About Us

Our Story

In 2000, a group of Christ-following business leaders in southern California understood that true success in God's Kingdom was not measured by a balance sheet. God gave them a vision for an organization that would create a platform for men and women like them to use their professional skills and experiences to help ministries flourish. The Barnabas Group was born and over the next two decades spread to cities across the country, blessing hundreds of faith-based nonprofits. The Kingdom impact of that work is immeasurable.
The COVID pandemic, a national reorganization of The Barnabas Group, and a period of focused strategic analysis here in Houston propelled us to move forward in 2021 as Fellowship of Barnabas Partners, honoring the Barnabas heritage and following our call to serve Houston Partners who want to learn how to better influence the nonprofit sector for the glory of God.

Why "Barnabas"?

Throughout Acts and the epistles, we find glimpses into the personality of this prominent first-century Jew who encouraged others toward generosity, was known as a prophet and teacher, traveled widely, became Paul's trusted companion, regularly advocated for the misunderstood, mentored and restored his young relative John Mark, needed restoration himself after getting caught up in hypocrisy, and was called "beloved" by the apostles in Jerusalem.
His many years of church leadership displayed courage, integration of faith and work, visionary insight into the people around him, and humility. It is no surprise that he was known by his nickname "Barnabas," meaning "Son of Encouragement," and there is no question that he still inspires followers of Christ toward innovative leadership in both for-profit and nonprofit endeavors.

Board Members

Our board members share their expertise in executive leadership, finance, law, organizational formation, governance, and the Houston ministry / nonprofit landscape to help Fellowship of Barnabas Partners efficiently and effectively serve our Partners. There is room for additional ideas and experiences. Contact any members of our board to find out how to join our group.
Dennis Turnipseed
Chairman

Dennis Turnipseed

Chairman

After 28 years in the corporate world, Dennis retired to pursue God's true calling on his life and became Executive Director of Eyes On Me, Inc. He has been married to Sally for more than three decades and has three children. As much as he enjoys the great outdoors, running, and reading (especially the Bible), Dennis' passion is sharing the gospel with others. He finds Barnabas fulfilling because it allows Christians to bridge the gap between the corporate world that is full of resources and the poverty-stricken world where resources are desperately needed.


Mary Kenney

Mary Kenney


Mary has practiced law for over 30 years, 18 of which have been working for international companies in the oil and gas industry.  She and her husband lived in the Middle East for 12 years, where they founded the nonprofit organization Tying Vines. Mary has traveled extensively and is passionate about meeting people from other cultures and empowering local leaders to impact their communities with the love of Jesus. She is passionate about Fellowship of Barnabas Partners because she is convinced that Christians in the corporate world have gifts and talents to bless people who live in at-risk communities. 


Pam Lilly

Pam Lilly


Pam Lilly has enjoyed 20 years of marketing and account management in the travel industry and then 15 years in ministry fund development (both on the personal level and coaching other ministry leaders in Biblical fundraising). Pam is the author of Mary Morning Martha Day and enjoys photography, cooking, baking, and spending time with God. As a Barnabas Advising Partner, Pam loves helping non-profit ministries grow more fully in their causes.


Nancy Penney
Executive Director

Nancy Penney

Executive Director

Nancy has worked as a software developer, homeschooling mother of six, high school math teacher, ordained minister, and hospital culture consultant, along with significant volunteer leadership for many nonprofits including churches, several universities, Boy Scouts, La Leche League, and innumerable youth sports teams, choirs and theatre groups. Like other Partners, she sees that God has been shaping and directing her to a culminating season of significance with FBP. When she’s not wearing her Barnabas “hat,” Nancy sews costumes, cheers for the Astros, travels, and enjoys time with ten (so far!) grandchildren.


Our Logo

We hope that "Barnabas Partners" gives you the feeling of looking at a carefully chiseled message in first-century stone, encouraging us as we model the practices of Barnabas and other early church leaders.

On the other hand, you could also see in our logo a sleek, stylized font that reminds us that we are firmly grounded in the mission of the 21st century where God has chosen for us to live.

Either way, the letters in our name are undone, unfinished. That's on purpose, because our work is not yet complete, and we are not all that we yet will be. Fellowship of Barnabas Partners is one way that we work together purposefully until all things are made new.
Fellowship of Barnabas Partners equips Christians to help nonprofits.
Join the Fellowship
Fellowship of Barnabas Partners is a nonpartisan, nonsectarian 501c3 exempt organization, EIN 86-2933671.
Copyright © 2025 Fellowship of Barnabas Partners.
Website made with by Solace Media

What Nonprofit Leaders Need to Know About Mental Health

Speaker: Dr. Michael Stanford

Wednesday, September 10
Breakfast 7:30a to 9:30a
Networking 9:30a to 11:30a (optional)

As nonprofit organizations meet community needs, they serve people who are meeting mental health challenges. Dr. Matthew Stanford of Houston's Hope and Healing Center and Institute will help us learn to wisely and practically meet those challenges.
Register Today
crossmenu