Dr. Matthew A. Barber’s Christian and musical education started at an early age. During childhood he was a member of the Mt. Sinai Baptist Church where he now serves as Overseer, Vice Bishop of the Churches of the Living Christ, Inc. and Founder of the I Believe God Ministries, Int’l.. Dr. Barber is the founder of The Interpersonal Connection, an organization that provides Stress Awareness and Stress Management Workshops and also a Spiritual Advisor and Consultant. 

    He is a gospel recording artist, composer, arranger, musician, spiritual DJ, television personality, prophet, preacher, teacher, renowned evangelist, and a motivational speaker traveling nationwide as well as abroad, attending conventions and workshops and assisting wherever he is needed.

    He is one who has dedicated and consecrated his life to God; one whose faith is strong and knows in whom he believes; one whose ideals are lofty; and whose spirit has been purged and made clean and Godly. He is a source of strength, a guide, a builder, a teacher of character, a father, and a friend.

    Dr. Barber’s credentials include
            Licensed by the State of Tennessee in Police Chaplaincy and Stress Management
            Specialized Instructor for the
                         Tennessee Department of Corrections
                         International Critical Incident Stress Management Foundation.

    Chaplain Barber’s educational background includes a Bachelors of Theology and a Doctorate of Divinity.  He studied Clinical Pastoral Education at the James H. Quillen Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center.

    Currently Chaplain Barber is the Chaplain for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Volunteer Chaplain for the Johnson City Bureau of Police, Washington County - Johnson City Emergency Medical Service, and the Johnson City Fire Department. He also serves as the President of the Johnson City-Washington County Ministers Fellowship.

    He is a member of the following:
            American Association of Christian Counselors
            International Conference of Police Chaplains
            Association of Fire Chaplains
            Johnson City-Washington County Ministers Fellowship
            Johnson City Homeless Coalition
            Housing and Community Development Citizens Advisory Board
            Northeast Tennessee Council on Children and Youth
            Coalition for Adolescent Responsibility and Education
            Watauga Mental Health Service, Inc.
            Crisis Response Advisory Committee
            Stand for Children, Washington, D.C.