02 Jan 2026 Five-Oh-Ones to Watch 2026: Rev. J. Wayne Clark
By Colleen Holt
The Rev. J. Wayne Clark has been a helper all of his life and continues that attitude through his vocation as president and CEO of the Methodist Foundation of Arkansas. “I work with a wonderful staff who manage funds for Methodist churches and institutions, and distribute grants to strengthen and expand Methodist ministries across Arkansas. We don’t just help churches; we help churches help their neighbors, too. It’s rewarding work,” Clark said.
As for the foundation’s staff, they ALL could be considered Five-Oh-Ones to Watch! “I am very blessed to work with the people I work with and the work we get to do. Our work with churches and individuals encourages them to think about ways to help make life better for more citizens of Arkansas. We also provide leadership and spiritual training for clergy and laypersons,” he said.
Clark also has many blessings at home. These include his wife, Rynnett Ritter Clark, and his daughters, Nichola, who is married to Joe Maschman, and Natalie, who is married to Will Reynolds. Plus, he has a new granddaughter, Aurelia Elizabeth Maschman.
He grew up in Malvern but lived in Conway for more than 25 years. He and Rynnett moved to Little Rock a few years ago after a full career of preaching and teaching. “In many ways, my profession chose me. I felt a call to ministry in college. My diverse ministries (church pastor, college and hospital chaplain, fundraiser) have all helped me to reach the position I find myself in now,” he said.
An accomplishment of which Clark is most proud is helping people discern their own vocation — “including some who have discerned a call to ministry” — providing hope by helping people match their passions with their gifts to form their legacy. He has joined with his work colleagues to serve meals with Canvas Community in downtown Little Rock and helps at First United Methodist Church in Conway. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, traveling and water sports.
“Central Arkansas people have good hearts and know how to show Southern hospitality. I love that I live in an area of caring people who look out for their neighbors,” said Clark. “One time, I hosted the Executive Committee for the National College and University Chaplains organization. Members came from all over the country and many had never been to Arkansas — some really didn’t have a desire to come here. But after their time in Central Arkansas, they all said many of the stereotypes they had held were unfounded and they now loved the state.”
This year, Clark plans to expand the work that the foundation does across the state. “I hope more churches and institutions will discover all the services and benefits we provide and place funds with us. By doing so, that will only increase the number of grants we can award to make Arkansas even better.”
His family will help him stay steady and unwavering in the new year. “My family inspires me to do better for them and for the community at large,” he said. “I am inspired to be someone who is compassionate, honest and fair, who treats and shows respect to the person in the board room the same way as the person standing in the food line, and to put others first, especially those who don’t have the same privileges.”
