Matt Barnes

Rev. Dr. Matt Barnes serves as the Vice President of Formation at Asbury Theological Seminary. He previously served as Director of Community Formation under former Vice President Donna Covington, now retired, and brings a wide variety of gifts, talents, and expertise to the community.

Prior to coming to Asbury Seminary, Rev. Barnes served the Church for more than two decades in a variety of posts. Most recently, he served as senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Alhambra, California. Rev. Barnes holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hardin-Simmons University, an MDiv from George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University, and a PhD in New Testament from Fuller Theological Seminary.

Rev. Barnes and his wife, Alida, have been married for twenty years and are the proud parents of three boys: Myron, Smith, and Tobias. He is passionate about preaching, leading, training volunteers, engaging in staff and leader development, and providing pastoral care and counseling.