Rev. Ryan Barnett is a proud 6th generation Texan. After graduating from Friendswood High School in his hometown of Friendswood, Texas, Ryan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from the University of Texas at Austin. While in school, Ryan worked on a number of political staffs before discerning his calling in ministry. Through the gracious work of the Holy Spirit, he began to understand that true justice and mercy will only be made manifest where the presence of Christ abides.
Discerning a call to ministry, Ryan attended Asbury Theological Seminary, where he served as President of the Student Body and student representative to the Board of Trustees. Following his graduation in 2004, he was appointed to University United Methodist Church in San Antonio. He currently serves as Worship Pastor for “The U,” where he is responsible for organizing the worship life of the church. Ryan has been the preacher for the U’s contemporary services of worship since 2004 where he continues to marvel at the powerful movement of God currently underway.
Ryan is a frequent guest preacher – particularly investing his time sharing the Gospel with young people. Ryan is the current chairman of the Conference Council on Youth Ministry for the Southwest Texas Conference, a member of the Conference Nominations Committee, and the Annual Conference Council on Ministry. Ryan will marry Kim Brooks of McAllen, Texas on May 22, 2010 – proving that God does indeed answer prayer!