Pastor Tommy Barnett is a prominent figure within American Pentecostalism, widely recognized for his decades of ministry leadership, innovative approaches to church growth, and commitment to urban outreach. While his influence extends nationally and internationally, a significant portion of his ministry and arguably his most defining work occurred during his tenure in Phoenix, Arizona. Beginning in 1979, Barnett led Phoenix First Assembly, transforming it into one of the largest Assemblies of God congregations in the United States, now known as Dream City Church. This paper seeks to provide a detailed examination of Pastor Tommy Barnett’s ministry specifically within the Phoenix context. It will explore his background prior to arriving in Phoenix, analyze his leadership tenure from 1979 to 2011, focusing on church growth strategies and ministry innovations, investigate his pivotal role in founding the Dream Center movement and establishing the Phoenix Dream Center, and discuss his transition and ongoing influence. The analysis relies on publicly available data, including biographical information, church histories, and ministry reports.
Background and Arrival in Phoenix (Pre-1979)
Tommy Barnett’s ministry began remarkably early, at the age of sixteen. Before his move to Arizona, he served as pastor of Westside Assembly of God in Davenport, Iowa. During his time there, he demonstrated significant aptitude for church growth, reportedly expanding the congregation from approximately 76 members to over 4,000. This success established his reputation within the Assemblies of God denomination. In 1979, Barnett accepted the call to become the senior pastor of Phoenix First Assembly in Phoenix, Arizona, bringing his experience and growth-oriented vision to the established congregation.
Transformative Leadership at Phoenix First Assembly (1979 – 2011)
Barnett’s 33-year tenure as senior pastor of Phoenix First Assembly was characterized by substantial growth and strategic innovation. Under his leadership, the church experienced significant increases in weekly attendance, necessitating major physical expansion, most notably the construction of the large main sanctuary complex on North Cave Creek Road, completed in 1980.
Beyond numerical growth, Barnett became known for implementing creative and engaging ministry methodologies designed to connect with contemporary culture. Sources mention the use of large-scale illustrated sermons, theatrical productions, and the integration of creative drama and media into church services. This approach aimed to make traditional Christian teachings fresh and relevant, attracting a diverse congregation and contributing to the church’s dynamic atmosphere. His leadership solidified Phoenix First Assembly’s position as a leading church within the Assemblies of God denomination and a significant religious institution in Phoenix.
The Dream Center Movement
Perhaps the most widely recognized aspect of Tommy Barnett’s legacy is his role in founding the Dream Center movement. Driven by a passion to address the needs of underserved urban populations, Barnett, alongside his son Matthew, co-founded the first Dream Center in Los Angeles in 1994. This ministry adopted a holistic approach, providing food, clothing, shelter, addiction recovery programs, and other forms of assistance, operating under the principle of “Find a need and fill it, find a hurt and heal it.”
Building on the success of the LA model, Barnett spearheaded the establishment of the Phoenix Dream Center (PDC) around 2002 as a major outreach initiative of Phoenix First Assembly. The PDC rapidly grew into a significant non-profit entity, addressing critical social issues within the Phoenix community, including human trafficking, childhood hunger, addiction, homelessness, and the effects of poverty. Reports indicate the PDC serves tens of thousands of individuals monthly through extensive programs, including food distribution (over 14,000 meals weekly cited in one source), residential recovery programs assisting hundreds annually, and numerous community outreach efforts. The PDC became intrinsically linked to the identity of Phoenix First Assembly and later Dream City Church, embodying Barnett’s emphasis on practical compassion and community service. His vision extended globally, contributing to a network of over 300 Dream Centers worldwide.
Transition and Continued Influence (2011 – Present)
In 2011, after 33 years as senior pastor, Tommy Barnett transitioned the primary leadership role of the Phoenix church to his younger son, Luke Barnett. However, Tommy Barnett did not retire from ministry. He assumed the role of co-pastor or global pastor at Dream City Church, remaining actively involved. He also holds the position of Chancellor at Southeastern University (SEU), an Assemblies of God institution, where the Barnett College of Ministry & Theology bears his name, reflecting his commitment to training future ministry leaders.
Barnett continues to exert influence beyond Phoenix. He is an author of several books on ministry and Christian living (e.g., Multiplication, Hidden Power, Your Great Adventure). He serves on the Board of Directors for Joyce Meyer Ministries and remains a sought-after speaker. He is also involved in initiatives like DREAMomentum, a platform sharing ministry insights from the leadership at Dream City Church. His ongoing work with the Dream Center Global Network further extends his reach.
Legacy and Impact in Phoenix
Tommy Barnett’s impact on the religious and social landscape of Phoenix is substantial. He transformed Phoenix First Assembly from an established church into a nationally recognized megachurch, known for its size, innovative methods, and extensive outreach. His leadership fostered a culture of dynamic ministry and practical community engagement. The Phoenix Dream Center stands as a primary testament to his legacy in the city, providing critical services to thousands of vulnerable residents. His focus on outreach and compassion has left an indelible mark on the church he led for over three decades. Furthermore, his influence continues through his ongoing roles, his writings, and the ministries led by his children (Matthew, Luke, and Kristie), who have all assumed prominent leadership positions within the Assemblies of God.
Conclusion
Pastor Tommy Barnett’s tenure in Phoenix, Arizona, represents a significant chapter in modern American church history. His leadership at Phoenix First Assembly/Dream City Church from 1979 to 2011 resulted in remarkable growth, characterized by innovative ministry approaches and a deep commitment to community outreach. His founding role in the Dream Center movement, particularly the establishment and development of the Phoenix Dream Center, created a lasting legacy of service within the city. While no longer the senior pastor, his continued involvement in various capacities ensures his ongoing influence. Tommy Barnett’s career in Phoenix exemplifies transformative leadership within the Pentecostal tradition, blending dynamic church growth with a tangible commitment to addressing social needs.
