by Lucas Potts
I recently sat down with Mayor Derrick Rainey of Wrightsville, Arkansas, to discuss leadership, community, and the roles individuals play within them. As a Civic Arkansas Activator, public servant, and a youth pastor, Rainey shared how his faith, values, and (more recently) the Civic Arkansas Credential have shaped his approach to civic engagement.
Rainey’s journey began when he was licensed as a youth pastor straight out of high school in 2004. After college, he was ordained in 2012 and went on to serve in ministries across Little Rock, including his current role at Longley Baptist Church. His path also included work with AmeriCorps City Year and the Clinton School, eventually leading to his election as mayor in 2022. Today, in addition to leading Wrightsville, he also works under the University of the Ozarks grant as a contractor with the Institute and Civic Arkansas Credential workshop, focusing on faith and community.
What drives your work in public service and community leadership?
Public service was modeled for me long before I had a name for it. My parents served in our church and the community. Setting an example for my daughter also plays a role and serves as my call to action. I believe every person deserves access to opportunity, dignity, and hope.
What are three words you would use to describe Wrightsville today?
Resilient, rooted, and rising. Our resilience has proven itself time and time again. We are rooted in our values, our families, and our land. And now it’s time to rise — just like a phoenix. I want us to continue growing and evolving so we’re not facing the same challenges 15 years from now.
What does civic engagement mean to you? And why would you say it is critical for communities like Wrightsville?
I would say being able to use your time, talent, and treasure to make whatever community you’re a part of better, even pointing out the things that are wrong, but then being willing to get in the trenches. Some people might think that civic engagement is just having a loud voice. That isn’t helpful (even though it’s necessary).
How do faith and public service intersect in your work?
Working as a public servant with a faith background has taught me much about leadership and service. Leadership is service, and that empowers responsibility. I don’t view them as intersecting; instead, they are one and the same.
What drew you to Civic Arkansas and, later on, the Civic Arkansan Credential?
I was immediately drawn to it after hearing about the program at the Arkansas Municipal League conference this past January and meeting/reconnecting with Shana Chaplin. It focuses on values, dialogue, and local impact. The credential workshop came later after seeing Wrightsville’s need (as well as other rural communities), and I also had the time, opportunity, and space to get on board.
What makes the Credential different from a traditional workshop, and what do participants gain beyond a certificate of completion?
The first part that stands out is that it isn’t just about knowledge. It’s very transformative. You take your values and reflect on them. It’s also very bold. It equips you for the long game of work. It may not be many short-term wins, but it will still have a lot of long-term impact.
I would say that they gain time to examine themselves and ask what their purpose is. They also gain clarity and tools that align with their convictions and become more confident as changemakers.
Why is it so important to help participants align their values with action and bridge ideological divides?
The reality is, we are all polarized. The whole world and even homogeneous communities have a paralyzing division. That hinders progress. I think this workshop helps us to remember that we are human. We have shared humanity, but it is okay to disagree; however, we can have empathy, listen, and collaborate more. It shows us the bridge is already there, and if I am willing and courageous enough to walk across that bridge with someone, then change can happen.
How does the Credential, and civic action more broadly, respond to the unique needs of Arkansas communities?
The curriculum was about Arkansas, so it has Arkansas in mind. It considers racial demographics, rural versus urban, history, and other markers to see what’s essential to Arkansas. It’s reflective and responsive, and doesn’t tell you what to do as much as it gives you the tools to combat issues.
Silence doesn’t change systems. Action does. That action doesn’t have to involve loud voices or demands, but civic action is how we honor our ancestors and protect our children’s future. It’s how we make justice real, and like that part of scripture Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller quoted, “… to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God.”
What advice would you give to other concerned Arkansans, mayors, educators, or faith leaders who want to bring this workshop to their communities?
Let’s get involved. This type of work is critical for our state and our country right now, so don’t hesitate. The workshop is not just professional development; it is community transformation. It will plant seeds that grow long after the workshop ends.
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