Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced the second installment of the “Faces of Arkansas” series, a monthly initiative designed to highlight Arkansans whose stories and portraits hang at the entrance to the Governor’s office. The program was launched to remind both the public and those serving in state government who they work for: the people of Arkansas. Each month, an Arkansan is selected for their dedication to community, the overcoming of personal challenges, or their contributions to local industries, providing a living testament to the resilience and spirit of the state.
This month, Governor Sanders recognized Michael Kornegay of El Dorado, whose work demonstrates how deep connections in small communities can have far-reaching impacts. As Connections Pastor at El Dorado First Assembly, Kornegay focuses on noticing who is present, who may need help, and how to integrate people into the life of the church. “In small towns, connection doesn’t require effort; it requires attention. You learn names quickly. You don’t disappear easily. Community isn’t something you schedule; it happens whether you’re ready or not,” Kornegay said, reflecting on the nature of his work.
Kornegay’s role in the church aligns closely with the 10:33 Initiative, a statewide pilot program launched by Governor Sanders in October to bring together government agencies, community organizations, and local churches to address both immediate and long-term needs. Union County, where El Dorado is located, is one of three pilot counties selected for the program’s first year, alongside Pulaski and Pope counties. For Kornegay and his church, the initiative represents a continuation of their long-standing commitment to community, emphasizing presence, support, and relationship-building.
Kornegay’s journey to ministry was not straightforward. Originally studying photography and videography at Southern Arkansas University, he had planned a career behind the camera. But in 2013, just before completing his bachelor’s degree, he felt a calling to ministry. “I felt like the Lord wanted me to go into ministry,” he recalled. “And my first thought was, how do you do that without a ministry degree?”
Despite the pull toward pastoral work, Kornegay was advised by his mentor not to rush into ministry. “Ministry, he was warned, is hard. People don’t come to pastors when life is smooth; they come when there’s crisis and chaos.” Respecting that guidance, he waited, spending seven years preparing himself for the role that would eventually define his career. That clarity arrived in March 2020, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As churches moved online and community connections were disrupted, Kornegay’s background in media became unexpectedly valuable, allowing him to help maintain connection when it mattered most.
Today, his work centers on helping people find their place from the moment they enter the church. He develops systems to ensure no one is overlooked and guides newcomers into life groups, where faith and community are practiced beyond church services. “We’ll never be able to pastor everyone,” Kornegay said. “That happens in small groups, people doing life together.”
The 10:33 Initiative mirrors this approach on a statewide scale. Using Restore Hope’s HopeHub, a collaborative case-management and data-sharing platform active in 19 Arkansas counties, individuals are paired with community advocates who coordinate with faith and community partners. This system addresses immediate needs while promoting long-term stability in housing, healthcare, and employment. Participants are then guided to programs like Arkansas LAUNCH for job opportunities, training, and career development.
Pastor Daniel Egger of El Dorado First Assembly emphasizes that this work is deeply rooted in faith, a core mission of the church. Through the initiative, Kornegay demonstrates that connection is transformative. “Through relationships formed organically, he has traveled from South Arkansas to South Africa and parts of Asia, walking alongside church leaders and helping new believers grow into roles they didn’t yet feel ready for,” Sanders’ announcement notes. Each trip began with simple conversations and relationships, often leading to global impact.
For Kornegay, El Dorado represents more than just a small Arkansas town—it serves as a hub from which resources, relationships, and support flow outward into South Arkansas and beyond. His philosophy is straightforward: remain available and responsive. “The light’s always green until it’s red,” he said. “If it fits the mission, we say yes.” By embracing opportunities as they arise, whether through local partnerships or international missions, Kornegay ensures that the work of connection remains consistent and purposeful.
Rooted in his Arkansas upbringing, Kornegay was shaped by time spent in Hot Springs and Magnolia. Those small-town experiences instilled an understanding of the importance of relationships and the strength of community. In these close-knit environments, everyone is noticed, everyone matters, and each connection has the potential to grow into something significant. Kornegay’s global engagements illustrate how these principles extend far beyond local borders, translating small-town attention to the needs of people thousands of miles away.
Governor Sanders highlighted Kornegay’s story as part of the Faces of Arkansas initiative to demonstrate how individual Arkansans embody the values of service, community, and connection. The series is displayed at the entrance of the Governor’s office, with each participant’s portrait, profile, and short video providing insight into the lives of those shaping the state from every corner. “Arkansas thrives because of people like Michael Kornegay who step up, serve faithfully, and foster connection in their communities,” Sanders said.
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Michael Kornegay’s journey underscores a central theme of the Faces of Arkansas series: the impact of individuals who show up, work alongside others, and prioritize relationships. From his early calling to ministry to leading initiatives like 10:33, he exemplifies how dedication and availability can create meaningful change. By focusing on both local and global connections, Kornegay bridges small-town values with expansive reach, proving that commitment to people can resonate far beyond immediate surroundings.
Through programs like the 10:33 Initiative and HopeHub, Kornegay’s work demonstrates the tangible benefits of combining faith, organization, and intentional outreach. The initiative emphasizes long-term solutions alongside immediate relief, highlighting a holistic approach to service that addresses not only physical needs but also personal and spiritual growth. By connecting individuals to employment, education, and community support systems, the program reinforces the idea that lasting impact stems from relationships rather than transactions.
In a state where small towns often feel overlooked, Kornegay’s work and recognition serve as a reminder that the biggest connections can begin in the most modest settings. His experiences reflect the broader mission of Faces of Arkansas: to honor the people whose everyday dedication ensures that communities thrive, opportunities are accessible, and hope is tangible. By recognizing individuals like Kornegay, the Governor’s office highlights the principle that service is most effective when grounded in human relationships and attentive care.
From his early years in Hot Springs to his global travels, Michael Kornegay’s story demonstrates that leadership and impact are not solely measured by titles or positions but by the ability to be present, notice needs, and create systems that ensure no one is left behind. Whether guiding newcomers in a church pew or coordinating a statewide initiative, he embodies the values of connection, faith, and responsiveness.
As January’s Face of Arkansas, Kornegay stands as a symbol of how local dedication and relationship-driven service can resonate on a much larger scale. His story encourages others to remain attentive to the people around them, take action where needed, and embrace opportunities to make meaningful contributions. In his view, impact is not about seeking recognition but about staying available, showing up, and responding to needs as they arise.
In highlighting Michael Kornegay, Governor Sanders underscores that the essence of public service lies in connection, commitment, and the consistent effort to improve the lives of those around us. By celebrating Arkansans whose work touches both local and global communities, Faces of Arkansas reminds residents that leadership is rooted in humanity, care, and the willingness to step into roles that make a difference.
Ultimately, Michael Kornegay’s story is a testament to the power of relationships, the importance of community, and the value of saying yes when opportunity calls. In a small Arkansas town with a global reach, he has shown that some of the most significant connections often begin with simple attention, dedication, and a willingness to serve.
