After graduating from the University of Alabama with degrees in Political Science and Accounting, Barry moved to Atlanta to pursue a career in Retail Management. Upon arriving in Atlanta Barry continued to be involved in the AME church by attend historic Big Bethel AME on Auburn Avenue. At Bethel, Barry was President of the Young Adult Group and also served as Co-facilitator of the Children's Kionioia.

 

In 1989 Barry first stepped through the doors of First MCC of Atlanta. For the next three years Barry went back and forth between AME and MCC. Barry's major struggle was that MCC lacked the deep spirituality that he found in the music that was always present at his AME church. And he was blessed that of the four AME churches that he had attended  he only heard one negative gay comment from the pulpit. That comment came from a guest preacher. The following Sunday the Senior Pastor apologized to the congregation and said that, that person would never be invited back to preach at Bethal.

 

 In 1992 Barry finally made the decision to leave the AME church and joined  First MCC. And he immediately became active.

 

At First MCC, Barry has served on the Board of Director, been Co-Facilitator of the Christian Education Program, been a CELL group leader and has served 8 years as Lay Delegate. He was also the Chair of  First MCC's Thirtieth Anniversary Celebration and has serve as a mentor for many of the up and coming leaders at First MCC

 

Barry was a member of the Board of Ordained Ministry for the Gulf Lowers Atlantic District.

 

After the fellowship switched to Regions, Barry first served as Communications Facilitator and then as Laity Development Facilitator for Region 2.  Barry helped to organize both of the Brazilian conferences and served as the Co-coordinator of the 2004 Regional Conference for Region 2.

 

At the Fellowship level, Barry has attended all of the People Of African Decent Conferences and served as co-chair for the 2002 conference in Atlanta.

 

Barry is a  currently a member of the Geographic Review Board, Project Manager for the Church Revitalization Initiative and received a Laity Leadership Award at 2005 General Conference.

 

With 18 years of Retail Management experience in such area as Buying, Employee Development, Employee Relations, New Store Concept Development, Store Troubleshooting and Operational Control, Barry is the Store Manager of the Atlanta Flagship store for Brooks Brothers.