The Forge - a Church of the Nazarene
Loving God, Loving Others, Loving Little Rock
Bobby Howard
Pastor
Pastor Bobby Howard grew up in Western Oklahoma, attended Southern Nazarene University and has spent over twenty years in ministry as both a Youth Pastor and a Senior Pastor.
He married Amy in 1996 who is the love of his life and his partner in ministry. They have four children (Maci, Wyatt, Colby and Grady) who keep them very busy. The Howards love laughing around the dinner table, attending school / sports events and traveling.
Pastor Bobby began his ministry at Little Rock First in October of 2013 after serving churches in Oklahoma and Colorado. He has served in various positions and on several boards including District Secretary, District Advisory Board, Camp Board, Ministerial Credentials Board, District Sunday School Board and as a Trustee to Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho.
Pastor Bobby believes that a minister’s love for his people determines his power as a preacher and he loves his friends, family and flock of Little Rock First!
Rita Powell
Discipleship Pastor
Rita joined the staff at Little Rock First Nazarene in May 2010, coming to us from Little Rock First Nazarene. She grew up in this church, singing in the children’s choirs, teen groups, adult choir, and any other group that was around. Her passion for learning spills over into her desire to lead the church into discipleship through the Bible studies, small groups, and personal devotions. She has earned a certificate in Worship Arts from Trevecca Nazarene University and is ordained as a deacon in the Church of the Nazarene. She and her husband, David, have been involved in almost every area of ministry since getting married in 1984. David has been the youth director since 2006, leading them in retreats, mission trips, Bible quizzing, and discipleship. David and Rita enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren, and going to see Mickey and Minnie as often as possible.
Amy Howard
Children's Minister
Amy joined our staff as Children’s Minister in January 2016. She grew up loving the church and has served in various children’s ministry positions since she was a teenager. She loves children and seeks to offer them a real knowledge of the love of Jesus and the joy in serving Him. Amy married her husband, Bobby, in 1996 and they have 4 beautiful children. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and crafting.
Kathy Forrester
Office Secretary
Kathy Forrester has been the office secretary at Little Rock First Church since June of 1996. Kathy grew up in Michigan and relocated to Little Rock with her husband, Jim, in 1984. They started attending First Church and immediately got involved in the ministry of the church. Kathy teaches our Nursery Class on Sunday mornings, sings in the choir, and serves as the President of our Nazarene Mission International. In addition to her normal secretarial duties, Kathy publishes the church’s monthly newsletter, The Builder’s Stone. Kathy and Jim have two children and four grandchildren who are all connected to the church.
