Barrie was ordained by Hamilton Conference in 1975. He retired from full-time active ministry at Fairview United Church in Brantford as of June 30 2014. He has served two – three point pastoral charges on Manitoulin Island, from 1975 to 1980 – These are the Manitowaning PC. (Manitowaning, Tehkummah and South Baymouth) and the Little Current PC. (Little Current, Green Bay and Sheguiandah) He next accepted a call to the Smithville Pastoral Charge (near Grimsby) within Hamilton Presbytery and served there from 1980 to 1984.
Barrie and Margaret Bain were called to Grace United Church in Hanover where they served as a clergy couple from 1984 to 1993. Barrie accepted a call to serve as Senior Minister at St. Giles United Church in Hamilton. He served there from 1993 until 2003 when he moved to Fairview United Church in Brantford.
During these nearly 40 years of ministry in rural, small town, inner city and suburban congregations; he has offered leadership in a variety of ways to Presbytery and Conference life circles.
His wish for the churches that are ready for a challenge is this: The church must offer creative leadership, inspiring worship that builds and strengthens community life, and create working partnerships – willing to engage in mission that makes a difference for healthy community lifestyles. Today’s church must “Dare to Risk and Encourage Life on the Growing Edge!”