Payton is honored to serve as the pastor of The Bridge United Methodist Church. Originally from Cartersville, Georgia, he graduated from Berry College in 2018 with a degree in Religion and Psychology and later earned his Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School in 2022, along with a Certificate in Faith-Based Organizing, Advocacy, and Social Transformation. In addition to his role at The Bridge, Payton also serves as Associate Pastor at Mulberry Street United Methodist Church in Macon, where he has served since 2022. Payton is passionate about building relationships, walking with people through life’s joys and struggles, and helping others grow in faith and purpose. He believes in the power of community and is excited to be part of what God is doing through The Bridge in Milledgeville. When he's not at church, you might find Payton reading, playing board games, or watching soccer. He and his wife, Mallory, are grateful to be raising their son, Xander (born in August 2024), and look forward to the journey ahead with this growing community.