And He gave some, apostles, and some, pastors, and some, evangelist, and some, pastors, and teachers for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. (Eph. 4:11-12)

 

  

 Nicknamed “Preacher” and “Rev” by his peers while growing up would one day reveal the big picture in God’s plan for Melvin Barnes.  While they recognized he was “different”, God used this to speak purpose into his life and that purpose is revealing his destiny in the earth. 

 

Elder Barnes stayed on the path of knowledge and wisdom to become a graduate of Northern Nash High School, a former student of St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, NC, and North Carolina Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount, NC.  He obtained his Bachelor and Master of Divinity degree from Jacksonville Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, Florida.

 

Upon fulfilling the necessary requirements of the United Holy Church of America and the United Christian Fellowship Alliance, Melvin Barnes was ordained Elder and received the laying on of hands by the Board of Presbytery.  He respectfully carries out this ministerial obligation by speaking the word to dark places, releasing hope to the hopeless, and sharing the good news of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to the lost. 

 

Many also know him as the third son of Bishop F.C. Barnes and brother of recording artist Luther Barnes.  Elder Barnes’ accomplishments as a musician, recording artist, and a songwriter have earned him recognition in the Gospel Music Industry.  His musical legacy afforded him and his wife, Evangelist Martha Morgan Barnes to be heard across the United States and overseas spreading God’s word in song. 

 

Feeling the tug of an entrepreneur, he began a bus charter service in 1994 to assist churches and organizations in North Carolina. His gift of driving brought him before masses of people; His desire is to serve God’s people with a passion to reach the world wherever opportunity affords him.

 

Presently, Elder Barnes resides in Raleigh, North Carolina and attends The River Church under the covering of Pastor Sheryl and Bishop Joby Brady.  Burdened with compassion to help bring wholeness to broken and troubled men, he and his wife assist the outreach team to take the gospel into the prison and the homeless shelter.  God has called him and He will complete the work He started.  Elder Barnes is determined to stay humble, keep the vision of ministry as his focus, and seek God’s face daily for direction and guidance.