PARTNERS

Remembering Larry Wiens - A Faithful Servant Leader

Larry Wiens founded the East Bay Barnabas chapter in 2010 and led it for 10 years as managing partner. During his tenure, he balanced many roles, using his talents to place the right volunteers in positions where both they and the organization could thrive. Under his leadership, Barnabas impacted over 120 ministries, reaching across the country and around the globe. His commitment to bringing business insights and skills to ministries enabled many to achieve new levels of impact. The vetting process for ministries and the follow-up work afterward became a model for Barnabas groups nationwide.

In the Bible, Barnabas is known as the "son of encouragement," and Larry embodied this quality. He was a source of encouragement not only to ministries but also to business leaders. His leadership was truly a gift. Behind his impactful ministry work was the unwavering support and counsel of his wife Esther. Larry and Esther were best friends, amazing parents, and successful partners in business. Esther’s impact on the Barnabas ministry was invaluable.

Larry went home to be with the Lord in November 2023. He is honored and deeply missed by many. We take comfort in knowing that he surely heard the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

“Watch to see where God is working and join Him in His work.”

Henry Blackaby - Experiencing God

Your unique gifts, impacting God’s Kingdom

Partnership with The Barnabas Group is a world-changing engagement. God is at work in and through the ministries we meet. It is our privilege to accept an invitation to join in that effort, encouraging the ministry in support of what God is doing.

A CHRISTIAN’S UNIQUE CALLING

Not every Christian is called into formal, full-time ministry, but every Believer in Christ is called to steward their lives in ways that bring Glory to God. As a Christian leader, God has called you to use the gifts He’s given you to expand His Kingdom, by your position and influence.

“WELL DONE MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.”

Having been called as sons and daughters of our heavenly Father, it is now our great joy to use our lives for His glory, with the hope of one day hearing these comforting words as we stand before His throne.

The Barnabas Partner

The role of Barnabas Group is to equip, encourage, and connect our Partners with opportunities to be an encourager. We ask the Lord to make connections - laying a ministry on our hearts and calling us to step forward into relationship with them. And the Ministries we meet are served by you, the Partners. The mission of Barnabas Group is fulfilled when Partners engage with a ministry and that ministry is helped.

THE PARTNER EXPERIENCE

  1. You will be encouraged as you learn how God is at work today, victorious.

  2. You will be challenged to become a better Kingdom investor - a faithful servant, a good steward with all that God has entrusted to you.

  3. You will meet good ministries. Chosen prayerfully, bearing eternal fruit, and welcoming your support and encouragement.

  4. You can engage with that ministry whose passion you share, when God lays it on your heart to encourage them.

  5. You will find community and friendship among like-minded Christians.

Why join the Barnabas Group?

Hear some of the Kansas City Chapter Partners describe how participation in the Barnabas Group has impacted them.

FAQs

    • Quarterly summit ministry presentations (three hour large group meetings)

    • Small group session with a single ministry

    • Workshops that equip

    • Networking events that build community

    • Ministry support events

  • Prayerfully. We look for:
    A leader called by God ,Transparency and coachability, A ministry bearing Kingdom fruit with impact that can be multiplied.

  • Yes! God has uniquely gifted you to serve a vital role in His plan, and prepared you in advance. Our hope is to help you find that calling. The qualifier is your love for Jesus and desire to love people.

    • Participate and get involved as part of the Barnabas community

    • Recommend a ministry you know and love

    • Connect with a ministry and become an encourager to them

    • Bring a friend at no cost

    • Volunteer to help as a Barnabas team member

  • Partners of The Barnabas Group contribute $1,800 annually to The Barnabas Group, a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. This can be done monthly ($150 per month) or annually. A partnership covers both spouses, both become Partners.

    The Barnabas Group was originally designed for business-people and professionals, but our community has been enhanced by including Ministry Leaders and Pastors. We offer discounted rates for Ministry Leaders and Pastors, contact us to learn more.

    Partner dues, sponsorships, and donations are tax deductible as charitable donations.

  • All events are optional and you can partipate as your time allows. We don’t expect partners to get involved with every ministry we present. In fact, we want our partners to put their valuable skills and talents to use helping face a challenge they feel specifically compelled by God to pursue. These experiences lead to powerful encounters between nonprofits and proven leaders that ultimately expand the Kingdom impact of both parties exponentially.

  • The best first step toward learning about The Barnabas Group is to attend a quarterly summit meeting. To register to attend, or if you have other questions, please contact us at bayarea@barnabasgroup.org