William Lee Kinney, Minister of Word and Sacrament has been pastor of First since 1995.  A graduate of Drew University and Princeton Theological Seminary, Lee has had a diverse ministry of preaching, teaching, writing, and service in the denomination.  With a passion for Christ, Lee believes that the single most important gift the church has to offer the world is the Good News of God's redemption in Jesus Christ.  In thought, word, and deed, the church is called to a faithful witness in a world that needs the bright light of Christ's hope and the preserving power of the Gospel.

A second career minister, Lee has been recognized for his gift of preaching and has won numerous awards for his writing.  Many of his sermons have appeared in books and magazines such as Preaching Magazine, Pulpit Digest, and The Clergy Journal.  Additionally, his sermon "And a Little Child Shall Lead Them" was selected by the Kyper Institute for inclusion in their popular book, Election Day Sermons, which has sold over 22,000 copies.  He is the author of a children's book titled, When Nobody's There, and a series of sermon series on audio tape and compact disk that are available through the church by way of A Deeper Walk, a print, audio and video ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Pine Bluff.  Additionally, his gift for and love of teaching is regularly on display at local SEARK College, where he serves as a member of the adjunct faculty in the areas of Philosophy and Ethics, and as a newly elected member of the Oxford Round Table of Harris Manchester College. 

He is happily married to the former Peggy Ross for over 31 years, has three delightful children, Daniel (age 26), Elizabeth (age 21) and Maria (age 21).  He may be reached at mailto:wlkinney@sbcglobal.net

André Strydom, Minister of Music and Principle Organist, has been with us since October of 2002 by way of Cinncinnati, Ohio.  A former physician in his native South Africa, André's love of music and passion for Christ eventually brought him here to First after a diverse and fascinating journey in England, Europe, Russia, and eventually the United States.  A graduate of Cinncinnati Conservatory of Music, André is a consumate musician and superb choral and orchestral conductor.  Indeed, his gifts eventually led him to St. Petersburg, Russia during the 1990s where he performed in a series of highly regarded concerts.

What stands out about André's gifts and talents is his passion for using them for the furthering of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Music, which is a gift from God, in sacred worship is a powerful way of praising and honoring God.  That's why he believes in the power of song in all forms and styles.  As principle organist, André offers his gifts regularly in our traditional worship service yet moves easily to our contemporary service where he plays keyboard as a regular member of The Grace Notes.  André can be reached at mailto:Andre_strydom@sbcglobal.net

Kelly Spence, Minister to Youth & Children helps coordinate the youth ministry program and currently serves on Session, helping to organize the work of the education ministry here at First.  She is a gifted teacher, having led many bible studies and facilitating programs for women and children.  She is also the co-leader of P.A.W.N. (Praise and Worship Night), a contemporary music ministry designed to engage the greater Pine Bluff/Jefferson County community with monthly special concerts by contemporary Christian artists.  In addition to her duties as Minister to Youth, she has recently concluded a three year term as coordinator of our highly regarded WWJD program (Wednesdays with Jesus' Disciples) for children.

Sunday mornings often finds her hard at work interacting with Sunday school teachers and the many children and adults who attend our programs, offering help and guidance as needed.  Then, when she is not doing any of that, she serves her family as the proud wife and mother of husband Scott and her three children Ian, Addie, and Rylee.  She can be reached at the church office or by email at spencefamily@cablelynx.com

Tina Smith, Assistant Minister to Children is a child of Pine Bluff who has made the full circle from growing up, going away, and returning home.  When she was a child, her  family moved here from Memphis, since they have lots of extended family here.  As graduate of Pine Bluff High, she went on to college at the University of Central Arkansas where I rec'd a BS in Public Administration and where she met husband-to-be Scott.  They married right after graduation in 1994.  After living in Little Rock where she attended graduate school (UALR) in Public Admin & Early Education, until Scott's work sent them all over the country and eventually to Springfield, Mo.  Finally, they returned home here to Pine Bluff and to the family of faith here at First to raise their children and be close to family and friends.

Tina enjoys learning but not as much as being a dedicated wife and mother of two children, Sarah Paige and Austin, three "furry" children 2 black labs--Katie and Holly.  Austin has recently adopted a cat, Jasmine.  They spend lots of time with friends and family when we're not following the kids to various activities.  She can be reached at the church or by email at fpcchildren@sbcglobal.net

Ginny Clement, Minister to Singles, Marriages and Families was born in Memphis, TN and grew up in West Memphis,  AR.  After her high school graduation, whe attended the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville) were she received the Bachelor of Science in Education, certified in K-12 Health and Science.  More importantly, she met and married her husband Joe while a student at UA.  Together, they returned to Pine Bluff, Joe's home town, were Ginny set about raising their three children, Mary, Win, and Wes, and involving herself deeply in church life at Immanuel Baptist Church.  During that time, Ginny also put her skills into practice serving as the health educator for Trinity Village, a teacher at Trinity Episcopal School  (3rd grade) and later at our own First Presbyterian Day School, where she continues to serve (13 years and counting!), and where she and her husband have become members.

Ginny's love of the Lord and the power of His love in strengthening families and marriages eventually led her to serve in this brand new position.  Along with her love of decorating and celebrations, Ginny remains the proud mother of sons Win (a film degree graduate from the University of North Carolina who currently works as an associate producer on "America's Top Model"), Wes, a senior at Ouachita Baptist University, and daughter Mary Clement Smith and her husband Jonathan (Mary teaches in Little Rock an dJonathan is a computer programmer for Weyco Communications).  She can be reached at the church or by email at vclement@sbcglobal.net

Pete Algrim, Facilities Manager is the go-to guy when you are talking about anything to do with the nuts and bolts of our ministry...literally!  Pete, a long-time member of the church and community transplanted from the Chicago area, he has served in many volunteer capacities in the church over the years.  Today, he can be seen as a true "Jack of all Trades," moving effortlessly from something as simple as changing light bulbs to coordinating and supervising major construction and repair projects.  His experience in business throughout the community gives Pete both the contacts and the respect of local contractors as well as the Buildings and Grounds Ministry Team members who work with him in keeping our facilities in tip top shape.

Pete is married to Joan and is the father of two children, Debbie who lives here and is a member, and his son who lives in Little Rock.  He can be reached at the church or at home or by email at: jahlgrim@seark.net

Jane Stone, Director of the Day School is a second time employee of the this vital ministry at First, having returned to the role in 1995 after a brief hiatis.  Jane's gifts for children's ministry are enormous, having shepherded this ministry over many years to become the premiere ministry to pre-shool children in our community.  Thanks to Jane's undying efforts, the assembled team of loving and capable teachers assures that our program is stimulating to both the head and the heart.  Providing a spiritual tone, she demonstrates a passion and love for children that is infectious.

Jane's work at the church is only surpassed by her work in the church, where she currently serves as co-moderator of the Presbyterian Women's organization.  She is married to Billy Stone and together they are the proud parents of three wonderful children, Zach, Daniel, and Elizabeth.  You may contact her at  ejestone@yahoo.com 

Lisa Baymiller, Church Hostess is the cooking maven you will find each Sunday leading a crew of volunteers as they prepare the weekly Sunday congregational lunch.  As chief chef of The Bistro, our Sunday lunch meal served each Sunday in McColgan Hall following the morning worship, our team of volunteers brings a touch of class and good taste to the fellowship they generate through her cooking. 

Lisa can be reached at the church office or by email at baymiller@sbcglobal.net

Anthony Gooseberry, Head Sexton is the longest tenured member of our church staff, having served here about 15 years.  Rising through the ranks, Anthony began work here as a junior sexton among 4 others, but in time he has risen to not only be a vital part of our maintenance team, but a valued member of the congregation and our ministry here.  Additionally, "Goose," as he is affectionately known, is the president of his local Neighborhood Watch program, and organizing some very popular community wide fellowship events for Pine Bluff residents.

Anthony is the father of two sons and can be reached at the church office.

Bessie Smith, Sexton, has only been with us for a few years, but what a difference she has made!  A dedicated member of the church staff, Bessie is primarily responsible for the daily upkeep and cleaning of our active Christian Education Building and Family Life Center.  A devout Baptist, Bessie is a member of another local congregation but shows her Christian spirit in her gentle smile and commitment to hard work.  No matter how dirty the job, Bessie approaches the huge task of keeping our facilities spic and span with a smile on her face and love in her heart.

Bessie is the mother of one and a widow.  She can be reached at the church office.