Josh Barnes | Associate Pastor

Pastor Josh is most at home in a coffee shop with a book in hand, or woodworking in his workshop at home. A teacher at heart, he jumps at the chance to share the deep theological and Scriptural traditions of the church with anyone who will listen. 

In the summer of 2011, and halfway through a graduate program at UNC Wilmington, Pastor Josh discerned a call to ministry that would eventually take him to Duke Divinity School, where he met his wife and fellow pastor, Wendy. They welcomed their daughter, Catherine (‘Cate’), into the world in 2021. 

Joining the First UMC team in 2023, Pastor Josh has worked in parish ministry since 2012 in Advance, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Trinity. 

Favorite Food: Thai

Favorite Hobbies: Woodworking, hiking, reading (usually theology, Russian literature, or Stephen King), playing chess

Favorite Netflix binge: The Queen’s Gambit

Go-to Spotify playlist: That’s a tough one, but probably something with songs from Van Morrison, Ray LaMontagne, Fleetwood Mac, Sam Cooke, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and the like. 

Favorite part of being a Pastor: Leading people to wonder and marvel at the majesty of God.