Barry’s love for teaching and studying God’s Word continues to develop because he has seen it change lives in each facet of his ministry experience. He devotes time to School Ministries of Spartanburg County because SMSC focuses on the Bible and helping students understand its truth. “When people truly understand Scripture, God uses it to change their lives.” While teaching for SMSC, Barry saw this happen in students’ lives. They heard the Scriptures and for some, their lives were moved from darkness into light.

When a scheduling conflict required him to step down as a teacher, Barry didn’t leave SMSC because he sees the value of the organization. God used this as an open door to place him on the board of SMSC. God had prepared him for this with a background in business and a desire to encourage leaders as they serve and grow in the church and community.

God has used serving on the SMSC board as one way of showing Barry the power of trusting Him to provide. “Never underestimate the power of trusting in God to provide for the needs of the ministry. Over the 4 – 5 years that I have been involved in SMSC, I have seen God provide over and above what we had hoped for.” Barry’s confidence in the Lord enables him to make the bold statement “…trust God and watch Him come through.” He is amazed at how God has provided resources, allowed SMSC to expand to new schools following COVID and to provide an opportunity for a struggling ministry to a part of a thriving ministry.

Serving in business gave Barry a great appreciation for the importance of working with others for a common goal. He learned that vision must drive the mission of the organization. He could not fulfill his responsibilities if he did not believe in the mission. “On the board at SMSC, we all must work together to accomplish the vision of ultimately reaching students with the truth of God’s word.”

Barry served in a variety of ministry areas each summer while in college, from camp counselor to missionary. He sensed God’s call to full-time vocational ministry  immediately following his college graduation. Twenty-five years of ministry has given Barry a deep appreciation for the importance of serving people and sharing God’s Word with others. He currently serves as Minister of Education at his church. He and Chrissy, his wife of 25 years, have two 2 children. Barry enjoys singing, hunting and fishing with his family in Upstate lakes and in the Edisto River where he has learned many life lessons from Godly mentors.