Pastor Mike moved to Arkansas to plant Friendship Baptist Church 29 years ago. He was blessed to grow up in a pastor’s home as the oldest child of Jack and Nancy Stanley. He and his brother David and sisters Jackie, Libby and Joanna were involved in ministry from their earliest years. This foundation allowed our pastor to not only come to faith in Jesus at an early age, but also to develop a great love for the body of Christ. He is eternally grateful for the wonderful parents the Lord gave him and their continued influence upon his life.
After high school graduation he attended junior college with the idea of advancing his baseball career. Playing ball was first and foremost in his life until the Lord intervened. He answered God’s call to preach the gospel in February of 1979 and later married the love of his life Peggy Jo Gaines in June. After a short stint at a college in Texas Pastor Mike realized that his heart was no longer in a baseball career and the newlyweds moved to Stilwell, Oklahoma when First Baptist Church brought him on staff to serve as an assistant pastor and bus director. While on staff at FBC he completed his bachelor’s degree at Northeastern State University graduating in 1982. He trained in practical ministry during his 10 years of ministry at FBC and was the associate pastor from 1986 before resigning in March of 1990 to move to Arkansas.
From the earliest days of their marriage the Stanleys had a desire for children and a godly home. The the Lord gave them the desires of their heart with the births of Ruth, Micaiah, Rebekah, Rachel, Michael, Sarah, Hannah, Jonathan and baby Esther who was stillborn. The eldest seven children are happily married and have blessed our Pastor and Mrs. Stanley with 29 grandchildren. Jonathan is still at home and going to college and working.
As a child and youth our pastor loved the outdoors and athletic competition and he’s not outgrown either since. He remains an avid outdoorsman and enjoys playing softball regularly. He also serves as a district chaplain over six counties for the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission and has worked as an outdoor writer. For many years he has been an active Hunter Education instructor as well.
Our pastor not only serves our local church family with joy, but travels to other churches and mission fields to help strengthen the hands and homes of God’s people. He does many family/marriage conferences and meetings each year as doors are open. His passion and heart is to help people understand their identity and high calling Christ Jesus. His life verse is from 2 Corinthians 4:18: