 |
Pastor Joseph Barnes was born on June 24th, 1962 in
Baltimore , Maryland to his parents Joseph and Catherine Barnes. He attended The
Milford Mill Senior High School in Randallstown Maryland were he graduated in 1980. He also
attended Geneva College 's, Center for Urban Theological Studies for one year, The Manna
Bible Institute for 1 year, and Community College of Philadelphia .
He relocated to Philadelphia from Randallstown Maryland in February 1983. At which time he
began employment with the City of Philadelphia Police Administration as an Evidence Technician
II, where he was employed for approximately 6 years. During that time, Pastor Barnes was a
member of Mt. Moriah Temple Baptist Church , where he received his call into ministry, and was
licensed to preach the Gospel in May 1986 under the Pastoral Leadership of Rev. Carl N.
Fitchett. He served as a trustee for 1 year and Associate Minister for 2 years at
Mt. Moriah . He also taught Sunday School and led the Soul Patrol Evangelism Ministry.
In October, 1988, Pastor Barnes joined the Greater Saint Matthew Baptist Church under the
Leadership of the Rev. Steven Avinger Sr., where he was appointed as the Youth Minister. As the
Youth Minister, he helped organize the South Philadelphia Coalition of Youth Directors. At this
time, crime and violence was out of control in South Philadelphia . The response to crime
August 29, 2008 7:00 PM > with the business
owners of Point Breeze Avenue as sponsors for the 1st outdoor Youth Rally for Christ. The
Coalition Churches brought hundreds of youth and adults out on the street for a day of praise,
worship, evangelism, gospel singing and preaching. The following year we held the 2nd Youth
Rally and was very successful. Many youth were blessed, gave their lives to Christ, and
joined the local churches in the Coalition. By the third year the Coalition gave birth to
the South Philadelphia Christian Basketball League for youth which was held at the St. Charles
Rectory indoor basketball court. Seven churches were involved and served as the sponsors for
the Youth Basketball League.
Early in the year 1991, Pastor Barnes met Angela Avinger at church and they became very
good friends. By the end of the year, love was in the air, they were engaged to be married and
set the wedding date for June 27, 1992. This was one of the most exciting and blessed
times of his life. During which time, Pastor Barnes received and accepted the call to become
Pastor. He was ordained and installed as the new Pastor of The Christian Faith Baptist Church
in West Philadelphia in March of 1993. He served 10 years as the Pastor and resigned in October
2003.
Mr. and Mrs. Barnes were blessed with their only child, Joseph D. Barnes Jr. on August 23,
1994.
In November of 2003, The Barnes Family re-joined with their home church, Greater Saint
Matthew Baptist Church, under the Pastoral Leadership of Rev. Dr. Steven Avinger Sr. It began a
season of rest, reflection and renewal for them. In 2004, Pastor Barnes served as Public &
Community Relations Minister for the church.
Early in 2005, he was appointed as Director of Youth for the Pennsylvania Eastern Keystone
Baptist Association. In May of 2006, he was also appointed as the Youth Pastor of Greater Saint
Matthew Baptist Church. In March 2007, he was appointed as the Co-Chair of the Host Committee
for Young Peoples Department of National Baptist Convention U.S.A. INC.
After 24 years, Pastor Barnes is still employed full time with the City of Philadelphia Revenue
Department as a Tax Assessor.
He and his wife, Evangelist Angela Barnes will be celebrating 15 years of marriage on June
of 2007.
His life scripture verse is found in the book of Philippians, Chapter 4, Verse 8. "Finally
brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think
on these things."
|
