Our pastors & staff

Pastor / Elder

Allen S. Nelson IV

Pastor Allen has served as one of the elders of Providence Baptist Church since June 2016. He is a 2004 graduate of Perryville High School, holds a B.A. in History from Arkansas Tech University, and a Master of Divinity from Grace Bible Theological Seminary.

Commonly known as “Cuatro” in his hometown (just ask him about it!), Allen has a heart for the people of Perry County and longs to see them come to know the God of the Bible in Christ — becoming disciples of Jesus who make more disciples of Jesus.

In his spare time Allen enjoys his wife Stephanie, their sons Bradyn, Caleb, and Haddon, and daughters Ella, Piper, and Margie; building relationships with people; reading; sports (watching, coaching, and playing); and the outdoors.

Allen is the author of From Death to Life: How Salvation Works (2018, Free Grace Press), Before the Throne: Reflections on God’s Holiness (2019), A Change of Heart: Understanding Regeneration and Why It Matters (2023), and The Gospel According to Christmas (2025). He is also the host of the Rural Church Podcast.

Pastor / Elder

Jacob Robinson

Pastor Jacob has been in ministry since 2014. He graduated from Dardanelle High School in 2010, earned a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas Tech, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. He currently works at Dardanelle High School.

Jacob and his wife Taylor have been married since 2016 and have three children: Trey, Jack, and Jace. He loves spending time with his family, hunting, and is an avid sports fan. A former pastor of a small church near Dardanelle, Jacob loves the River Valley and has spent his entire ministry in Central Arkansas — particularly Perry and Yell counties.

Jacob’s motivation for ministry and evangelism is the conviction that Christ is worthy of His name being proclaimed, no matter the result, and worthy of healthy local churches that desire to be biblical rather than popular.

Jacob and his family first visited Providence in 2022, and our church family quickly fell in love with them. He began filling the pulpit and teaching Sunday School, and the church, recognizing his giftedness, maturity, and holy life, called him to serve as an elder in April 2023.

Song Leader & Youth Director

Gunner Madewell

Gunner and his wife Liz have been married since 2015 and have five children. They came to Providence in 2017, and Gunner began almost immediately helping teach the children and leading music from time to time on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights.

In 2022 he began leading worship in song every week, and he teaches our youth in Sunday School and on Wednesday nights. Gunner loves evangelism, both one-on-one and street preaching. He is a gifted brother with a beautiful family.