Barnett settles into pastor’s role at First United Methodist
RED BAY — Pastor Don Barnett is settling into his new role at Red Bay First United Methodist Church, where he brings more than three decades of ministry experience and a heart for community connection.
Originally from Rogersville, Barnett said this is the closest he’s been to home in any of his appointments over the past 35 years.
He graduated from Lauderdale County High School and studied music at Birmingham Southern College on a composition scholarship.
But during his time there, he began to feel pulled in a different direction.
“I was spending four hours a day in a practice room,” Barnett said. “But outside those gates, people were hungry. That started to weigh on me.”
A conversation with a religion professor helped him begin to recognize a call to ministry. He added a religion major and later preached his first sermon at the Hinton Rural Life Center in North Carolina.
Barnett describes his ministry journey as a patchwork of pastoral care and community outreach.
His first appointment in the Upper Sand Mountain Parish taught him the value of rolling up his sleeves and serving wherever needed, from leading worship to delivering food boxes.
Across nine appointments and nearly two decades, he’s pastored around 18 churches, most recently at Centre First United Methodist.
He had hoped to visit Red Bay ahead of his official start, but the death of his sister delayed that plan.
He preached his first sermon there in July.
“There’s a lot of pride here,” Barnett said. “You can see the community investing in itself.”
He pointed to efforts by local civic groups and industries like Tiffin Motorhomes and Sunshine Mills as examples of community strength.
The church itself is navigating change following the wider United Methodist denominational split.
Red Bay First United Methodist voted to remain part of the UMC, but the decision passed by just one vote.
Barnett said around 60% of the congregation left after that vote.
He emphasized his focus is on moving forward and creating unity.
“I believe Jesus unifies, not divides,” he said. “We want to focus on what unites us with other churches, not what separates us.” The church continues its longstanding community outreach, including quarterly food distributions that serve around 300 people.
It also offers a Blessing Box, a monthly food pantry, and meals for inmates.
In early August, the church plans to distribute backpacks and school supplies to up to 200 local students.
Barnett said these programs have continued thanks to the commitment of volunteers and members.
“These ministries were already going,” he said. “What’s powerful is that they’ve kept going.”
He said the congregation’s dedication to service helped draw him to the role.
“I think they needed a pastor with some experience and some musical gifts,” Barnett said. “My wife sings and plays as well. We’re trying to help bridge that gap right now.”
Barnett plays piano and keyboard and often incorporates music into worship services.
“It brings joy,” he said. “It’s one of the ways I feel like I can give something back to God.”
Last Sunday, he and his wife performed the song “The Potter’s Hand” after he shared his call story.
“It captured the message,” he said. “We’re all shaped together. Some of us are ordained, but we’re all called.”
Their daughter, Bethany, 13, also sings and is learning piano and flute. She recently participated in show choir.
The Barnetts have two adult sons, Daniel and Micah.
Outside of church, Barnett enjoys reading, walking outdoors, and watching movies with his family.
At Red Bay First United Methodist, he said he’s focused on listening first.
“We’re not coming in with a prepackaged plan,” he said. “We’re going to listen to each other and create a vision together.”
That process, he said, will begin with the church’s existing focus on love and service.
“I want people to know this is a church where all are welcome,” Barnett said. “We want to be known for our acceptance, for our openness, and for meeting people where they are.”
