Pastor

Ladd and Jennifer Hurst first met as toddlers in the church nursery in Jonesboro, Arkansas. What began as childhood friendship grew into a teenage romance, and in 1996 they were married. Nearly three decades later, their love for each other and for God continues to deepen.

Together, they have served in ministry as Youth Pastors, Music Ministers, and Assistants to the Pastor in Greenwood, Arkansas. In May of 2009, God led them to The Sanctuary Church, where they continue to serve faithfully.

Ladd and Jennifer are the proud parents of two children, Hensley and Hayden. While family time at home is deeply important to them, they also enjoy life in Fort Smith. You might find them strolling down Garrison Avenue, taking in the local atmosphere, or even riding the Ferris Wheel at The West End Park. They love the culture and community of Fort Smith and are excited to see all that God is doing in this city.

Students

Graham and Diana Sergeant’s story began in 2018 at the mall, where Graham’s persistence paid off after three polite rejections and, three months later, one Instagram message that finally got a response. Their very first date was to Allsup’s for burritos—and the rest was history. The two were married in 2020.

The Lord did a quick work in their lives from the moment they joined the Church of Pentecost in San Angelo, Texas, in 2020. In 2022, God led them to The Sanctuary, where they knew without question this was the place He was calling them to call home. In 2023, Graham and Diana stepped into the role of Youth Pastors, and they couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity to serve.

With a deep love for their students and a burden for young people all across the River Valley, Graham and Diana are excited for all God is doing at The Sanctuary and are expectant for even greater things to come.

Children

We are Manuel and Misty Gonzalez, and our journey together began with our marriage in May 2014. Shortly after, life took us on an exhilarating ride—getting married, relocating to Fort Smith for work, and finding our spiritual home at The Sanctuary Church, all within a month.

The Sanctuary has been our refuge and support through many pivotal moments, including the joyful arrivals of our daughters, Micaela in August 2016 and Maylee in August 2018. In 2024, we were honored to step into the role of Children's Ministers, a position that allows us to share our passion for nurturing young hearts in faith.

The children's class has been a true blessing in our lives, bringing us immense joy and fulfillment. We eagerly anticipate all that God has in store for every ministry at The Sanctuary Church and are excited to grow alongside our community in faith and love.