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For the past 18 years, Stacey Owens has been the welcoming face behind the front office at Second Baptist Church in Monticello. But those who know her understand that her role extends far beyond answering phones or balancing the books.
To Owens, every task is an opportunity to serve.
“I see it as a ministry,” she said.
Born in Dermott and raised in Selma, Owens attended school there until the eighth grade before the district consolidated with Drew Central. She graduated from Drew Central High School in 1984.
At one point, Owens worked for Maxwell Hardwood Flooring before joining the Advance-Monticellonian as an advertising sales representative. One of her clients was Second Baptist Church, and when the church’s secretary position became available under then-Pastor Jimmy Albrecht, she felt God calling her in a different direction.
“I believe it was a journey God put me on,” Owens said.
She accepted the position in May 2008 and has faithfully served the congregation ever since.
Owens credits the people who invested in her throughout her life for shaping the woman she has become. She speaks fondly of her Sunday school teachers, school teachers and grandparents, but says one of her greatest influences was her father.
“My Pop showed me the way also. We lost him a year and a half ago,” Owens said.
Although her title is church secretary, Owens’ responsibilities encompass far more than office work. She manages the church’s bookkeeping, answers phones, welcomes visitors and oversees countless day-to-day details that keep the church operating smoothly.
Many of the tasks she handles happen quietly behind the scenes. She coordinates Vacation Bible School registrations, organizes decorations and activities, and helps ensure ministries have everything they need to serve the congregation and community.
She also plays an integral role in operating the church’s food pantry, a ministry she helped establish after the Arkansas Foodbank contacted Second Baptist about becoming a partner agency. Owens completed the required paperwork and attended meetings to launch the pantry.
“The whole process went so fast,” Owens recalled. “That just shows it was God’s plan.”
For Owens, however, the greatest reward isn’t completing a project or checking another item off her to-do list. It’s the opportunity to love and encourage others.
“I love people, and to be a Christian, you need to share the love of Christ,” Owens said. “Someone is always going through something, so we need to be there to help.”
Whether someone walks through the church doors seeking prayer, encouragement or simply a hug, Owens wants every person to know they are welcomed and cared for.
“We are here to help,” Owens said. “We want to show we care. These are our neighbors, and we hope they can see Jesus through us.”
While she once served in children’s ministry and still has a special love for working with children, Owens believes every ministry—whether public or behind the scenes—has eternal value.
When asked what she enjoys most about serving at Second Baptist, her answer came without hesitation.
“The people,” Owens said.
She also appreciates the peaceful atmosphere the church provides, describing it as a place where she can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life while focusing on serving others.
Looking back, Owens says one of her greatest blessings has been her own spiritual journey.
“My spiritual growth in Christ and my knowledge of God,” Owens stated when asked about her most rewarding experience.
She also considers overcoming life’s hardships through her faith to be her greatest personal accomplishment.
“Overcoming a lot of struggles in my life, which would not have happened without the Lord,” Owens added.
For those who feel called to serve in ways that may never receive public recognition, Owens offers simple but meaningful advice.
“Pray about it,” Owens said. “We can all say we want to do it, but does He want us to do it?”
She also encourages others to approach service with humility.
“Serve through the eyes of Christ and be humble,” Owens stated.
Outside of church, Owens enjoys reading, traveling, caring for her plants and spending time with her grandchildren. She also serves as a board member for Hope Place of Monticello, continuing her commitment to helping others beyond the walls of the church.
When asked what she loves most about Drew County, Owens pointed not to its places, but to its people.
“We have great people here,” Owens said. “We care for one another and take care of each other. This is my home county.”
Her personal motto—“Live, Laugh, Love”—is reflected in the compassion and kindness she shares with those around her each day.
While many of her contributions happen quietly and without recognition, the impact of Owens’ faithful service can be seen in the lives she has touched. Through a warm smile, a listening ear, a helping hand or a heartfelt prayer, she reminds others that some of the most meaningful acts of service are often the ones carried out behind the scenes.
For Owens, serving others has never been about recognition. It has always been about reflecting Christ’s love—one person, one prayer and one act of kindness at a time.
