Our Pastor

Bishop Steven M. Arnold is a visionary native of greater Little Rock, Arkansas and the founding Pastor of The City of Grace in Little Rock, Arkansas.  Bishop Arnold is an All American football graduate of the North Little Rock Arkansas School District and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas. Bishop has been blessed with 5 children and fifteen grandchildren.  Bishop Arnold enjoys being a pastor, mentor, grandfather, and playing checkers.  One may even see him on the wrong side of the tracks for not only receiving a haircut, but also for see him being a light and salt to the general community.  

Bishop Arnold’s passion for God and His people can be seen throughout his dedication of preaching the Gospel.  Growing up on the wrong side of the tracks in North Little Rock, Arkansas was just one of the beginning stages of development that God used to shape Bishop Arnold into the man he is today.  Having accepted Christ at the age of 17; called into the ministry at the age of 22 and ordained one year later; Bishop Arnold has been preaching a relevant Word for over 30 years.  Bishop Arnold has transformed into a man of character, humility, courage, grace, and wisdom.  God has poured His oil over Bishop Arnold and has anointed him to become a leader who elevates, inspires and influences others.  Bishop Arnold is a servant after God’s own heart, not just in title or position, but one who leads by example and action.   

Bishop Arnold states; “I strive to impact the lives of every believer entrusted to me so that they might be able to make a difference in the lives of those around them.  That is what the church should be about; meeting the needs of others.” 
Bishop Arnold spent four years (1984 – 1988) as the Senior Pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Bald Knob, Arkansas until he transferred to St. Mark Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas as the Assistant Pastor under the leadership of the Rev. Maurice Watson.  Within a year, Bishop Arnold was promoted to Senior Pastor of St. Mark Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas and served as Senior Pastor for 21 years.   In November 2010, Bishop Arnold was given a new assignment and founded Grace Temple in Little Rock, Arkansas.  Five years later, Bishop Arnold was given an expanded vision to “build God a city”.  Grace Temple became the foundation for God’s City and was renamed as The City of Grace.   

The City of Grace is a city of citizens that now encompasses a vision that is God inspired and kingdom driven.  Our Mission Statement is specifically commissioned “reaching and restoring by love and grace. In June 2016, The City of Grace West Location purchased land at 4124 S. Shackleford Corporate Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.  July, 2 2017, The City of Grace East Location conducted its first service on newly purchased property located at 8000 East Port Drive in Little Rock, Arkansas.  In March of 2020, the world as we new changed because of COVID. February 2021 God opened up a door  to connect with the Grace Church on Cantrell road. Bishop Arnold is married to the love of his Life Shanta Arnold together they have 6 children.

There are numerous of accomplishments that Bishop Arnold has achieved over the years.  However, the greatest accomplishment to be mentioned is his obedience to love God, love others and the commitment to be about his Father’s business.   Bishop Arnold continues to walk in obedience to the heavenly vision while being anchored in faith.