Because It Is: A Podcast of Second Baptist-Downtown Little Rock: Recent Episodes
Second Baptist Downtown
“Because It Is” is a podcast of Second Baptist Church- downtown Little Rock, AR. It is a place for conversations about faith, justice, and other things that matter. We hope this podcast will generate reflection on how the way of Jesus intersects with our culture, while also introducing you to our congregation. We hope you are challenged, encouraged, and educated by what you hear in each episode.
To learn more about our congregation, visit us online at www.2bclr.com.
In this episode Rev. Dr. Clarence Thornton, Rev. Danita Waller-Paige, and Rev. Dr. Dwight Townsend share their perspectives as Black faith leaders in Arkansas. We spend time learning from these pastors about what the Black church wishes the white church knew. You can see a live video of the conversation on our Facebook page.Rev. Danita Waller-Paige is a native of Little Rock Arkansas where she attended public schools. She is the proud mother of Leah Paige age 18.
A graduate of Philander Smith Collegewith a degree in Organizational Management, she has sung in choirs and groups since the age of seven. A member of the National Gospel Workshop of America, Danita sung with the Philander Smith Collegiate Choir where she served as Student Conductor. During her matriculation at Philander, she had the pleasure to perform the famous “Amen” with the late great African American composer and actor Jester Hariston. For more than 20 years she has sung with a local gospel group Triumphant!. Danita served as the Worship and Music leader for the National Black Clergy Women’s Conference (UMC), the past four sessions of the National Youth Harambee (UMC), and the Worship and Music leader for many years with the National Black Methodists for Church Renewal Convention. As a singer, she has also shared the stage with many recording artists such Michael Bolton, Jennifer Holiday, Dr. Bobby Jones, Karen Clark-Sheard, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Douglas Miller, Gaye Arbukle, Gerald Thompson, and many others.
A founding member of Datule’ Artist Collective, Danita specializes in leading ecumenical workshops in blending gospel and contemporary music in order to reach youth and young adults with the message of Jesus Christ. She has preached, led worship, and served as a clinician for workshops for: the Christian Methodist Episcopal District in Little Rock, Fellowship Bible Church, Antioch Full Gospel Church, several Baptist and United Methodist Churches. Danita has worked with Mission U (formerly known as School of Christian Mission) since 2003 where she has served as Jr High, High School, Music Leader and Adult Study leader. She has most recently served on the national level as a Regional School facilitator for the mission study on Covenant Communities and as a result, has served as a study leader in different district schools throughout the country. She is also a radio personality, affectionately known as, “Pastor Dee” on the JC Loves’ Morning Show on joynetradio.com.
Some of the recent honors Pastor Paige has achieved are the Humanitarian Award in the field of Religion from Designing Women’s Ministry – 2016, and the Distinguished Young Alumni Award in the field of Religion from Philander Smith College 2016. She is a gifted biblical preacher/teacher who is currently furthering her knowledge at Memphis Theological Seminary as she works toward a Master of Divinity. A passionate worshipper and lover of the Gospel, Waller-Paige believes that all things are possible in Christ Jesus and has adopted the quote of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
Follow her on Facebook!
Reverend Clarence D. Thornton is the Pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1723 East Third Street in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has served as Pastor and overseer of this flock for thirteen years. He has been married to Chyrel Thornton for 29 years and they have six children.
Pastor Thornton is also known as “JC Loves”, and is the former Program Director and mid-day personality for 106.7 Hallelujah FM.
Rev. Thornton serves as Vice moderator of the Union District Association, of the Consolidated Missionary Baptist State Convention. He also served as Pastor of Happy Home Baptist Church in Jefferson, Arkansas for ten years, and is the past President of Jefferson Springs District Congress of Christian Education. Rev. Thornton was also selected to teach in the 1st Union District Mini-Congress in 2003; served as President of the Young Ministers Division of the Arkansas Consolidated State Convention, and was the Instructor for Consolidated Missionary Baptist State Convention Youth Department.
His Community Service includes being a foster parent since 1993, speaker for Little Rock School District Abstinence Program, and motivational Speak for Little Rock School District Teachers. He also served on grief counseling staff at Hall High School and Pulaski Heights Middle School, as well as being the speaker for the 1998 graduating seniors of the Future 500 Program.
Rev. Thornton attended Capital City Junior College where he received an Associates’ Degree in Radio and TV Broadcasting. While there he was a member of the RTV Club, received the Perfect Attendance Award, and was on the Dean’s List. He also attended Memphis Area Vo-Tech School where he majored in Drafting (Civil Engineering). He annually attends the E. C. Morris Institute, the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., and Congress of Christian Education. He enrolled in WHW Bachelor of Art Theological Degree Program and completed Phase 1, and attended the Missionary Baptist Seminary.
Rev. Thornton has been Program Director for Clear Channel Communications (Hallelujah FM); Citadel Communications (Power 92 FM); Operations Manager for KLRG and KMZX, as well as on-air personality for KITA, KABF, KCHB, KWTD, and KMZX.
He is now owner of Thornton Broadcast Communications; JOYNETRADIO.COM, a 24 hour internet gospel station, and is the host of the JC Loves Morning Show.
Follow Pastor P on Facebook, and Twitter.
Dr. Dwight Demone Townsend is the anointed pastor of the Longley Baptist Church of Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born and raised in a rough neighborhood in East Little Rock, Arkansas. He and his eleven brothers and sisters had to overcome many obstacles and hardships. Despite the adversities that he encountered, Pastor Townsend did not ignore the calling on his life. He accepted his ministry calling at the age of 18. Within a year he was licensed and ordained. In 1996 he was called to serve as pastor of the Macedonia Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. Four years later, he went on to serve as pastor of Greater Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Van Buren, Arkansas. Both congregations experienced phenomenal growth, numerically, financially and most importantly spiritually.
Pastor Townsend is a 1993 graduate of Sylvan Hills High School in Sherwood, Arkansas. He holds an Associate, Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Theology from Slidell Baptist Seminary. As well as a Masters of Theology and Doctor of Ministry from Andersonville Theological Seminary.
Pastor Townsend is a gifted preacher, teacher and dedicated community servant. He is actively involved in the Union District Baptist Association, where he serves as 2nd Vice Moderator. He is president of the Young Pastors & Ministers Division of the Consolidated Missionary Baptist State Convention of Arkansas and was elected as Trustee Board member in 2011. He is the past Moderator of the Antioch Consolidated Baptist Association.
In addition to his district work he also serves his community as he has been appointed to the AR State Board of Health by Gov. Mike Beebe. He has served as partnering pastor of the Four Church Fellowship, a local fellowship of churches purposed to strengthening the body of Christ through worship and educational services.
Pastor Townsend came to Longley in May 2005. Since coming to Longley the church has experienced phenomenal growth in the areas of Ministry, Evangelism, Education as well as Finances. Physically Longley has undergone many improvements to its structure as well. Longley has grown from a membership of 900 to over 2700 to the glory of God and is vastly becoming a beacon light in the Southwest Little Rock area. Pastor Townsend has a heart for reaching the lost and strengthening the saved through expository preaching and intensive bible study classes. He is affectionately referred to as, “The Quiet Storm”, by his colleagues. In 2009 Pastor Townsend recorded his first CD and uses his gift of song to further his call to the ministry.
Pastor Townsend is the proud father of two adult children: Dacimber and D.J.
Follow Pastor Townsend on LinkedIn.
Show Notes:The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
Jesus & John Wayne by Kristin Kobes Du Mez
Race, Religion, & Racism by Frederick K.C. Price
When Helping Hurts by Brian Fikkert & Steve Corbett
Surrounded by Lasha’ Knox
In this episode we talk with Dr. Holly Oxhandler about her book The Soul of the Helper and about the connection between spirituality and mental health. Dr. Oxhandler is an associate professor and associate dean for research and faculty development at Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. We also interview Dr. Oxlander and our own Associate Pastor of Social Work, Kevin Pranoto, about the intersection of church and social work.Holly K. Oxhandler, PhD, LMSW, is an associate professor and associate dean for research and faculty development at Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. For the last 14 years, Dr. Oxhandler has studied and developed tools to assess mental health care providers’ integration of clients’ spirituality in treatment, helping professionals’ infusion of their own faith in their work, and clients’ views toward discussing their spirituality in mental health care.Dr. Oxhandler has written extensively for top professional journals within social work and psychology, and her research has been featured in the Washington Post, Religion News Service, and more. She also co-hosts the weekly podcast CXMH: A Podcast on Faith and Mental Health and is the author of The Soul of the Helper: Seven Stages to Seeing the Sacred Within Yourself So You Can See It in Others.
Show Notes:https://hollyoxhandler.com/
https://hollyoxhandler.substack.com/
CXMH Podcast, @cxmhpodcast
In this episode, we talk with Holly Hollman about do's and don'ts in election season. Holly is the general Council and associate executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee. Together we reflect on the implications of separation of church and state for churches and their leaders during election season.
In this episode we talk with Dr. Cody J. Sanders about LGBTQIA inclusion and the gifts our LGBTQ+ siblings bring to our congregation. Dr. Sanders is the pastor to Old Cambridge Baptist Church in Cambridge, Mass and an American Baptist chaplain to Harvard University. He has written extensively about Christianity and the LGBTQ+ community and […]
In this episode we talk with Dr. Cody J. Sanders about LGBTQIA inclusion and the gifts our LGBTQ+ siblings bring to our congregation. Dr. Sanders is the pastor to Old Cambridge Baptist Church in Cambridge, Mass and an American Baptist chaplain to Harvard University. He has written extensively about Christianity and the LGBTQ+ community and helps us consider how we can be a more compassionately curious congregation that creates space for all God’s people.
In this episode we talk with Dr. Myles Werntz about immigration in the United States. Dr. Wertnz is the Director of Baptist Studies and Associate Professor of Theology at Abilene Christian University. He helps us understand the migrant nature of our own faith and unpacks the history of immingration and its current political and social context.
In this episode we talk with Amanda Tyler, the Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee about Christian Nationalism. We take a look at the various forms of Christian Nationalism and the threat it poses to religious liberty and even democracy itself. We hope you’ll listen and consider signing the Christians Against Christian Nationalism Statement.
In this episode, we talk with Rabbi Eugene Levy about the Jewish American Experience. Rabbi Levy shares with us thoughts on Judaism in today’s culture. He shares what he wants others to understand about the Jewish faith and how that faith has shaped his perspective. We hope this episode creates a greater appreciation for our Jewish brothers and sisters.
In this episode, dropped on May the 4th, we discuss Star Wars and the ways it does and doesn’t relate to our faith. We have a special guest panel for this conversation… Star Wars experts from the youth group. You will learn a lot, be blown away by their deep thoughts, and laugh a little too. May the force be with you!
In this episode we talk with Ragan Sutterfield, an associate rector at Christ Church in Little Rock. We discuss our place in creation, reorienting ourselves as part of creation; not proprietors over but priests within. As Earth Day approaches, we hope this episode will lead you to think deeply about your role within God’s good world.
In this episode, Pastor Preston Clegg reflects on the last week of Jesus’ life. You can journey through the week by listening to each segment daily or by listening to it in its entirety. We hope this episode helps you to engage in this week in a meaningful way.
In this episode we talk with Brian Kaylor, President and Editor in Chief of Word and Way, and Mitch Randall, Chief Executive Officer of Good Faith Media. Good Faith Media and Word and Way are faith-based news outlets with a variety of print and audio platforms. Mitch and Brian share how to discern credible news from their unique perspectives as senior editors. We hope this episode will help on your journey toward truth.
In this episode, best-selling author, Robert P. Jones, discusses the Church’s role in perpetuating white supremacy and the Church’s responsibility in ending it. He challenges us all to join in the work of anti-racism in our communities, churches, and individual lives.
In this episode we talk with Arkansas Senator Joyce Elliott and Pulaski County Circuit and County Clerk, Terry Hollingsworth about voting rights in our country and state. We discuss the history of the right to vote, election integrity, and voting accessibility. We hope this is an informative podcast that inspires you to advocate for election justice.
In this episode, Associate Pastor of Worship Arts, Suzanne Cain, provides a space for grounding and meditation. We take a break from our usual format to care for our souls in the midst of busy world. We hope this provides the rest and restoration you need.
In this episode we talk with three former interns about their experiences at Second Baptist. We are excited to welcome back Chris Redmond who served as both a Student intern and Pastoral intern in 2013 & 2014, Michael Huerter who served as a Pastoral Intern in 2019, and Jillian Mitchell who served as a Pastoral intern in 2020. During this National Mentoring Month, we pause to give thanks for the opportunity to mentor and be mentored and to dream about what this might look like in the future.
In this episode the pastoral staff at Second Baptist reflects on the challenges and joys of 2021 and looks forward to new possibilities in 2022. We hope you enjoy as you look back with us.
In this episode, Pastor, Preston Clegg, and Associate Pastor, Suzanne Cain, talk with Dr. Angela Williams Gorrell about her book The Gravity of Joy: A Story of Being Lost and Found. Dr. Gorrell researches and teaches courses on joy, meaning-making, Christian education and formation, ministry in a new media landscape, and the interconnected nature of mental and spiritual health. She is Assistant Professor of Practical Theology at Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary and an ordained pastor in the Mennonite Church USA with fourteen years of ministry experience.
In this episode we talk with Dr. Hulitt Gloer, Scholar Emeritus and former Interim Pastor at Second Baptist and former Professor of Preaching and Christian Scriptures at Truett Theological Seminary. Dr. Gloer discusses the theme of joy throughout the Gospel of Luke. He’ll help you find it in places you may not have noticed. So grab your Bible and prepare to find joy!
In this episode of Because it Is, Preston talks with Arkansas State Senator Clarke Tucker and State Representative Fredrick Love about the redistricting legislation being passed at both a state and federal level and its disparate racial impact. Senator Tucker is a practicing attorney specializing in litigation. He was elected this year to the state senate. Representative Love is the Director of Community Services for Pulaski County and is serving his sixth term as state representative. This is sure to be an informative and insightful listen!
In this episode Pastor Preston Clegg speaks with Jennifer Verkamp-Ruthven, Sophia Said, & Chris Ellis about the recent resettlement of Afghan refugees in Central Arkansas. They’ll be discussing hopes, challenges, and opportunities for these families and their sponsors. We hope this is an informative and inspirational episode.
In our last episode of Season 2, we talk with Joshua Ang Price, co-founder and first president of the Asian American Pacific Islander Caucus of Arkansas, about his experience as an Asian American in this state. He shares stories about growing up in Arkansas and gives listeners suggestions and resources for how to be an ally to the AAPI community.
“I love Arkansas and I want to see everyone that lives in our beautiful state get along with each other and learn from each other. I think God put us all on this earth, and this is our great mystery--the great mystery of life. We are all puzzle pieces and I think it is going to take all of us coming together to solve that puzzle.”
-Joshua Ang Price
SHOW NOTES:www.stopaapihate.org (a website for reporting AAPI hate crimes)
www.ihollaback.org (bystander training resources)
In this episode we talk with Jeremy Everett, Founder and Executive Director of the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty, about the reality of hunger around the world and in our own communities. We discuss the causes of hunger and the aspects of our faith that compel us to address this problem.
“We have decided that hunger and poverty are acceptable social conditions….We will always have hunger until we decide that everyone has a right to food. When we come to that conclusion, we’ll figure out the logistics.”
In this episode we talk with long-time preacher and professor of homiletics and 2BC Scholar Emeritus, Dr. Hulitt Gloer, about the preaching event. We ponder what good listening entails and what the listener can expect from a sermon. We consider the mystery of the sermon and how it has the power to shatter reality and invoke possibility. Join us as we are challenged to be active participants in the preaching event.
“Preaching is trialogical, there are three entities involved in the preaching event. There is the preacher, the hearer and the Spirit. If the hearer is not participating, both God’s word and the preacher’s words fall on deaf ears. That triangle of preacher, hearer and God...that’s the preaching event.”
-Dr. Hulitt Gloer