At St. Barnabas, our ministries and small groups offer countless ways to grow in faith, serve others, and deepen relationships within our parish family. Whether through servant leadership, worship, Christian formation, or fellowship, each ministry provides a meaningful place to connect your gifts with the life and mission of the church. From behind-the-scenes support to hands-on service to prayerful community, these groups help us live out our calling as disciples of Christ—together, in purpose, and in love.
Vestry
The St. Barnabas Vestry is our governing and decision-making body, and God calls its members to follow Christ and work together in His name. This group of nine, elected by the congregation to staggered three-year terms, comes from different worship services, backgrounds, and a variety of interests. Finding common ground, centered on the spiritual life of individuals and the Vestry as a group, then, is fundamental to its efforts – discerning with the Rector what God calls St. Barnabas to do, then having oversight for that work.
Finance & Stewardship Committees
A fully engaged Finance Committee indicates we are committed to good stewardship and actively managing the financial resources necessary to support the accomplishment of our mission. Although the entire Vestry carries fiduciary responsibility, the Finance Committee serves an important role of oversight.
At St. Barnabas, we set aside the last few months of each year to emphasize stewardship, and often think of it as a “campaign to raise money.” Yes, it is that. More important, it is a time when God calls us all to the ministry of stewardship, to manage all we have been given and to renew our faithfulness. One way we show our faithfulness is making an annual pledge, our commitment to Christ’s mission in the world through The Church, a beacon of love in the Lafayette community.
Property & Landscape Committee
St. Barnabas operates and maintains a significant footprint that includes buildings and extensive grounds. We must care for what we currently use, anticipate and meet immediate needs, and develop plans for the long term. This ministry is critical to our successful future and includes three main area of focus: building and grounds, green space and landscape, and signage.
Acolytes
ACOLYTES – are the youth (Grades 6 – 12) as well as adults who serve at the altar during Sunday morning worship. They carry the cross and torches, tend candles, and assist clergy in setting the table during the Offertory. During special services, their responsibilities increase. Acolytes serve in a scheduled, regular rotation.
Adult Choir
ADULT CHOIR – leads the music of our liturgy and helps encourage all to join in song. Each Sunday, the Choir provides musical anthems reflecting the themes of the readings and the day’s sermon. There are also special services throughout the year, and occasionally instrumentalists or guest singers join in these services. The Adult Choir is open to all. Rehearsals take place every Wednesday evening and before the 10:30am Sunday morning worship service.
Altar Guild
ALTAR GUILD – assists the clergy and serves the parish community by maintaining the Altar, Sacristy, vestments linens, vessels, candles and supplies for all worship services and other special events. The Altar Guild also ensures that proper colors are in place according to season, and Hymn Boards are current. This ministry requires a lot of human power – both men and women, young and old – where several teams serve in rotation on a regular basis. Altar Guild extends a year-round and open invitation to all who wish to serve.
Audio/Video (AV) Team
AUDIO/VIDEO (AV) TEAM – shares some similarities with Eucharistic Visitors who bring The Church to those who are homebound. This ministry assists in a variety of audio/video communication efforts that include streaming worship services live on YouTube. The AV Team is always looking for dedicated volunteers who are willing to learn or who are already comfortable with technology tools.
Eucharistic Ministers
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS – serve the chalice of wine during worship services and at special services throughout the liturgical year. Eucharistic Ministers serve in a scheduled, regular rotation, usually about once a month, and arrive early to worship to coordinate with others, and vest in alb and cincture. In addition to regular Sunday attendance, Eucharistic Ministers meet from time to time for worship, fellowship and instruction of new members.
Lectors
LECTORS (Worship Leaders) – read from Scripture at all regular worship services, and at special services throughout the liturgical year. They extend greetings and welcome to visitors at the 10:30am Sunday service, and as Intercessors, lead the Prayers of the People. Lectors are scheduled in advance on a rotational basis, and meet semi-annually for worship, fellowship and instruction of new members.
Pastoral Care
PASTORAL CARE (Eucharistic Visitors) TEAM – brings the consecrated bread and wine from a church service to members unable to attend due to illness, age, or infirmity, ensuring they remain connected to the Body of Christ. This team acts under clergy direction, following specific rites, not performing a mini-Mass, but sharing the sacrament reverently and offering prayer, presence, and a listening ear as representatives of the congregation.
Ushers & Greeters
USHERS & GREETERS – extend hospitality, service, and support before, during and after St. Barnabas worship services on Sunday and all special services throughout the liturgical years. They are often the very first to greet and welcome visitors, new and long-term members. Duties include greeting, handing out bulletins, seating assistance, and head counts. These special teams (men and women, young and old) rotate through a regular schedule, generally serving once or twice a month.
Wedding Guild
WEDDING GUILD – provides assistance during wedding planning, including hands-on help as requested, at the rehearsal and on the big day. The Wedding Guild welcomes the entire wedding party, assists the clergy with logistics, and if necessary, directs formal seating. This ministry offers a valuable and fun service to help make lasting memories for St. Barnabas members, or those who may only come once in their lifetime, and then, on a very special day.
Adult Christian Formation
ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATION – Christian formation is the lifelong process of growing in relationship with God, self, others and all creation. The Discipleship & Christian Formation Leadership Team coordinates Christian education and spiritual development opportunities for the St. Barnabas faith community. Members help plan and coordinate an annual program offered by clergy, lay leaders and guests, guiding the congregation in deepening their faith and exploring new ways to live as disciples of Christ. It oversees Bible studies, Small Groups and seasonal offerings and is always asking: Is there a study you’d like to present or help lead? What about an idea for Small Groups? Do your gifts include teaching?
Becoming Beloved Community
BECOMING BELOVED COMMUNITY – is a movement within the Episcopal Church to “grow to love God and love the image of God that we find in our neighbors, in ourselves, and in creation. It provides a positive, theological and biblically based ideal that orients the work of racial healing, reconciliation, and justice.” Aligned with the Becoming Beloved Community Commission of the Episcopal Church in Western Louisiana, this ministry works to provide opportunities for prayer, reflection and education each season of the liturgical year.
Children’s Christian Formation
CHILDREN’S CHRISTIAN FORMATION (Children’s Chapel) – provides a special environment for kids from Kindergarten to 5th Grade. Children’s Chapel has the same readings and order of service as the 10:30am service, but in language and format suitable for young ages. Children rejoin the 10:30am service at The Peace, right before Eucharist, having given children space and time to be children, and parents space and time to worship.
Episcopal Youth Community
EPISCOPAL YOUTH COMMUNITY (EYC) – is our youth group for middle and high school. They meet most Sundays during the school year from 4 to 6pm to have fun, make new friends, help their community, travel together, and learn about God’s never failing love.
Tuesday Morning Bible Study & Prayer Group
TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY & PRAYER GROUP – known affectionately as “The Flock,” meets every Tuesday at 10am for about two hours. The group nurtures the knowledge and love of God through prayer and Bible Study. Its mission is to offer prayer and support to group members and those in need, as well as carefully examine Scripture to become mature disciples of Jesus in both word and deed.
Episcopal Church Women
EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN (ECW) – supports and inspires all women in the church as they strive to express in word and deed their love of God, family and neighbors. Active or not, every woman at St. Barnabas is a member. ECW often includes special outreach projects and support for other St. Barnabas ministries, and meets monthly, except for summer. Meeting locations may vary, but are announced well in advance.
LGBTQ+ Folks & Friends
LGBTQ+ FOLKS & FRIENDS – fosters a safe and inclusive space for people to be themselves and explore ways in which spirituality intersects with identity. The group meets for fellowship and works with the Acadiana Convocation (St. Barnabas Lafayette, St. Paul’s Abbeville, Epiphany Opelousas and Epiphany New Iberia) on special projects and events including the Pride Festival in Downtown Lafayette.
Men’s Group
MEN’S GROUP – gathers monthly to enjoy friendship and fellowship that includes bringing something to throw on the grill. Sides and beverages are provided. Men’s Group offers a great way to meet new guys and enjoy a really great meal.
Parish Life
PARISH LIFE – in partnership with the Welcome & Hospitality Leadership Team, helps organize and host fellowship events in the life of the St. Barnabas congregation, including our special get-togethers, luncheons and receptions held before and after church. These might include celebrations for baptisms and confirmations, Bishop and distinguished guest visits and holidays.
Summer Pool Party
SUMMER POOL PARTY – is a favorite end-of-summer annual tradition! The swimming is great but optional – all that’s required is making time to eat, laugh, and hang out with old friends and new in a comfortable setting, despite summer heat. Everyone is invited and all ages are welcome. Newcomers and those looking to connect with fellow parishioners in a particularly enjoyable environment are encouraged especially to attend.
Want to learn more?
“Where two or three are gathered in my Name, I am there among them.”
– Matthew 18;20
Small Groups
“Where two or three are gathered in my Name, I am there among them.” – Matthew 18;20
Small Groups are one of the most faithful and transformative ways a parish becomes a true spiritual home. They create space for prayer, formation, friendship, accountability, and deeper connection to one another in Christ.
At St. Barnabas, we extend an open invitation to help create a welcoming space for prayer, community, and spiritual growth in forming Small Groups. Our Small Group Leaders do not need to be teachers or theologians – they simply guide the rhythm of the gathering, help people feel seen and heard, and anchor the group in prayer.
Small Groups are one of the most faithful ways a church becomes more than a Sunday gathering. Let us know if your gifts can bless others – through presence, hospitality, listening, and prayer – or particular groups you may interested in joining here at St. Barnabas
