Matthew Barnes is blessed to have an incredible Christian heritage. Growing up in a pastor’s family, he learned early the importance of ministering to others. Matthew’s father is the pastor of Hope Baptist Church in Sunman, Indiana, and Matthew is a missionary sent out of HBC. He and his five siblings maintain a close relationship with each other and are all faithful members of HBC. Matthew and his wife, Miriam, recognize the importance of consistent church attendance, Scripture study and memorization, and are teaching these vital parts of spiritual growth to their three children.
Matthew was called to preach at the age of 19, and after 7 years of Biblical study and on-the-job-training, he was ordained January 11, 2003. He has had the opportunity to minister in many different venues over the years: from revivals to church services, weddings to funerals, and rescue missions to the Indiana Statehouse.
Matthew worked for several years bi-vocationally with a desire to go into full-time ministry. In the fall of 2004, after listening to a sermon on ministering to political leaders, God placed a burden on Matthew's heart to begin a ministry in the Indiana Statehouse. A short time later, he founded the Public Servants’ Prayer. This was the banner Matthew worked under prior to associating with the national organization that provides accountability and administrative support. The Public Servants’ Prayer ministry continues, however, to provide tools designed to assist churches and individuals in prayer for elected leaders.
Since 2004, the Statehouse ministry has expanded in more ways than could have been imagined. God has provided Matthew with incredible opportunities to lead Bible Studies, Chapel Services, Annual Prayer Services and Pastors’ Statehouse Days. These events, combined with faithful interaction within the Capitol community, have opened many doors for sharing the Good News of the Gospel and the testimonies of God’s faithfulness. In addition, Matthew travels to many churches throughout the state with an extended vision. He desires to see them gain a passion for ministry to their individual elected leaders through prayer, encouragement, and the Word of God. Matthew is thrilled to be a part of a ministry that is unique and specific in its goal to "Reach the Capitol Community for Christ.”
Birthdays: Matthew – September 8, Miriam – January 4, Anniversary – March 28, 1998
Sarah – January 26, 1999, Micah – June 16, 2001, Emma – July 4, 2004.
Email Pam
On Thursday, August 19th, 2010, Capitol Commission Indiana announced that Pam Russell will become the new Director of Women's Ministries. Pam was born and raised in rural England. In 1972 she married Rick Russell, who was at that time, serving with the U.S. Air Force at R.A.F. Bentwaters, England.
In 1980, Rick and Pam came to Christ through the ministry of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Miller, missionaries to the U.S. military with Cadence International (then known as Overseas Christian Servicemen’s Centers). Rick and Pam then began serving the Lord through the military chapel wherever the Lord stationed them, providing a home away from home for the military singles, Pam also teaching women’s Bible studies, until their retirement from the military in 1993.
In 1994 Pam was led by the Lord to become the chaplain to the female inmates of the local county correctional facility, which led to her developing the Almond Tree substance abuse and life skills materials and ministry. Almond Tree Ministry, now in several states and overseas, recruits and trains pastors and lay people to work in this mission field.
Pam has continued to serve in her local church through teaching women’s Bible studies and counseling.
Pam is a commissioned chaplain with the GARBC Chaplaincy Commission, and is a NANC certified counselor. Rick and Pam have three children and eight grandchildren, and reside in Kokomo, Indiana.