Beacon 4-20

Page 2A THE BEACON April 2020
By
Tamara
Taylor
A Chance Meeting...
Or was it?
I recently attend a commissioners’
meeting, where I sat
next to a well-dressed gentleman
whom I had never met.
The man did not say a word
throughout the entire meeting.
Naturally, my curiosity was
piqued. And of course, I just
had to ask the gentleman why
he was attending the meeting.
The answer was one I never
expected.
The gentleman was Pastor
Kelly Barnes from the Hope
Baptist Church. He was attending
the meeting to pray
for peace. For the community
leaders at the meeting. For
the community members who
were there to voice concerns.
My first thought was,
“Why?” People don’t just
spend their free time going to
meetings, much less praying
for community leaders.
Therein lies the answer.
Pastor Barnes said that his son
is Matthew Barnes, the Chaplain
at the Indiana Statehouse.
Interesting...
Do an internet search on Matthew
Barnes, and you will get
about 53,300,000 results. The
most prominent is Matthew
Barnes, the retired professional
basketball player. But perhaps
the leading result should be
Matthew Barnes, Chaplain of
the Indiana Statehouse.
Matthew Barnes grew up
in West Harrison, Indiana.
As a young man, he had an
interest in Abraham Lincoln
and all that he accomplished.
Matthew’s enthusiasm was so
great that he told his parents
he wanted to grow up to be
just like President Lincoln.
And so the path was set.
In 2004 Matthew Barnes
thought about pursuing a
career as a pastor, following
in the footsteps of his father.
He was drawn by curiosity
to speak with the Chaplain at
the Statehouse. Much to his
surprise, Matthew was told
that statehouse did not have a
Chaplain. The die was cast.
Matthew Barnes quit his job,
packed up his family, and pursued
the position of Chaplain
at the Indiana Statehouse. All
for no money, no guarantees.
Chaplain Matthew Barnes and Speaker Bosma at a Statehouse
prayer service event. (Photo courtesy of the Indiana
House of Representatives.)
Mr. Barnes didn’t know
anyone at the Statehouse,
but he was not shy about
introducing himself to every
person he met. His interaction
with state representatives
eventually led to conversations
and interpretations about
moral issues and how they
applied to current legislative
matters. Chaplain Barnes’
knowledge was certainly appreciated.
Chaplain Barnes began
shaping the job description of
what he thought a statehouse
chaplain should do for the
people. He began holding
meetings with legislators, the
staff, and lobbyists. He instigated
a women’s bible study
led by a female chaplain. He
started weekly chapel services.
All nondenominational.
All without pay.
When asked about what
drives his efforts, Chaplain
Barnes shared, “I found that it
is impossible to hate someone
for whom you earnestly pray.
Politicians are simply people
who hurt, feel and bleed the
same as you and I.” (“A Fresh
Approach to Political Involvement
“https://thepsp.org/
articles/vT3HCpMV7ScAnCgG3u2j)
Chaplain Barnes’ efforts
caught the attention of members
of the House, the Senate,
and the Governor.
Governor Eric J. Holcomb
said, “We’re so blessed and
grateful to have a spiritual
leader like Matt serving in the
Statehouse. Shortly after I became
Governor, he presented
me with a Bible that I keep
handy in my office to this
day. I’m encouraged by his
servant’s heart and the wisdom
he shares with me and
the members of our Indiana
General Assembly. It’s nice
to have a pastor and friend so
close during both the stressful
and joyful times.”
House Speaker Brian
Bosma shared, “In the House
Chamber, we strive for civility
and respect on both sides
of the aisle. Pastor Matt
Barnes plays a big part in
encouraging a positive atmosphere,
and can always be
seen praying for or along with
our members. We greatly appreciate
his grace, kind words,
and calming presence at the
Statehouse, and the strong
relationships he’s developed
with legislators and staff.”
Imagine being in a meeting
where issues are being
hotly debated. Then look over
and see an individual, head
bowed, silently praying. The
effect is incredibly calming.
Obviously, calmer heads prevail
at that point.
Rep. Randy Frye stated,
“Civility is something that
is often missing in our society.
Chaplain Barnes’ insight
brings a level of civility to
legislative discussions at the
Statehouse.”
Years later, we find Chaplain
Barnes with a vision- a
vision to grow this positive
support not just at the
Statehouse but throughout
the state. Chaplain Barnes
founded Public Servants’
Prayer (PSP). The organization’s
mission- to provide
prayer and pastoral care in
the political arena. At 6:00
A.M. each day, three Indiana
legislators on both the state
and federal level are selected,
and prayers are requested on
their behalf. Those legislators
are chosen in alphabetical
order; no political affiliations
or standings are considered.
PSP was founded on the
principle that political leaders
are faced with difficult decisions
every day. Too often, we
forget about the person behind
the political decisions that
are made. They are balancing
their careers, families, and
friends, just like all of us.
Recently Chaplain Barnes
and the team at PSP traveled
to Israel to meet with those
who lead similar ministries.
They learned about prayers
being given for public officials
around the world. The group
came back filled with confirmation
that the work of
PSP has a positive impact
on not only local politicians
but those in office around the
world.
Chaplain Barnes encourages
pastors throughout the state to
attend any and all legislative
meetings. Not to offer opinions
or become involved in
controversies, but to have an
effect that is as far reaching as
possible by praying for their
leaders.
Just one more little hometown
boy who followed his
heart, leading him to make
a significant impact on our
community, our leaders, and
our state.
Thank you for all that you
do, Chaplain Matthew Barnes.
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