His educational background includes graduate of Central High School in Galveston, Texas, The University Of Houston B.A., Houston Graduate School of Theology M.A., Thurgood Marshall School of Law J.D., College Of Biblical Studies-Houston A.B.S., and Dallas Theological Seminary C.G.S. For over twenty years he was an accomplished trial lawyer. He has served as Pastor of FWMBC for the past sixteen years.

As Pastor of FWMBC he has instituted over a dozen new ministries including but not limited to a male and female mentor program called "Shoulder to Shoulder", a community awareness committee, a drug ministry, a young adult ministry (Young Disciples for Christ), a greeters ministry, an athletic ministry, a fine arts ministry, a marriage ministry, a prison ministry, and a faith based corporation (Faith Revitalization Center, Inc.).

He has served formerly as Chairman of the Board Of Trustees at The College Of Biblical Studies-Houston. As a former Board Member of Houston Habitat For Humanity he has been influential in the building of several houses for low income families. FWMBC joined 9 other churches and completed several Habitat houses.

Educational courses at FWMBC include Master Life, Disciple Prayer Life, Experiencing God, Mind of Christ, Bible Study on Wednesday nights, Sunday School, and Senior Adult Bible Study on Thursdays at 12:00 noon, to name a few.

Under his administration new construction on the main sanctuary has been completed, new land has been acquired, the church library has been renovated, and the building of a new multi-purpose center serves Programs in the Fifth Ward Community.

Pastor Barksdale emphasizes love for God, and love for one another as the foundation of his ministry.

pastor@fwmbc.org