Pastor Dwight D. Townsend is the anointed pastor of the Longley Baptist Church of Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born and raised in a rough neighborhood in East Little Rock, Arkansas. He and his eleven brothers and sisters had to overcome many obstacles and hardships. Despite the adversities that he encountered, Pastor Townsend did not ignore the calling on his life. He accepted his ministry calling at the age of 18. Within a year he was licensed and ordained. In 1996 he was called to serve as pastor of the Macedonia Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. Four years later, he went on to serve as pastor of Greater Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Van Buren, Arkansas. Both congregations experienced phenomenal growth, numerically, financially and most importantly spiritually.

Pastor Townsend is a 1993 graduate of Sylvan Hills High School in Sherwood, Arkansas. He holds both an Associate and Bachelor Degree in Theology from Slidell Baptist Seminary and is currently pursuing a Masters of Theology degree from Andersonville Theological Seminary.

In addition to his district work he also serves his community as he is frequently sought after for speaking engagements for the state of Arkansas, the Southwest Little Rock Community, banquets, graduations as well as revivals. He has served as Past President of the Four Church Fellowship, a local fellowship of churches purposed to strengthen the body of Christ through worship and community outreach services. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Little Rock Simultaneous Revival.

Rev. Townsend came to Longley in May 2005. Since coming to Longley the church has experienced phenomenal growth in the areas of Ministry, Evangelism, Education as well as Finances. Physically Longley has undergone many improvements to its structure as well. Longley has grown from a membership of 600 to 1900 to the glory of God and is vastly becoming a beacon light in the Southwest Little Rock area. Pastor Townsend has a heart for reaching the lost and strengthening the saved through expository preaching and intensive bible study classes.

He is married to the former Glomicha Perkins. He and Mrs. Townsend are the proud parents of two children: Dacimber and D. J.