WALTER BARNES, JR. & MEN OF MINISTRY
National Recording Artist from Cleveland, Ohio
Biography
The unique and distinctive style of Walter Barnes, Jr. and Men of Ministry, remind you of true
musicianship, in an artistic craft that is only cultivated by hard work, persistence, study, and
above all, God’s anointing. Consisting of gifted young men, who love Jesus. Walter Barnes, Jr.
& Men of Ministry, are truly unique in this day, in that they write, sing, play, and produce their
own music.
Singing with his parents since he was a little boy, world renowned Walter Barnes, Jr., knew that
he was anointed to sing and play. He is a dynamically skilled, multifaceted musician, whose
instrumental portfolio includes bass, guitar, piano and drums. His salvation and love for God, has
encouraged him to utilize his talents to minister through gospel music. Set aside for such a time as
this to fulfill his God given abilities, he formed Men of Ministry (formerly known as All God’s
Children) in 1989, to spread the unadulterated Word of God through song. Although many
setbacks have come to deter their course, they stand on God’s word. Having been faced with
death within the group and many other challenging experiences that the enemy meant for bad,
their foundation in Jesus Christ strengthens their faith to know that, “All things work together for
good…”, and they have remained determined to keep fighting, and have used those experiences
in their writing, in order to be used for God’s glory, and minister to someone who may be
experiencing similar situations. These young men pressed toward the mark for the prize of the
high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:14), and in 2005, the Lord blessed Walter Barnes, Jr.
& Men of Ministry to record their first nationally-released album entitled, Appointed Time. This
compilation has 13 original tracks that intertwine traditional and contemporary gospel music. It is
destined to grasp the attention of people, young and seasoned, from all walks of life. In 2006,
Walter Barnes, Jr. & Men of Ministry signed with JTA Productions & Management,
(Summerville, SC) under the direction of Jonathan T. Adams (a native of Cleveland, Ohio), who
is currently the group’s manager. Within one year of signing with JTA Productions &
Management, Walter Barnes, Jr. & Men of Ministry appeared on four major television
networks, including The Word Network, TV-One, MTV, and BET. Far from novice, Walter
Barnes, Jr. & Men of Ministry has performed and/or recorded with national recording artists
such as, Babyface, Toni Braxton, Christina Aguilera, Ruben Studdard, Levert, The O’ Jays,
Anthony Hamilton, Musiq Soul Child, Brian McKnight, Kim Burrell, Patti Labelle, Karen Clark-
Sheard, Richard Smallwood and Pastor John P. Kee & The New Life Community Choir, to name
a few. Stephen Fowler, (Music Director, vocalist and pianist) of Men of Ministry acquired a slot
as one of the top finalists’ of the 2008 season of American Idol. In May of 2009, Walter Barnes,
Jr. became one of the top 3 finalists’ on MTV’s “P Diddy” Making His Band. Eric Allen,
(Lead/Background Vocalist and guitarist) of Men of Ministry was responsible for writing top
charting Hits for The Mighty Clouds of Joy and Rizen. These accomplishments were a result of
efforts to independently gain exposure. In May 2017, Walter Barnes, Jr. & Men of Ministry was
awarded The Akademia Award for Best Christian/Funk Album in Foreign Markets. To date, Men
of Ministry ranks in the top 40 of Independent Music Artists for Radio Airplay in Europe. Walter
Barnes, Jr. & Men of Ministry will release their 3 rd power packed project entitled “Nothing Shall
Separate” in the Spring of 2021 which includes their Hit Single, “#UWait2021”. This new group
of guys are all established writers, producers and entrepreneurs in Gospel and R&B.