About Our Church

Cheryl Atkinson has been married to Pastor Kevin Atkinson for 35 years. Together, they are blessed with eight children and two granddaughters.

Cheryl has a heart for serving others and has been actively involved in ministry alongside her husband for many years. For more than seven years, she has served as the Director of Women’s Ministries for the North Arkansas District, encouraging and equipping women in their faith and service.

For the past three years, Cheryl has also served as the NYI (Nazarene Youth International) President for TLC. She has worked with teenagers in various ministry capacities for more than 15 years, partnering with her husband to mentor, encourage, and help young people grow in their faith.

Above all, Cheryl is passionate about family, ministry, and investing in the lives of others.

I grew up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, as the oldest of nine siblings. I accepted Christ in 1985 during Sunday school in a large Baptist church. I enjoy serving in those obscure places that make the church run smoothly (behind-the-scenes work), but I am most often placed in the capacity to serve out in the open.

I married Cheryl Morehead in 1991. We have adopted all 8 of our children (Dakota, Stephanie, Madison, Sarah, Georgia, Josh, Tyler & Jacob). All but one was homeschooled & Josh is forever 14. The children are considered to be "special needs," although many just struggled in one way or another; however, all have different vocations ranging from small businesses of their own to high-paying jobs in business administration and psychology/counseling in Little Rock, Arkansas (Sarah has her masters). Two of the oldest and two of the youngest still live at home.

I am just one semester away from a double major in Art and Music education at the University of Central Arkansas, 18 hours short of my MDiv from Nazarene Theological Seminary, and an ordained elder of the Nazarene church. I have completed my B.S. in Psychology and Social Services, which I achieved in 2009 from Central Baptist College.

I have been in Ministry since 1991, serving as Youth Pastor at Stamps, Worship Pastor at Cornerstone Church, Small group Pastor at Harvest (Under Pastor Tim Bullington), Sr. Pastor at Danville and Cabot Church of the Nazarene, Family Pastor at Calvary Church, Served as Camp Director of N.A.R.K. YOUTH under Peter Cline, N.Y.I. Pastor. I now serve faithfully as Sunday School Superintendent and Worship of Arts Pastor at T.L.C.

My heart is to be a teacher-servant whose gift is to serve and guide individuals into their gifts. In turn, I hope that in so doing, people will be led to a deeper relationship in Christ, be committed to serving our church community, and faithfully serve the community around them.

Please call me Diane. I grew up as a dependent of a Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy. I was born in Quonset Point, Rhode Island, and grew up in the Catholic faith, but as an adult, I rededicated my life to Christ in the Nazarene faith. I strive to be a dedicated servant of God whose passion is ministering to children and leading them to have a personal relationship with Jesus and seek Him daily.

I married Harold Settle in 1986, and together, we have four children, ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Rachel is a registered nurse in Sacramento, California, and Milissa is a registered nurse at the LRAFB and is also in the Air National Guard. Michelle is a Pharmacist, and Michael is a small business owner in the pool industry, both living in the North Little Rock area.

I have a passion for children, teaching Sunday school and Children's Missions for over 25 years in Little Rock. I also served as Director of Missions for the South Arkansas District for two years during this time period. With the start-up of Trinity Life Church of the Nazarene (TLC) in Maumelle, I was elected as the Children's Director for the church. To me, teaching children about Jesus is not just a job, it's my life, and it is what God has called me to do. One of my main goals is to encourage children to trust in the promises of God. This goal is addressed in my favorite scripture:

Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

I retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield, where I worked for 36 years. I enjoy time with my family, playing games on the iPad, and doing crafts. I am a charter member of TLC's Crossroad Campers.

Cynthia D. Smith, BSE

(Cindy) was born in Des Arc, AR to James and Lucille Humphries.  Cindy graduated from Beebe High School and earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Immediately following graduation, Cindy married the love of her life Richard Smith.  Cindy and Richard have one son, James Paul.  James Paul is married to Rachel and they have one daughter, Amelia and a son Alex.

Cindy taught school in the private and public settings for 34 years.  She has been active in children’s ministries since her high school days.  She has taught Sunday School, Children’s Church, and directed children’s musicals. Cindy has directed over 30 V.B.S. programs.  While she has retired from teaching school she will never retire from working with children at church.  Her greatest joy is helping children know God as their personal Savior.

Cindy also has a heart for women’s ministry.  She enjoys serving with the ladies of T.L.C.  The ladies come together to enjoy bible Study, women’s retreat, our yearly favorite things party and many other activities.

Cindy is excited about the future of Trinity Life Church.  She enjoys the loving and spirit filled fellowship of TLC.  It is her privilege to serve this wonderful church.

Rev. David Ruehr serves as lead pastor of Trinity Life Church, bringing more than a decade of pastoral ministry, teaching, and community leadership to the congregation. From 2012 to 2022, he served in the United Methodist Church, where he gained experience in preaching, discipleship, pastoral care, church leadership, and community outreach.

David holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Asbury University and a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary. He currently serves bi-vocationally, ministering at Trinity Life while teaching fourth-grade mathematics in a public school. His work in both the church and classroom reflects his commitment to helping people grow in faith, wisdom, and service. Rooted in the Wesleyan tradition, David is passionate about proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, forming Christlike disciples, and leading the church into mission within the community.

He and his wife are the parents of four children and call Central Arkansas home.