Baldwin and Pollyanna Barnes created Elationships, which blends ministry, counseling, and relationship education to provide “exhilarating experiences generating transformed relationships.” Combining their educational and professional backgrounds with their personal passion and relationship journey, they have metamorphosed from college sweethearts to Christian relationship coaches who open a space for self-analysis, understanding, and commitment.

Pastor Baldwin Barnes is a master of distinctions: he is uniquely gifted with the ability to dissect and interpret complex concepts, drawing from his foundational studies and degrees in Chemistry, Clinical Psychology, and Theology from Andrews University, Oakwood University, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville and in Tuscaloosa, and his work at Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion. Baldwin has pastored churches and served as a spiritual counselor for 30 years. Additionally, his commitment to abundant living has called him to serve as a leader in a wide variety of community organizations, educational associations, and groups of clergy.

In tandem with her husband, Dr. Pollyanna Barnes employs her skills gained from her graduate and terminal degrees in Behavioral Science, Reading, Education, Pastoral Studies, and Pastoral Care and Counseling from Andrews University, Alabama A & M University, Oakwood University, and Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion. She is a career educator and has worked in educational institutions from teaching elementary school, through graduate and doctoral professorship, and on to presiding as Superintendent of Schools of the Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Being a teacher at heart, Pollyanna is an expert at using anecdotes and illustrations to lead listeners to practical applications of multifaceted lessons.

Together, the Barnes currently serve as the directors of Family Ministries for the Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. These lifelong learners are committed to growth and consistent polishing of their skills. Their devotion and passion for families is yearly nurtured and updated from sitting at the feet of such nationally and internationally renowned experts as Dr. John Gottman; Dr. Sue Johnson; professors and researchers at the Touch Institute at the University of Miami Medical School; thought leaders of Landmark Education; and Drs. Harville Hendrix and Helen Hunt, developers of Safe Conversations Couple Education Program.

Through their 40 years of marriage and 30 years of ministry, Baldwin and Pollyanna have committed to support married and committed couples in creating an environment of love, fulfillment, and oneness, engaging couples in provocative and profound conversations that lead to mutual awareness and renewal of passion, joy, and togetherness. Through Elationships, they provide empowerment by educating, coaching, and training people in developing and maintaining effectiveness in all relationships in a variety of locations such as churches and religious organizations, educational institutions, businesses, non-profit organizations, and community associations. In their retreats, workshops, seminars, coaching, and individual, couple, family, and group counseling, they provide services that have induced radical transformations in couples, parents, families, and organizations. Baldwin and Pollyanna Barnes have vowed to be God’s transforming love, invigorating the families and individuals of the world, causing more love, more fulfillment, more satisfaction, and more joy for everyone!