Our Pastor
Karen Ferguson-Barnes was born to Supt. Golden Ferguson and wife, Mother Ruth Ferguson, of Detroit, Michigan August, 1959. Karen received salvation at age 10, and has continued to grow in her walk with Christ since that time.
As a young adult, she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from Wayne State University. She received the call to Word Ministry in 1986, and subsequently enrolled in the William Tyndale Bible College where she pursued a certificate in Bible Studies.
Also in the spring of 1986, Karen attended a revival being conducted by a traveling evangelist, the late Elder Matthew Barnes, Jr. there in Detroit at the Antioch Church of God in Christ. From that time, they forged a relationship that would lead to marriage in December 1988.
In January 1989, they began the Abundant Life Church of God in Christ in Tampa, Florida in the living room of their apartment. They experienced many changes in their lives and ministry, not the least of which was their divorce after only 5 years of marriage. After being apart 5 years, God miraculously and unexpectedly reunited them in a spirit-filled convocation service at the Brown's Memorial Church of God in Christ.
Being wed to each other the second time, they enjoyed 7 years of renewed commitment until God called Pastor Matthew home February 26, 2006. God has been faithful to heal both their home and their church.
Pastor Karen now oversees Abundant Life Church of God in Christ, and is amazed by what God is doing. He continues to send souls to be shepherded, and to advance the mission God gave Pastor Matthew Barnes some 20 years ago - to "Help Stop the Perishing."
Son, Michael, now resides in Tallahassee, Florida where he attends college and busies himself with various ministry and community endeavors.
Pastor Karen is currently enrolled in the Grace and Truth Christian University, where she is studying Pastoral Ministry. In addition to formal education, she is learning daily what it means to "shepherd the flock of God" as she prays and follows closely God's instructions.
