Pastor Rev. Wade M. Barnett was born and raised in East Orange NJ. He is the grandson of the late Rev. Mother Geraldine Powell the founder of Citadel of Hope Mission (COHM). Pastor Wade was raised in the church and all through his youth spent many hours there. It was during one Sunday night service that he had an encounter with the Lord that has had an impact on his life to this day.  While sleeping at the altar (during prayer) he heard the voice of the Lord audibly. The Lord simply said "you are to preach my word".

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At the time Pastor Wade was only seven years old and this experience scared him so badly that he ran and jumped on his grandmother’s back as she knelt before the Lord! He told her what the Lord had said to him and she comforted him by letting him know that it was okay. She explained to him that she knew from his birth that he would experience the call of God one day. When Pastor Wade was in his mother’s womb his grandmother prayed for him.

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Today he believes he is serving as the pastor of Citadel of Hope Mission (COHM) because of that prayer. Pastor Wade was called into the ministry at a very early age, but experienced many life changing events before answering the call. He was ordained in 2002 and became the Pastor of COHM in 2008.

 

Pastor Wade attended and graduated from Citadel of Hope Academy, which was a Christian school located in Newark, NJ.  He also attended Essex County College for his science (biology and chemistry) requirements during his Junior and Senior years in high school. He achieved excellence in performance there. He is currently enrolled at UTS the Interfaith Seminary where he is pursuing his degree in Religious Studies. He strongly believes in the instruction that is given in 2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” 

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Pastor Wade is married to Lady Artheria Barnett and they have four children: Latoya, Wade Jr., Tyler and Kayla. They celebrate twenty-nine years of marriage. Together they are doing the Lord’s work and cover the Couples Ministry at COHM. He has a great love for family and church. He is dedicated to the ministry and the people that God has placed in his care. ​

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His vision for Citadel of Hope Mission is that we will be a beacon of hope to those that are hurting and in despair. Citadel of Hope Mission wants to minister to the whole man spiritually and naturally so that we the children of THE MOST HIGH will know who we are and what we are entitled to according to THE WORD of GOD (1 Peter 1: 13-23). Pastor Wade’s desire is to see people as well as families HEALED, DELIVERED, SAVED, and SET FREE. He is excited about what God is doing and for what the Lord has in store for him.  

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Pastor Wade Barnett is also an accomplished singer and song writer. He has ministered through music up and down the east coast. He and his brother, Citadel of Hope Mission’s Minister of Music, William J. Barnett, III. own a production company called WADE-WILL-PRODUCTIONS.

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The calling that Pastor Wade received of the Lord so many years ago is now come into fruition. He is dedicated to the mission of reaching souls for Jesus Christ and building up the faith of the born-again believer. Scripture to live by: Phil. 4:13” I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.”