Wendell Griffen has been Pastor of New Millennium Church since May 2009. The church describes itself as "inclusive, progressive, and welcoming followers of Jesus Christ" based on social justice principles. He has also served as Circuit Judge of the Fifth Division, Sixth Judicial District in Arkansas since January 1, 2011.

Reverend/Judge Griffen grew up in rural southwest Arkansas and attended segregated schools until 1965. He graduated from Delight High School in 1968 and the University of Arkansas in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. After serving three years as an Army officer and receiving the Army Commendation Medal, he earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 1979.

Griffen was the first person of color to become a partner at Wright, Lindsey, and Jennings in Little Rock. He served as Chairman of the Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission and was ordained in May 1988. From 1996 to 2008, he served as a Judge on the Arkansas Court of Appeals and later taught law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He now consults on cultural competency through Griffen Strategic Consulting, PLLC.

Reverend/Judge Griffen has given presentations on criminal justice and mass incarceration and spoken at various Baptist conferences. He has served on several boards, including the Board of Trustees of Arkansas Baptist College and the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.

Griffen is married to Dr. Patricia Griffen, a clinical psychologist, and they have two adult sons. He discusses topics such as legal ethics, religion and social justice, cultural competency, inclusion, and public policy. His sermons and essays are available on the New Millennium Church and Ethics Daily websites.