When you figure that there are only twenty-four hours in a day, you wonder how Dell Barnes manages to fit everything into his busy life. Not only is he the founder and pastor of Courts of Praise Deliverance Ministries, but Barnes also plays tenor saxophone in Fuzed Elements Jazz/Gospel Band, a local ensemble, and does motivational presentations in school and juvenile detention facilities. In fact, Barnes calls himself “The Motivator.” If that isn’t enough, Barnes is also Executive Director of the Enrichment Centers, Inc. of Hernando County, a nonprofit organization with three locations that holds activities, such as card games, exercise, and counseling for senior citizens throughout the area.
“It is so rewarding helping our seniors, I love what I do,” remarks Barnes.
Originally from Jamaica, Barnes moved to Brooklyn, NY in 1972. He married his wife, Michelle in 1991 and the couple has three children – Dell Jr, Dheron, and Destiny. In 2005 Barnes and his family relocated to Brooksville.
Because of his musical talent, Barnes has been asked to play at numerous church revivals, conferences, workshops, and youth camps throughout the Northeast region, the Caribbean, Korea, and Florida. He also plays for clubs, non-profit organizations, and even weddings.
“I find joy playing for school assemblies as I motivate students to be relentless when working to accomplish their dreams and embracing their destiny,” Reverend Barnes remarks.
It was natural for Barnes to join the ministry. His father was an Ordained Bishop who pastored five churches in New York before his retirement and relocation to Spring Hill. “He had a love for people, and I believe that I inherited that along with his patience,” says Barnes.
He and his wife founded Courts of Praise Deliverance Ministries, Inc. in March of 2012. “Courts of Praise does not want to be just another church or ministry, we desire to be one meeting the needs of the whole man. Effective and relevant is our desire!”
Like most of us, Barnes finds that one of the most challenging things about his ministry is not having enough time to do everything he wants to do. “I desire to be a full-time pastor, but I am not currently at the place to do that. That does not mean, however, that one who works a secular job and pastor cannot be effective.”
The rewards far outweigh the challenges, though, especially “seeing the needs of people being met spiritually, emotionally, physically, financially, and educationally. I get to motivate, excite, soothe the soul with the word and music, mentor the young and old, inspire and unite people!” Barnes remarked.
Barnes has a number of goals he would like to accomplish over the next few years. “My vision is to one day hit the streets with a ‘Mobile Prayer Clinic.’ This prayer clinic would go into areas where people refuse to go into the church house but are asking for prayer and a word of encouragement. We would also be on the ready to assist the Sheriff’s Office during times of peril or disaster and more.”
His other goals involve changing lives from negative to positive. I want to lead a team of people who are life changers not only within four walls but on the street corners and neighborhoods. He emphasizes, “I want to create a movement of change!”
Barnes concludes, “At the end of the day, it is wanting what God wants! It is to fulfill the vision of seeing lives transformed and restored to their rightful place in the Kingdom of God.”
