Dr. Kevin D. Barnes, Sr.

Pastor of the Abyssinian Missionary

Baptist Church and author of Successfully Raising Young Black Men

The Reverend Kevin D. Barnes, Sr. was born and raised in Donaldsonville, Louisiana.  He is married to the lovely Brenda Barnes and is the father of three sons, Kevin Jr., Keith, and Kenneth Barnes, and grandfather of five.

Dr. Barnes received his license to preach in 1986, attended Bay City Bible Institute, and the Sacramento Theological Seminary Bible College where he received his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D.  He was elected Pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church 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.

Dr. Barnes is the author of Successfully Raising Young Black Men.  Successfully Raising Young Black Men is available wherever finebooks are sold, including Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and booksamillion.com.  Over the last year, he has conducted many workshops at schools, churches and other organizations, e.g. Acts Full Gospel COGIC (Oakland), Boys to Men Conferences at the Allen Temple Church (Oakland), Evergreen Valley College (San Jose), East Side Union High School District (San Jose), Kaleo Christian Fellowship (Oakland), and Shiloh Christian Fellowship (Oakland).  Dr. Barnes is actively involved helping to encourage father and son relationships, improve family relationships throughout the community.  He cares about the whole family, and teaches that nurturing our young boys and men helps produce positive young black men, which is the key to strengthening our neighborhoods and families.

Dr. Barnes has spearheaded the feeding ministry in his church community for over 16 years.  He is actively involved with the Pastors of Oakland organization that works with local pastors, city officials, and other local businesses to help improve family and community relationships.