Bruce and Debbie Barnes

Debbie and I were high school sweethearts, and we married in 1972. After giving our lives to the Lord in June 1973, I answered God's call to preach in 1974. We moved from Smithfield, NC, to Greenville, SC, to attend Bob Jones University for my undergraduate work (1975-1979). After one year of graduate studies, we took our first pastorate in 1980. Ten years later we returned to the university where I received a teaching fellowship in the Greek department while completing my M.A. and Ph.D. 

​

Afterwards, we continued in the pastorate until serving in two different college ministries: Southeastern Free Will Baptist College and Gateway Christian College. Debbie served in the financial office as well as an administrative assistant. I taught as a professor in English, Greek, theology, pastoral theology, homiletics, and church administration. Along with this, I served in various capacities including Bible Department Chairman, Dean of Students, Vice President: Academic Affairs, and College President. For ten years, I was privileged to serve as the promotional director for the Virginia State Association of Free Will Baptists.

I have now retired, but not from ministry. With the Lord's help, I work on projects such as writing (books, blogs, devotionals), music, Bible studies here in our retirement community, online video Bible studies, and evangelistic services.