Chris Kinzler
Senior Pastor
Pastor Chris Kinzler has faithfully served as the Senior Pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church for 13 years. With a deep passion for teaching God’s Word, Pastor Chris is committed to preaching directly from Scripture, helping believers grow in their faith and understanding of God’s truth. His heart for the Ferndale community is evident in everything he does, as he works to share the love of Christ with everyone he encounters.
Chris and his wife, Neeli, have been married for 24 years and are proud parents to five wonderful children. Together, they have poured their lives into serving the church and community, fostering a welcoming environment where people can connect with Jesus and each other. Whether he’s teaching, mentoring, or connecting with others, Pastor Chris lives out the church’s mission to love God and love people in every aspect of his ministry.
Josh Brown
Discipleship Pastor
Pastor Josh Brown has been serving as the Discipleship Pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church for over two years. Alongside his role at the church, he works as a chaplain at Baptist Hospital, offering care and encouragement to those in need.
At Pleasant Grove, Josh leads one of our adult Sunday school classes and facilitates a Grove Group, helping foster community and spiritual growth within the church family. He and his wife, Rachel, are blessed with three wonderful children—Scotty, Rose, and June. Josh’s dedication to discipleship and his heart for serving others make him a valued part of the Pleasant Grove team.
Josh Brown
Discipleship Pastor
Pastor Josh Brown has been serving as the Discipleship Pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church for over two years. Alongside his role at the church, he works as a chaplain at Baptist Hospital, offering care and encouragement to those in need.
At Pleasant Grove, Josh leads one of our adult Sunday school classes and facilitates a Grove Group, helping foster community and spiritual growth within the church family. He and his wife, Rachel, are blessed with three wonderful children—Scotty, Rose, and June. Josh’s dedication to discipleship and his heart for serving others make him a valued part of the Pleasant Grove team.
David and Jenny Farias
Worship Leaders
David and Jenny Farias bring a lifetime of musical talent and ministry experience to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church as our worship leaders. Both grew up singing in church, with fathers who served as pastors, instilling in them a deep love for worship and ministry from a young age.
David was raised in Brazil and moved to the U.S. in 2018 to marry his true love, Jenny. Jenny, a Camden, Arkansas native, has dedicated her career to education, working at Little Rock Christian Academy for several years. Together, they have been leading worship at Pleasant Grove for the past two years, creating a heartfelt and Christ-centered worship experience for our congregation.
Drake Oaks
Student Pastor
Drake Oaks has been passionately leading and fostering growth in the students of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, grades 7-12, for the past two years. With a heart deeply rooted in Christ, Drake is committed to helping students see and experience the love of Jesus in every moment of their lives. His ultimate hope is that these young people will boldly proclaim the love of Christ to the ends of the earth.
Drake and his wife, Libby, have been happily married for three years. Together, they share their home with two adored cats, Bella and Stella, who bring plenty of joy and laughter to their lives.
Drake Oaks
Student Pastor
Drake Oaks has been passionately leading and fostering growth in the students of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, grades 7-12, for the past two years. With a heart deeply rooted in Christ, Drake is committed to helping students see and experience the love of Jesus in every moment of their lives. His ultimate hope is that these young people will boldly proclaim the love of Christ to the ends of the earth.
Drake and his wife, Libby, have been happily married for three years. Together, they share their home with two adored cats, Bella and Stella, who bring plenty of joy and laughter to their lives.
Rachel Brown
Children’s Director
Rachel Brown has served as the Children’s Director at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church for two years. With a passion for guiding young hearts toward Christ, she works diligently to ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience Jesus in a deep and meaningful way. Rachel creates engaging and thought-provoking studies that challenge our kids to grow in their faith and build a strong spiritual foundation.
As a homeschooling mom to her three wonderful children, Rachel brings a unique perspective and skill set to her role. Her experience in creating customized, engaging lessons at home has helped her develop teaching strategies that resonate with the kids at church. Rachel has been married to our Discipleship Pastor, Josh Brown, for 13 years, and together they are dedicated to raising their family and serving the Pleasant Grove community.
Lacey Bryant
Pre School Director
Lacey White-Bryant is a Ferndale native who grew up right here at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, making her role as Preschool Director especially meaningful. For the past two years, Lacey has poured her heart into bringing joy and love to the children in our nursery and preschool classes. Her warm spirit and dedication create a welcoming environment where our youngest learners can experience God’s love from the very beginning.
Lacey and her husband Kevin have been married for 20 years and are proud parents to three wonderful daughters: Alora, Robyn, and Lena. With her roots deeply planted in our community, Lacey is a blessing to both the children and families of Pleasant Grove.
Lacey Bryant
Pre School Director
Lacey White-Bryant is a Ferndale native who grew up right here at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, making her role as Preschool Director especially meaningful. For the past two years, Lacey has poured her heart into bringing joy and love to the children in our nursery and preschool classes. Her warm spirit and dedication create a welcoming environment where our youngest learners can experience God’s love from the very beginning.
Lacey and her husband Kevin have been married for 20 years and are proud parents to three wonderful daughters: Alora, Robyn, and Lena. With her roots deeply planted in our community, Lacey is a blessing to both the children and families of Pleasant Grove.
Cait Crowell
Communications and Outreach Coordinator
Cait Crowell serves as the Communications and Outreach Coordinator at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, ensuring that both our church family and the Ferndale community stay informed and connected. She manages marketing, social media, and design work, creating engaging materials that keep everyone up-to-date on events and ministries.
Cait holds a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and Communication from Ouachita Baptist University and brings her creative expertise to both the church and her role as a graphic designer at Kirkpatrick Creative in Downtown Little Rock. Originally from Texas, Cait has called Arkansas home for nearly a decade and wouldn’t have it any other way.
