Part 2 of 2
Many people throughout the Indianapolis community recognize Pastor Reginald Barney when they see him.
He serves as the co-pastor of the growing It Is Well Ministries congregation, is the host of television and radio programs and is the organizer of the popular gospel concert that takes place during Circle City Classic weekend each year.
In addition to all of the above things, Barney serves in the U.S. Army, risking his life for our country and the cause of freedom.
Balancing the responsibilities of being a pastor, military officer and father is difficult, but rewarding, he stated.
“It’s challenging, but we have an understanding that it is God first, family second and then we serve people, in that order,” Barney said. “It’s in that order because if we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t take care of the church. We balance everything out through prayer and family discussions … that’s how we do it.
For more than 30 years, Barney has served with the Army, and is currently a chief warrant officer in charge of education operations for the Indianapolis-based Joint Force Headquarters. Barney assists with the mobilization of soldiers and is charged with making sure their educational needs are met.
From 2003 to 2004, Barney was the commander of a personnel unit in Afghanistan, and served as an education officer who prepared soldiers for combat situations in Iraq between 2007 and 2008.
Barney and his wife, Beverly, studied ministry under Pastor Dorothy McGordon at Faith Tabernacle, where they served as members for more than 20 years. Following their education at Indiana Wesleyan University, the couple launched, in 2006, It is Well Ministries, a non-denominational church on the city’s Eastside.
Since 1993, the Barneys have operated Joyful Sounds Productions, a not-for-profit entity that presents the annual Gospel Explosion, which is held during Circle City Classic weekend and has featured artists such as Yolanda Adams, Deitrick Haddon, Shirley Caesar, Darryl Coley, Helen Baylor, Rodnie Bryant, LaShun Pace and Vickie Winans.
Proceeds from the concerts are donated to the homeless, children in need and scholarship funds.
The Barneys also host the It Is Well Ministries live radio segment that is aired on WTLC-AM (1310) every Friday from 7:30 to 8 p.m., and Reginald co-hosts the WISH-TV program “Religion in the News” and “Joy in Our Town” on WCLJ-TV.
Beverly Barney said she and her husband are blessed to be able to work together as a ministerial team, and although she is concerned about Reginald when he is away, she supports him in all of his efforts.
“We have the same commitment to God and the same focus,” she said. “When obstacles are presented we keep the commitment to our purpose and each other.”
When he is not serving in uniform, Reginald is devoted to helping It Is Well Ministries reach its goal of serving in the community. Currently, the church already has outreach programs dedicated to uplifting and serving people in neighborhoods, nursing homes and prisons.
“Our foundation is built on biblically based teaching and compassionate leaders,” Beverly Barney said.
Reginald agreed, adding, “We believe in sound doctrine, serving those in need, and we teach truth.”
