A dedicated servant of the church and community will soon be leaving Maysville.
After 33 years as pastor of First Christian Church, Wayne Barnett has announced his retirement, effective Sept. 30. His last service will take place Sept. 23.
In addition to his service as pastor, Barnett has been active in the Maysville community, as a member of the Rotary Club, Hayswood Foundation Board, Maysville City Ethics Committee, Maysville Police Screening Board and Limestone Family YMCA organizing board.
Additionally, Barnett has been highly involved in the Limestone Ministerial Association, having served as president and vice president, and was one of the founders of the Limestone Community Food Bank in 1981.
Barnett has been involved in a number of important days in Mason County’s history, and has offered community prayers of dedication at various events, including the opening of the justice center, the William Harsha Bridge, Kenton Commonwealth Center and others.
“The thing I love about Maysville is the people that live here want to make it the best town possible,” said Barnett. “The hardest part about retirement is really leaving Maysville.”
Barnett said he intends to move to Taylor Mill, where he and his wife have purchased a home close to their daughter, Cherish. Barnett said the church he is a part of does not allow him to attend the same church he pastored, so that the church congregation can move on independent of him. As he does not know of an acceptable alternative locally, Taylor Mill will also fill that need.
Barnett said he will be returning to Maysville at least once or twice a week, to play golf with members of the church and take part in the Maysville Duplicate Bridge Club.
Barnett’s interest in ministry was sparked during the summers of his freshman and sophomore years at Transylvania University, when he maintained the Christian Church’s camping facility.
Barnett said he had always enjoyed church and the experience of worship. He entered the ministry to increase his own faith, and to be a faithful servant to God.
“I like Bible study, I like speaking, I like being there for people when they’re in crisis,” he said.
Barnett’s love for people made him a compassionate pastor. He said he has been privileged to be there for families in times of great joy and great sorrow. More than anything, Barnett said he has always wanted to represent the fact that no matter what happens, if a person or a family turns to God, they will find what they need.
Barnett said his experience as a pastor has been mostly what he would have expected when first starting in the field. However, he said he did not anticipate how culture would change so much, and how traditional worship services would change.
“Every church needs to offer a contemporary service,” said Barnett, noting that is the way to attract young people into the church.
Before serving at First Christian Church, Barnett pastored two churches, Clintonville Christian Church and Newby Christian Church. Barnett’s tenure at First Christian Church extended longer than many pastors do.
“It just seemed to fit,” he said. “I couldn’t imagine I’d be any happier anywhere else.”
Barnett said he believes that God is directing his path, and hopes his legacy is one of faithfulness.
“I would like for people to believe that a life of faithfulness to Christ will lead you to achieve things that you never expected and will enable you to endure the heartbreaks that come your way,” he said.
An interim minister not yet selected will take Barnett’s place at the church for several months until a new pastor is selected.
The church is planning a reception for Barnett and his family on Sept. 23. It will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. in the fellowship hall of First Christian Church. The tribute time is 3 p.m.
Contact Misty Maynard at misty.maynard@lee.net or 606-564-9091, ext. 274.
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