The Pastor of Cedar Landing Missionary Baptist Church,   Reverend Shelton Ray Barnes, is clearly a man who has been touched by God. He has led the church spiritually as under shepherd for 32 years and has proven that he is a man who practices the principles and commands revealed in the Bible. Called by God to the ministry and then to be a pastor, Reverend Barnes has influenced the lives of many in the church and community.

 

A veteran of the United States Air Force, Reverend Barnes was called to ministry while serving his country. In September 1983, he began his service and preaching the Word of God. His pastoral experience includes: Assistant Pastor, Open Door Baptist Church (1983-84); Assistant Pastor, 1300 Gospel Service, Bent waters AFB, England (1984-86); Assistant pastor, Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church (1986-87). In 1986, Reverend Barnes was asked to become pastor of Cedar Landing Missionary Baptist Church. Under his leadership, the church has been greatly blessed. Pastor Barnes is known for his teachings on the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Attend any Sunday and you will hear him enlighten the congregation about God’s mercy and saving grace. He shows us, through examination of the scriptures, that salvation is God’s plan and is available to each of us that accept Jesus as our Savior.

 

Pastor Barnes is a native of Goldsboro, NC where he attended the public schools.  He is a graduate of East Carolina University, Greenville NC, with majors in history and psychology. He continued his studies at Boston University, Syracuse University, and Shaw University Divinity School.

 

Pastor Barnes is married to the former Mary Todd of Lewiston, North Carolina. They are the parents of two daughters Jessica and Melanie and one adorable granddaughter, Chloe’.

 

Beyond the Walls …

 

Pastor Barnes’ role in the community can be described as remarkable. He is an original member of the Bertie County Prayer Warriors. He has also served as advisor for the Deacon and Deaconess Union.

 

Pastor Barnes was president of the Bertie Chapter of the NAACP (1993-2003); the National Reading Club, the Bertie High School Parent Teacher Student Association, and the Bertie County NCAE. He is retired from the Bertie County School System where he taught Social Studies/Geography/History/Bible Literature. He was elected to “Who’s Who Among American Teachers” in 1991 and again in 1998.

Pastor Barnes is a former moderator of the West Roanoke Association and past Vice President for the Young Democrats of Bertie County. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Bertie County Rural Health Association and the Board of Directors of the Good Shepherd Food Pantry of Bertie County where he volunteers his time preparing and packaging food for distribution to citizens of the County.

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