First Pentecostals of Benton

Leadership Burrell Crabtree -Senior Pastor Burrell Crabtree began his ministry in 1982 at the First Pentecostals of Benton (FPB) by serving as Student Pastor and Administrator of Calvary Christian Academy (K-12 ministry of FPB). In 1984, Burrell added to his ministry by marrying Stephanie Kuykendall of Alexandria, Louisiana. Together, they grew their ministry continuing to reach students through FPB and CCA. In 1990, the Crabtree’s became pastor of a home missions work in Clinton, Arkansas. For close to six years, Burrell served as senior pastor in Clinton. During this time he also served as AR District Section 7 Youth Director and sat on the AR District Youth Committee. In July 1993, Burrell became an ordained minister with the United Pentecostal Church International. It wasn’t until June 1995 that the congregation of FPB asked him to return home to become their Associate Pastor. Burrell and Stephanie became Senior Pastors of FPB in 2007. “God has blessed Stephanie and me by allowing us to minister in my home church.” Burrell and Stephanie have three children: Rachel, Jessica (and husband, Jared) and Bryan.

Leadership James Richard -Assistant Pastor James Richard is currently serving the First Pentecostals of Benton as Assistant Pastor. James graduated from Jackson College of Ministries in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1988 with a BA in Theology. He returned home to El Dorado, Arkansas, to become Youth Pastor until 1993 then Director of Sunday School from 1993 to 1996. James has been involved in home mission efforts in Dumas and Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. James and his wife, Renee’, became a part of the First Pentecostals of Benton (FPB) in April 2005. “I fully envision a great spiritual outpouring in Benton and I strive to be a part of it.” James married Renee’ Wright in February 1992. They have one son, Gabriel. James is a commercial beekeeper and enjoys hunting, fishing and anything outdoors. “I love God, my family and people!”

Leadership O.D. Crabtree -Bishop O.D. Crabtree serves as Bishop of the First Pentecostals of Benton (FPB). His call to the ministry came during his ten year career in the building supply business. It was then, he began the transition from business to pastorate of the First Pentecostal Church in Sulfur Rock, Arkansas in 1974. O.D. and his wife, Jane, moved their family to Benton to serve as Senior Pastor of the First Pentecostals of Benton in 1979. During his pastorate at FPB, Bishop Crabtree also served in the Department of Home Missions for the AR District-United Pentecostal Church International. It was during this service that he established the “Church in a Day” program. This program provided home mission pastors with a church building, walls up and in the dry, constructed in one day with a crew of workers from various churches across Arkansas. In 2007, after 28 years as Senior Pastor of FPB, O.D. passed the mantle of Senior Pastor to his son, Burrell, and was named Bishop. “Over the 28 years God allowed me to serve as Senior Pastor of The First Pentecostals of Benton, I watched God develop ordinary people into men and women of faith. I have been blessed to have many young men and women grow up in this church and see God prepare them for His work, taking them to places in the Kingdom of God across our fellowship.” Bishop Crabtree holds the longest tenure as pastor at FPB. Bishop Crabtree has been married to Jane Doolin Crabtree for 50 years. They have four children: Burrell (and wife Stephanie), Jerry (and wife Brandi), Lucinda (and husband Mark) and Pamela (and husband Tim). The Crabtree’s have 11 grandchildren.

Leadership Chris Lepper -Young Adults Pastor

Leadership Bryan Crabtree -Student Pastor

Our Mission Mission To provide a place where all people can find Jesus Christ and experience life change through worship, discipleship, and fellowship. Purpose First Pentecostals of Benton exists to grow and establish believers, share and bring hope, strengthen families, and to create a church family that all may call home. In everything we do as a church, we will endeavor to filter our activities and ministries through our mission and purpose. Pastor's Vision To be a 21st century Apostolic Church in principle, practice, and power. To introduce our community to Jesus Christ, the One true God, thus evangelizing our city, touching our nation and changing our world.

What We Believe We believe in the great commission and are endeavoring to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with love, mercy, and compassion. We believe there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4). He is the creator of heaven and earth, and of all living beings. He has revealed Himself to humanity as the Father (Creator), the Son (Savior), and the the Holy Ghost (indwelling Spirit). We believe in water baptism by immersion in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sin. Through baptism we identify with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3-6; Colossians 2:11-14; Acts 2:38) More information on “Why we Baptize” and Baptism Permission Form for Minors We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the initial sign of speaking in other tongues (Acts 2:4). We believe in the manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He ministers to His people through tongues, interpretation of tongues, prophecy; words of knowledge and wisdom, discerning of spirits, faith, working of miracles, healing, helps, and government. (Mark 16:15-18; Acts 5:16; 2 Corinthians 12:1-11)

Worship Services Gathering together for worship is a highlight of life at FPB. With energetic singing, heart-felt worship, and anointed preaching, these services are refreshing. We have a dynamic main worship team, as well as student and children's worship teams. All of them passionate about worshipping our Savior. Service Times Sunday Morning Prayer - 9:00 AM Morning Worship - 10:00 AM Evening Worship - 6:00 PM Wednesday Evening Classes - 7:30-8:30 PM Children Wednesday - 7:30 PM Students Wednesday - 7:30 PM Location Directly located off I-30 in Benton, Arkansas, First Pentecostals of Benton can be found at 16412 I-30 N, Benton, Arkansas, 72019-3605.

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Our Church History The First Pentecostals of Benton celebrates over 100 years of rich, Apostolic heritage in the Benton Area. Without a doubt it all started with a burden, desire and hunger for God to touch the lives of people in Benton, Arkansas. In 1909, Rev. Howard A. Goss held the first service in the home of Mrs. Nancy Orr. Later that same year, Rev. Goss held a tent revival where Benton Senior High School is now located. It was this revival that sparked the beginning of the First Pentecostals. In 1909, with converts from this revival Rev. H.E. Reed founded the church. The first church building was located at 4th & Columbia Streets. It was destroyed by fire in 1918 and rebuilt on 2nd & Maple Streets. In 1935, the church became affiliated with the United Pentecostal Church Organization. That same year, fire destroyed the building once again. A lot was purchased on 3rd & Columbia and services were held in the Perry Martin Building until construction was completed in 1957. From this humble beginning has evolved a church that has touched the lives of people around the world. It has been evident from the start that God has His hand on this assembly. The dream and vision of our founders has increased itself several times over. As each generation throughout time has added their dream and increased their vision, a fruitful church has been produced and the story has only just begun... It is our prayer the Apostolic heritage conceived in 1910 will continue to extend into the lives of our community, nation and world. If you or someone you know has knowledge or information concerning FPB’s 100 year legacy, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at 501-778-6974 or email us at firstpentecostals@sbcglobal.net

Leadership Paul Moran -Evangelism Pastor Paul Moran is currently serving as Evangelism Pastor for the First Pentecostals of Benton. Paul was raised in a pastor's home in Maryland. He was called to ministry at age 15 and has worked in many ministries found within the church. He became a licensed minister with the United Pentecostal Church International in 2010. Paul, and his wife Lisa, joined First Pentecostals of Benton in 2011 along with their two children José and Raquel. "Our mission for Evangelism is: To share Jesus through our love, testimonies,and actions to all who are lacking." - Paul Moran