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."    [top]