The Reverend Kevin D. Barnes, Sr.
was born and raised in Donaldsonville, Louisiana. He comes from a
family that loves the Lord, and taught him the way of the Lord. He is
married to the lovely Brenda Barnes and is the father of three sons,
Kevin Jr., Keith, and Kenneth Barnes. Dr. Barnes migrated to California
after high school at age 17 and immediately became an active member of
White Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church of Oakland, California, Dr.
Walter L. Humphrey, Pastor. In July 1986, Dr. Barnes received his
license to preach and delivered his first sermon at his home church,
White Oak Grove, entitled, “What’s Love Got to do with
it?”
Dr. Barnes attended Bay Cities Bible Institute from 1987 to 1988. In
April 1989, he was ordained a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
and appointed co-pastor of White Oak Grove under the guidance of his
Pastor. He was called as the Interim Pastor of Abyssinian Missionary
Baptist Church in November 1991, and was unanimously elected Pastor in
January 1992. Since being elected Pastor his primary focus is saving
souls and changing lives.
The work of pastoring is a calling of the Lord. Dr. Barnes has been
tested and tried in many ways. Just as Nehemiah refused to come down
off the wall, so has Dr. Barnes. He is ever faithful and understanding
of the flock. He is much like the Prophet Nehemiah, a strong leader, a
man of character, persistent, prayerful, a brilliant planner,
organizer, and motivator. Dr. Barnes is a sacrificing person who takes
his responsibility as Pastor seriously, many times missing meals and
sleep to minister to God’s people. He is a genuinely humble
servant of God and a passionate believer who is thoughtful, willing to
listen, learn and to share his knowledge with others.
