Dr. Kevin D. Barnes, Sr.: Bio

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 of Oakland, CA in January 1992.  Since being elected Pastor his primary focus is saving souls and changing lives.  He is faithful and understanding of the flock, and is like the Prophet Nehemiah is a strong leader, a man of character, persistent, prayerful, a brilliant planner, organizer, and motivator.  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, which has made the Amazon.com Bestsellers List.  Successfully Raising Young Black Men is available wherever fine books are sold, including www.TorchLegacy.com, Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and booksamillion.com.  

Over the last year, he has conducted many workshops at schools, churches and other organizations.  He is actively involved in helping to encourage father and son relationships, and 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 ((Bob Jackson, President) which works with local pastors, city officials, and other local businesses to help improve family and community relationships.