed a deep and lasting love for the outdoors. He has family roots in Oklahoma and Mississippi, and so it seemed fitting for him to split the difference and take root in the Natural State. He enjoys hiking and biking, playing and listening to music (started the banjo this year), reading books and maps, and cheering for the Baylor Bears. Though it’s “work,” he gets tremendous pleasure planning and building trails. When he was younger, he enjoyed regular games of pickup basketball and ultimate frisbee. These days, most of his exercise takes the form of chasing kids or simply exploring all the nooks and crannies of Lake Nixon’s 200+ acres, often with a camera at the ready.

Andy is married to Jennifer, who is an online instructor for the Baylor University School of Social Work. They have enjoyed settling in at Lake Nixon with their three children: Jonathan, Micah, and Hannah.

Born and raised in Kentucky and having lived all over the southeast, Brittany Stillwell is no stranger to the Delta. In 2019, after spending six months volunteering in South Africa, she found her way to Arkansas to step into her role as 2BC Associate Pastor with Students and Families. Prior to moving to South Africa, Brittany served as the Associate Pastor of Worship and Youth at First Baptist Church in Memphis, TN (2014-2018). She has also served as a Minister of Music at Buechel Park Baptist Church in Louisville, KY (2010-2013) and a Sabbatical Pastor at Lexington Avenue Baptist Church in Danville, KY (June & July 2014).

Brittany earned her BA in Music Education with an Honors in Vocal Performance from Samford University in Birmingham, AL. After teaching Middle School Choir in Irondale, AL for two years, she went on to earn her Master of Divinity from Baptist Seminary of Kentucky in 2013. In 2025, Brittany completed a certificate of Executive Leadership through Princeton Theological Seminary – Princeton University (Princeton, NJ). She also has a Level 1 Certification in Trauma and Resilience through Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL).

Brittany has severed in a variety of denominational, preaching, and volunteer capacities including:

Preaching

• Pulpit supply throughout the southeast
• The Festival of Young Preachers (2013 & 2013)
• Armstrong Preaching Scholar (2011)

 Denominational Involvement

• Baptist Women in Ministry Board Member, (2023-present)
• Nominating Committee Member- Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (2020-2023)
• Baptist Joint Committee Fellow (2021)
• Project Manager, Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative, Baptist Seminary of Kentucky (2021)
• Member of the ATS Self-Study Steering Committee, Baptist Seminary of Kentucky (2018-2020) 
• Moderator of the Tennessee Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (2018-2019)
• Member of the Tennessee Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Field Coordinator Search Committee (2016)
• Chair of the Alumni Leadership Team, Baptist Seminary of Kentucky (2016-2018)

The thing Brittany loves most about her role with 2BC is getting to experience God through play. In her own words she explains, “I take great joy in walking alongside our youth as they ask questions and grow in their identity as People of God. I love looking for God in ordinary places and helping church members of all ages find ways to dream God’s dream.” More often than not, that means creating safe spaces for individuals to ask questions and in doing so, come closer to God. Ultimately, Brittany is grateful that her official job description at 2BC doesn’t limit her; rather, she’s encouraged to pursue her gifts and passions in a variety of ways.

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. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, cooking, gardening, and exploring new places.

Raised in Houston, Kevin is excited to be an Arkansan. Kevin joined the 2BC staff in 2022–2BC’s first social worker on staff!  He also serves as an Adjunct Lecturer for the Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University. Prior to moving to Arkansas, Kevin served as the Executive Director of Mission Oak Cliff in Dallas, TX (2019-2022). He has also served as a Church Support Manager for Buckhead Christian Ministry in Atlanta, GA (2018-2019) and as an Executive Specialist for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in Decatur, GA (2016-2018).

Kevin earned his BS in Nutritional Sciences from Baylor University in Waco, TX in 2011. He went on to earn a Master of Divinity from George W. Truett Theological Seminary – Baylor University (Waco, TX) and a Master of Social Work from the Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University with a concentration in Community Practice and a specialization in “Church Social Work: Women and the Church” in 2016. He is currently pursuing the Doctor of Ministry in Transformational Leadership at Boston University to study the intersection of church and social work.

Kevin serves on several organizational boards:

• Central Seminary (Board of Trustees Member, Governance Committee Chair 2021-present)
• Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University (Board of Advocates Member, Past Chair, 2022-present)
• Baptist News Global (Board Member, 2022-present)
• Perkins School of Theology at SMU (Board of Visitors Member, 2021-present)
• CBF Global Missions Transitions Team (Search Committee Member, 2022)
• Clergy Sexual Misconduct Task Force (Task Force Member, 2021-2024)

Kevin loves the way he is able to be a connector of people and organizations through his role. As a social worker, he is passionate about making sure people have the relationships they need to overcome life’s challenges. He is overcome with gratitude when he sees people begin to believe in themselves and realize their God-given worth. He believes this is part of the Holy Spirit’s work in a person’s life to share strength and hope.  

In his free time, Kevin enjoys spending time with his husband, Chris, and their three dogs and trying out new restaurants. Kevin loves to bake sweets and make homemade ice cream. He also teaches group fitness classes at a local studio called Jolly Bodies.

CJ is a fifth-generation Arkansas with deep roots in Northeast Arkansas, though he has enthusiastically adopted Little Rock as his hometown. Having spent seven years attending school out of state, he is overjoyed to be back and at Second Baptist as the Minister with Children & Families. 

After graduating from Little Rock Central High, CJ attended Yale University, and graduated in 2021 with a B.A. with Distinction in Religious Studies. While at Yale, he was awarded an Andrew Solomon Research Fellowship in LGBT Studies to support his Senior Thesis research. He then went on to receive his Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School in 2024. Academically, his research interests have been at the intersection of critical theory, philosophy of religion, and American history and culture. 

His written work has appeared in:

• Injustice and the Care of Souls, Vol. 2 (Fortress Press, 2023)
• ConSpiracies (vol. 9, no. 1)
• GoodFaith Media

While at Harvard, CJ served as the Ministerial Intern and later, as the Community Minister at Old Cambridge Baptist Church. Outside of Second, CJ volunteers his time working for causes that he is passionate about including education, healthcare, and quality of life. His community involvement includes: 

• University of Arkansas Medical School Board of Advisors, Member
• Little Rock Public Safety Commission, Ward 3 Commissioner
• Interfaith Friendship Camp Planning Committee, Member
• Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Envoys Board, Member
• Leadership Greater Little Rock, Class XLI Member

In his free time, CJ enjoys being active, whether that’s hiking or running with his husband, Josh, or playing a game of Flag Football with his friends. As an Enneagram 2, he also loves nothing more than hosting and cooking for loved ones, and he’s especially proud of his pot roast recipe. CJ is also always on the hunt for his next favorite food spot, so if you have recommendations, he’d love to hear them!

Before joining the staff, Gavin was a lifelong member of 2BC. Most recently, Gavin was involved in the leadership of The Village Sunday School class as well as teaching and ministering to the Embark College Ministry and The Bridge Youth Ministry. Gavin helped to launch the Harbor Young Adult Ministry. 

Gavin graduated from North Little Rock High School. He started his college career at the University of Central Arkansas, then transferred to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where he received a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science. Gavin attended Duke Divinity School where he received his Masters of Divinity with a certificate in Baptist Studies in 2016. Gavin was ordained to the Gospel Ministry by Second Baptist Church in 2015.  

After receiving his Masters and being ordained, Gavin found that sometimes the calling to ministry extended beyond a full-time vocational position in a local church. In the meantime, Gavin gained invaluable professional and administrative experience in a number of positions- including serving as the Executive Assistant to the CEO of McLarty Companies as well as starting his own small business.  

Additional Professional Experience:

• Executive Assistant to the CEO, McLarty Companies 2018-2025
• Social Media Consultant, Arkansas Cinema Society, 2019-2020
• Duke Pastoral Intern, Lowes Grove Baptist Church, 2014-2015
• Duke Pastoral Intern, Lamberth Memorial Baptist Church, 2012-2013
• Duke Pastoral Intern, Bethany United Methodist Church, Summer 2012
• Administrative Specialist, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Arkansas, 2010-2011
• Interim Pastoral Administrative Assistant, Second Baptist Church, Summer 2009 & Summer 2016
• Pastoral Intern, Second Baptist Church, 2007

Jessica was born and raised in Little Rock, AR and has been a part of the 2BC family since she was in preschool. She has even served as a 2BC intern and Lake Nixon Summer Day Camp Counselor! Jessica currently works full-time as a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) at A Better Approach, ABA, working with children, their teachers, and families in schools in the central AR area. She has a BA in Community and Family Services and a BA in Communication and Media from Ouachita Baptist University where she was a member of the Carl Goodson Honors Program. She also has her Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Jessica thinks the kids and families are the best part of her job at 2BC. She loves the wonder, excitement and silliness of our kids and that she gets to tap into her inner-child each week through singing, dancing, stories, silly faces, and games.

When she isn’t playing with 2BC’s youngest members, Jessica is usually spending time with her large extended family that live nearby. She can also frequently be found cozied up at home watching movies, taking on new organization projects, and she always takes advantage of her Sunday nap!

Dr. W. Hulitt Gloer is our Scholar Emeritus. Dr. Gloer graduated from Baylor University with a bachelor’s degree in Greek and religion and received a master of divinity degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He earned his doctorate in New Testament studies from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. After receiving his doctorate, he went on to study at several universities, including Hebrew-Union College, Eberhard-Karls University and Cambridge University.

Dr. Gloer has served as pastor, professor, instructor and teacher in different churches and universities during his lifetime, but here at 2BC, we are forever thankful for his time where he served as our interim minister in 2005. He is the editor of several books as well as author of As You Go: An Honest Look at Jesus’ First Disciples. Dr. Gloer has written several articles for such publications as Biblical Illustrator, Mercer Dictionary of the Bible, Review and Expositor, Perspectives in Religious Studies, Baptist Peacemaker, and Layman’s Bible Dictionary. Also, he has led multiple conferences and studies throughout the U.S. and holds several honors to his name.

In 2000, he joined the faculty at Baylor’s University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary as professor of preaching. Upon his retirement in 2018 from Baylor University, Dr. Gloer was named Emeritus Professor of Preaching and Christian Scriptures.

In 2018, Dr. Gloer returned to Second Baptist Church to become the Scholar-In-Residence. As the Scholar-In-Residence, he assisted 2BC in leading discipleship and spiritual formation ministries such as our Clergy/Lay Academy, Second Studies, and several other bible studies and classes.

He officially retired in 2020 and was named our 2BC Scholar Emeritus upon his retirement. He continues to teach 2BC’s Second Studies and Clergy/Lay Academy, where his only requirement is that “you have a desire to learn more about the Bible.”

Dr. Gloer is married to Dr. Sheila Gloer. She is also a retired professor from Baylor University. They have two sons and are the proud grandparents to a granddaughter.