What I Do
Pastor
I’ve served in ministry for over 40 years; teaching the Word, offering hope, and leading with compassion.
Church Planter
I plant churches to grow the Kingdom; equipping leaders and building lasting that that thrive.
Chaplain On Call
I provide spiritual care in life’s hardest moments—serving families with comfort, prayer, and peace.
Wedding Officiant
I officiate Christ-centered weddings with care—making each ceremony meaningful and memorable.
Keynote Speaker
I speak at churches, schools, and large events; bringing wisdom, presence, and powerful truth.
Author
I write to equip and encourage—sharing biblical insights through books, blogs, commentaries, devotionals, and more.
My Resume
Education
Healthcare Clinical Pastoral Education
Emory UniversityCompleted accredited Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) with a focus on spiritual care in healthcare settings, crisis response, and interfaith chaplaincy.
Doctor of Ministry
Logos UniversityEarned Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) with emphasis on pastoral leadership, practical theology, and community impact.
Master of Theological Studies
Logos UniversityCompleted Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) with concentrated study in biblical doctrine, ethics, and ministry foundations.
BA – Biblical Studies
Light of the World Bible CollegeBachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies with focus on scripture interpretation, theology, and ministry preparation.
Chaplain Experience
Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care
Chaplain/Bereavement Coordinator.- (2016 – Present)Provided spiritual care and emotional support to hospice patients, their families, and clinical staff. Delivered one-on-one consultations, grief support, and end-of-life guidance tailored to each family’s needs and beliefs. Collaborated with interdisciplinary care teams to conduct spiritual assessments, contribute to care planning, and maintain accurate documentation using electronic charting systems.
Chaplain/Bereavement Coordinator
Halcyon Hospice (LHC Group), - (2015 - 2016)Provided spiritual care to hospice patients, their families, and staff through individualized support and consultation. Offered compassionate guidance through illness, loss, and family grief dynamics. Collaborated closely with the interdisciplinary team to ensure holistic care, conducting spiritual assessments and maintaining accurate electronic documentation.
PRN Chaplain
Emory University Healthcare Center - (2015 - Present)Provide spiritual care to patients, families, and healthcare staff as needed. Offer emotional and spiritual support during times of illness, grief, and loss—addressing both family dynamics and individual journeys with compassion and discernment.
Resident Chaplain
Emory University Healthcare Center for Pastoral Education - (2014 - 2015)Provided spiritual care to geriatric and adult psychiatric patients, including those in rehabilitation and psychiatric units. Offered one-on-one consultations, addressing spiritual, emotional, and psychological needs. Facilitated group sessions on topics such as spirituality, grief, life transitions, family dynamics, and personal healing. Collaborated with interdisciplinary medical teams and supported patients facing complex medical conditions, including stroke recovery, brain injury, amputation, and organ transplants.
Recent Pastoral Experience
Founding Pastor
Reconciliation Ministries Church - (2018 - Present)Provide visionary leadership to both volunteer and paid staff, overseeing ministry operations and team development. Recruit, train, and support leaders across departments while establishing organizational structure, chain of command, and standard operating procedures. Prepare and deliver weekly sermons rooted in scripture, officiate sacraments and ceremonies, and actively serve as a liaison between the church and the wider community.
Founding Pastor
New Direction Ministries - (2006 - 2012)Recruited and oversaw volunteer and paid ministry staff. Assisted in program planning and staff training across all departments. Developed organizational charts, established chains of command, and implemented standard operating procedures to strengthen ministry structure. Prepared and delivered weekly sermons, officiated sacraments and rituals, and served as a liaison between the church and the broader community.
Pastor
Greater Gospel Center Church - (2003 - 2010)Led ministry operations by recruiting and managing both volunteer and paid staff. Contributed to strategic program development and facilitated comprehensive staff training. Designed and implemented an effective organizational structure, including clear chains of command and ministry-specific procedures. Delivered weekly sermons, officiated sacred rites and sacraments, and represented the church in outreach and community engagement efforts.
Books
You Outta Write That Down - Volume 1
(2015)This first volume offers a powerful collection of impactful quotes and memorable moments from Pastor D. Kenneth Barrett’s sermons. Each quote is thoughtfully paired with a relevant Bible verse, encouraging readers to reflect, meditate, and engage with timeless spiritual truths. Volume 1 serves as a devotional companion for daily inspiration rooted in biblical teaching.
You Outta Write That Down - Volume 2
(2023)In Volume 2, Pastor Barrett continues the journey with new quotes drawn from his teaching ministry, offering deeper insight and practical encouragement. Like its predecessor, each quote is paired with scripture, designed to strengthen faith and offer wisdom for life’s everyday challenges. This volume builds on the foundation of Volume 1, making it perfect for personal reflection or small group discussion.
Grief Through The Eyes Of A Hospice Chaplain
(June - 2025)In this deeply moving and spiritually grounded work, Pastor D. Kenneth Barrett draws from experience as a hospice chaplain to offer comfort, perspective, and biblical hope to those facing loss. Blending real-life stories from the bedside with scripture and pastoral wisdom, this book gently walks readers through the valleys of grief with compassion and truth. Grief Through the Eyes of a Hospice Chaplain is a heartfelt resource for anyone navigating sorrow, offering strength for today and hope for tomorrow.
Ask Pastor Barrett
What drives your passion for ministry?
AnonymousI’m driven by a divine calling to serve; whether I’m preaching, comforting a grieving family, or mentoring a leader. Ministry is not just what I do; it’s who I am. Every encounter is a chance to reflect the love, truth, and grace of God.
How do you lead through difficult times?
AnonymousI lead with prayerful discernment, steady compassion, and a commitment to truth. Crisis doesn’t define leadership—character does. I lean on God's wisdom, draw strength from scripture, and stay anchored in service.
What role does humility play in leadership?
AnonymousEverything. Without humility, leadership becomes performance. I believe in servant leadership—Jesus washed feet before He bore the cross. Ego has no place in ministry. I show up to glorify God, not myself.
How do you connect with people from different walks of life?
AnonymousBy listening first. Whether it’s a grieving spouse, a college student, or a corporate leader, every soul longs to be heard. I meet people where they are—culturally, emotionally, and spiritually—because Jesus did the same.
Ask Pastor Barrett
What makes your preaching distinctive?
AnonymousI speak the truth plainly, but with compassion. My messages are grounded in scripture, filled with real-life application, and shaped by over 40 years of pastoral and chaplaincy experience. The Word must come alive—and connect.
How has hospice chaplaincy shaped your approach to ministry?
AnonymousIt’s taught me to value presence over performance. In moments when words fail, God’s love still speaks. Walking with people at life’s edge has deepened my compassion, sharpened my discernment, and strengthened my resolve to lead with tenderness.
What does spiritual leadership mean to you?
AnonymousIt means guiding others with God’s heart, not just human strategy. It’s about modeling integrity, walking in the Word, and lifting others higher. True spiritual leadership isn’t loud—it’s consistent, prayerful, and faithful.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave?
AnonymousThat I served well, loved deeply, and pointed people to Christ. I hope my life says: “He was faithful in the call.” Titles fade. Buildings change. But the impact on hearts—that’s eternal.
Testimonial
Christopher Ciesla
Grief Counselor“A Dynamic Voice for a Dynamic Journey".
To God Be The GloryGrief being a unique and dynamic experience requires a perspective that is equally unique and dynamic. Over the years I’ve gotten to know Donald as a chaplain, I can confidently say he has the authority and personability to speak on this experience that changes us in ways we cannot imagine.
Irene Zamudio
Grief Counselor"Grief is an experience which can be messy, profound, and life changing".
To God Be The GloryGrief is a unique journey to any person who encounters it. The journey is challenging and unpredictable but can provide opportunities for grievers to embrace new perspectives about themselves and the world around them. As a hospice chaplain, Donald Barrett has witnessed countless families during their most difficult and challenging chapter of their lives. As a Chaplain, Donald meets his patients and their families with warmth, comfort, hope, spirituality, and guidance as they begin to navigate this journey called grief.
Rev. Jim McGuire
Hospice Chaplain"While every person experiences loss at some point in their life, the loss event can have consequential emotion, physical, and spiritual impact".
To God Be The GloryIt is undeniable that loss and its companion, the feelings of grief, have a far reaching and profound influence upon the individual as well as the community in which we live. (Rev. Dr.) Donald Barrett has spent his career serving and supporting those affected by loss. He understands the importance of providing hope through a ministry of presence to those trying to navigate one of life's most challenging seasons. Donald provides a steady presence, and he is a reliable source of comfort, insight, and wisdom that will stand the test of time. This book is a reflection of his commitment to serving the needs of the most vulnerable among us, especially those who are grieving.
My Pricing
Pastor Barrett’s Blog
Get In Touch
D. Kenneth Barrett
Pastor/Chaplain on CallI’m available for speaking engagements, ministry consulting, chaplaincy services, and special events. Use the form to connect with me directly.
Phone: 678-668-6121 Email: info@pastordkb.com