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by Marion Jean Robinson
I wish to present to the readership of First Lady Magazine a true Woman of Grace and an exceptional saint, Pastor Sandra Clemmons Barnes of The New Life Church of East Orange, N.J.
My first experience with Pastor Sandra, Shepherd Mother, Co-Pastor, or simply ‘Co,’ as she is affectionately known, touched me greatly. I was a member of another church and while dating my fiancé (now, my husband), a member of New Life, I was invited by Pastor Sandra to attend the Church’s annual women’s retreat. I was not financially able at the time, but Pastor Sandra found it in her spirit to sponsor my attendance. This fellowship led to a dramatic turning point in my Christian walk. As a result of the anointing of the Holy Spirit at that upper room event, I emerged more serious about my life.
As a result of that experience, I joined The New Life Church and under the combined tutelage of Bishop David E. Barnes and Pastor Sandra. I began to learn and grow. Through Pastor Sandra, I have been able to see a Godly woman in action. I am so thankful for the teachings that strengthen my marriage, my prayer life, interactions with others and my daily walk.
Pastor Sandra Barnes is a professional educator. She has been involved in various levels of youth and adult education for over 30 years in Newark, NJ. Consistency and longevity in this field alone is cause for recognition. She brings this same dedication of service to God’s kingdom. She is the head of all educational teachings at The New Life Church and she is the founder and administrator of W.I.F.E. (Wives in Fellowship for Encouragement) ministry, to assure, nurture and support other first ladies in their respective ministries. She is also the coordinator of Parent Talk, a ministry of parental supervision; she is overseer of a young woman’s ministry called “VINELIFE,” which impacts young Christian women.
Would you share with us a little about your upbringing and how you met Bishop David Barnes?
Pastor Sandra: Born in Englewood, NJ, I was educated in both New Jersey and Darlington, South Carolina. My mother passed when I was ten and my father re-married. I graduated in the top ten of my class in high school. I attended Virginia State University, intending to be a social worker. I majored in English, minoring in speech and by the time I graduated, I was recruited to teach in Newark. I enrolled in an Urban Intern Teachers’ program and was blessed with FREE tuition and books. I received a Master of Education degree from Rutgers University Graduate School of Education. I’ve taught on every level from elementary to adult education, coordinating programs such as the Title 1 parent resource center, adult basic education, Even Start Family literacy program, and Early Childhood Master Resource teacher, mentor and coordinator. Look at God! He was preparing me for His service and I had no idea.
As a single parent, I needed additional income and was taking an insurance course when I met David E. Barnes. He was also a student. We became friends and studied together. Our friendship grew and he shared his greatest asset—he began witnessing to me, introducing me to our Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, my heavenly Father and the most precious person in my life. For that, I am eternally grateful. With God in the forefront, our friendship blossomed and resulted in marriage. David E. Barnes was called by God to be Assistant Pastor of Holy Dove Ministries, then Founder and Pastor of The New Life Church, and eventually elevated to the position of Bishop.
Did you ever see yourself as a First Lady?
Pastor Sandra: I never thought I would be a First Lady! I probably would have run had I known God’s plan for me. No one at the New Life Church really calls me “First Lady.” I’m called Pastor Sandra, Ma, Mama B, or ‘Co’ (short for Co-Pastor). I consider myself God’s servant, regardless of the title. I am honored and privileged to have the opportunity to be a part of God’s kingdom plan.
Where did you get your inspiration as a First Lady to minister to other First Ladies?
Pastor Sandra: I believe I have come to the kingdom for such a time as this. I had no idea, but I was inspired to have a ministry to pastor’s wives by the Holy Spirit. I went to a Women’s conference and a prophetess confirmed it! Bishop David approved and agreed it was much needed. There are women of God out there standing by their man—their husband, their spiritual leader, who are hurting themselves; who have no one to talk to or encourage them. God is in control! I am meeting people that I never thought I would know, going places that I never thought of. God is setting me up with some divine connections!
What are some of the challenges you face with your First Ladies ministry?
Pastor Sandra: There are several challenges. First Ladies already have enough to do without adding meetings and such to their schedules. For me, many times I am up late at night, early morning or whenever, writing cards or sending emails, etc. This is an agape ministry of love that asks nothing in return. This is done out of my heart and my own personal finances. It is important to me to send personal greetings for birthdays, holidays and anniversaries, etc., or any time the Lord puts an individual on my heart.
During the month of February, in addition to being Black History Month, the W.I.F.E. ministry, along with the New Life Women of Grace Fellowship co-sponsors our annual S.O.U.L. (Spiritual Outreach, Unity and Love) Luncheon, honoring positive women of God. This is done at no cost to the honorees and their guests, and I am proud to mention the entire New Life Church goes the extra mile in providing gifts and a down-home menu for this rapidly growing, uplifting ministry. Since its beginning in 2002, we have honored over 30 First Ladies and women in leadership.
How has your educational background and career impacted your ministries?
Pastor Sandra: I believe God has allowed my professional expertise to enhance the ministries of The New Life Church. Every skill God has allowed me to obtain in the earth realm is profitable for building the kingdom of God. I want the Lord to be magnified in my life. I am respected not only for my academic credentials, but because of my integrity. I endeavor to be a doer of the Word and not just a hearer. I want the world to know I am a Christian, not because I tell them, but because they see a difference in my life.
God has given me the gift of administration and I humbly use it for His glory. I have been blessed to be installed as the Executive Pastor of The New Life Church. We have established Umoja Community Development Corporation as part of our ministry which provides outreach services to improve the quality of life in our community.
What is your life’s philosophy?
Pastor Sandra: My life’s philosophy and goals are to let my light shine before men, so they might see my good works that glorify my heavenly Father. I want the world to know I love Jesus because He first loved me, and I am eternally grateful He saved me. I’m not perfect, but the Perfecter lives in me. Right now, my body is being tried and tested physically. I was diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome which is an uncommon debilitating condition. My body was fighting itself but the Lord ordered my steps, healed my body and my soul. Now my testimony for the Lord is even bolder than before. I am called “a walking miracle.” Just like Job, I shall come out as pure gold. I am learning that God’s grace really is sufficient for me. Despite this thorn in my flesh, I know that I know that I know that His grace is more than enough. I have the peace of God and there is no one like Him! Even on my worst day, I declared, “God is good all the time and all the time GOD IS GOOD TO ME.” I give Him all praise and glory!!!
I desire to be like that virtuous woman of Proverbs 31. Some may say that is impossible, but as I read and studied her model, the Holy Spirit said she is a woman of balance. As a First Lady, I had to learn to set boundaries, realizing that God is God, and He did not call me to replace or help Him.
My husband, Bishop David, is very supportive of me and the ministries God has allowed me to birth and work in. Bishop David has always told me to be myself. Knowing I can be me has inspired me beyond measure.
Please share with us a few words of wisdom.
Pastor Sandra: I suggest to all the first ladies, never stop being a wife. The same thing that attracted your husband is the same thing that will keep him. It’s not just your hips, lips or fingertips! You are who he married, so stay with the program and don’t change! Take time to build up your family. Relationships built on agape love and not guilt may be shaken but they stand the test. Play and pray with your family, it’s a great stress reliever. Learn to separate your career from your life. When you come home—leave the job at work.
Lastly, I can’t stress the importance of prayer enough! Prayer is important, as it will move heaven and earth, and the prayers of the righteous avail much! Be a satisfied saint and not a suffering saint! <>
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Photography by: Shawn Warren Photography
~Pastor Sandra C. Barnes~
A Godly Woman
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Left to right: Pastor Sandra Barnes and husband, Bishop David Barnes. Compliments of Shawn Warren Photography. SWarrenphotography.com
First Lady Extraordinaire
Pastor Sandra Clemmons Barnes
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