Dr. Jeff Payne has been consistently and effectively reaching people with the gospel of the Lord Jesus for over 40 years. For 26  years Jeff was one of the most effective and evangelistic youth pastors in the Southern Baptist Convention. The churches he served baptized as many as 323 youth in a single year and his churches appeared 18 times on the annual “top 50” list for youth evangelism, published by the North American Mission Board.

 

“I always used a strong combination of practical, Spirit-led Apologetics and lifestyle evangelism training. I found it to be effective for two reasons: 1. The Lord used it to help us see thousands of decisions for Christ. 2. Those same students became incredibly well-grounded in their faith.”

 

During his last seven years as a youth pastor, and for several years thereafter, Jeff also traveled the world as a missionary evangelist. His unique, heart-felt delivery is so in-demand that in his first year in full-time itinerant ministry he booked 168 meetings. Dr. Payne also found time to consult with four churches, throughout the southwest, as a church health consultant. The church he eventually served as pastor was initially one of his client churches.

 

“I have never lost my heart for itinerant ministry. I certainly missed my wife while I was traveling all those years, but we’re both at a place now where she can travel more with me. So, rather than look toward retiring I am re-firing and launching back out into the deep of this strong missionary calling.”

 

Jeff has been a life-long student of theology, philosophy and the Word of God. His formal education includes Oklahoma Baptist University, Liberty University, Cedarville University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.. He has two graduate degrees (Th.M. and Th.D.) and is currently pursuing an additional Master’s degree from Luther Rice, a “top ten” school for the study of Apologetics.

 

“My undergraduate degree is in Music Theory and Composition, with a minor in Bible. In college I also developed a life-long passion for the study of Christian evidences/Apologetics. I am consumed with a strong desire to both know Him and make Him known.”

 

Jeff is married to his college sweetheart, Kathleen, and they have three grown children, Robert, James and Kalan and two daughters-in-law, Patricia and Jamie. Dr. Payne’s marriage is an inspirational example of staying and growing in love.

 

“Ideally, our marriages are living pictures, displaying to the world the relationship Christ has with His bride, the church. By the grace and mercy of God we have learned some things these past forty (40) years that we gladly share with others who want to live and last in love.”

 

Dr. Payne speaks on Spirit-Led Apologetics, Worship, Church Health or Marriage, at churches of all sizes. For the past few years he has (largely) limited his travel to Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and New Mexico.

 

His home church, Christ Community Church, Beaumont, TX is an ARC (Association of Related Churches) model church, dually aligned with their local Southern Baptist Association and the Evangelical Free Church of America. Jeff fits in wonderfully with churches of all styles and demeanors, from ultra-contemporary to the most reserved and traditional.

 

“I come in as a servant to pastors, usually to help equip the people to live more effective and evangelistic lives. I’m not there to change church paradigms or denigrate methods. My church follows the Highlands Church model, but I’ve spoken all over the world, in all kinds of churches. I am sent to challenge people to live for Christ, love God, serve humanity and learn how to give vitally needed answers with gentleness and respect.”

 

While in your city Jeff may be used for as many events as you please with no additional honorarium –whether Rotary Clubs, Prayer Breakfasts, Small Groups, Rallies, etc. in addition to weekend service(s).

 

Dr. Payne requires one 8’ product table and appropriate space for every 300 people in attendance. He will also require at least 2 volunteers for every product table.

 

Jeff is self-entertaining, but will also never turn down a social invitation while serving you. i.e. Do not feel like you have to keep him occupied, but don’t hesitate to ask him if you want to take him somewhere or to meet someone, especially to visit with lost and/or unchurched friends or family.