About Melvin Barnett

Melvin is a three dimensional person.  His first dimension is a simple man that holds very dear his FAITH.  Every decision he makes is rooted in his Faith.  All Ethics and Principles that he applies to his life are firmly rooted in his Faith.  The second dimension is LOVE.  First, love for wife and children.  Then love for family, friends and country.   The third dimension is Service.  Most of his life has been spent assisting people in some way or another.  As an older teenager he volunteered as a Jr. Firefighter.  In later years he became a Fire Station Lieutenant and was elected to serve on the Board.

He strives to keep life and all its matters very simple.  Keeping issues in proper perspective and determining their priorities is a real key to his survival as well as success.  He learns from other’s mistakes as well as his own.  He asks plenty of questions, but only once.  When it comes to the dimension of service, he enjoys assisting people in resolving conflicts, forging through crises, developing relationships and pursuing personal and business dreams.

He is a native of Alabama and now a resident of Winnsboro, South Carolina. He is married to Darlene Barnett. Both of them grew up in the same rural community in South Alabama. They are the proud parents of two precious children so far, Christopher and Gracie.  Here in Winnsboro, South Carolina, he serves as the Senior Pastor of First Pentecostal Holiness Church of Winnsboro.  He is a licensed and ordained minister who began preaching the Gospel in 1986 at the age of 17.

He has owned, managed and consulted for Businesses and Churches.  From following in the footsteps of his father as a successful Taxidermist, to being the CEO of a distinguished Florida Medicaid provider agency, he has worked with a diverse range of people, cultures and personalities.  He has managed and served as an instructor in health and safety courses both for individuals and for large corporations.  He served the Developmental Disabilities Community as a co-founder of the Florida District 1 APD Medicaid Providers Association as well as an advocate, debating before the State House and Senate chambers and committees. 

As an author he has written two books, “The Prophet: One Nation Under God, In all Her Wickedness” and “Applied Faith 101, Building your Faith from the Foundation Up.”  He often writes articles concerning faith issues which have appeared not only on his personal website but in newspapers and Internet news services, too.

He has experienced a broad line of service in Ministry.  He has pastored several Churches. He has hosted a radio Bible teaching ministry, helped plant and co-pastor churches, and served as a Christian Education Director. He has served as a paid Chaplain/Counselor for Waterfront Rescue Mission. While there he conducted services for homeless people as well as administered food, shelter, clothing, and medication. He also served as Chaplain for New Hope Home, a 90-day Christian drug and alcohol treatment center.  In 2005, he entered Christian television broadcasting where he served as the Executive Producer of two weekly television programs:  “Pentecost Today” and “My Father’s Table”.   

As far as enjoyment, he greatly loves being with family and making new friends.  While he enjoys traveling he also likes easy days with his wife and children around the home.  Even though he is a night owl, his days start early most of the time because he likes to go to the gym before it gets too busy.  As a Pastor, he has a lot of studying, writing and often scheduled and unplanned matters to take care of during the week.  Visitation to homes and hospitals is a large part of a normal week.  Getting out and deepening relationships with his parishioners is something he really enjoys.

He prefers colder weather over the heat of summertime in the Deep South.  The dryer, cooler nights of fall, with all its changing colors and smells, make it his favorite time of the year.  Fortunately, his whole family is in sync with his climate preferences!

He loves photography and visiting new places.  He tries to travel when he can; mountains are always a favorite destination.  When it comes to favorite topics, Religion and Politics are his two favorite subjects; however, he does not enjoy arguing about them – he’s tempered toward resolution and peace rather than complacency and conflict.