Rev. MIchael started on May 1, 2023 as our Transitional Pastor to help discern the Lord's leading for the next chapter of BPC's life and ministry.  Rev.  Michael was born in Chattanooga.  He received his PhD in Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA.  He spend 11 years as a theological educator in East Africa followed by 9 years as Prof of Theology and Apolgetics at RTS in Jackson, MS.  Simultaneously with his RTS position, he was Prof of Ethics and Leadership at the Air War College (USAF) at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, AL.  Upon college graduation of his youngest daughter, he and his wife pursued pastoral ministry.   He accepted the call to serve as Sr Pastor of Union Evangelical Church in Mexico City, Mexico.  After 5 years, he accepted a call to Taipei International Church in Taipei, Taiwan - where he served for another 5 years.  Subsequently, he accepted the call to serve as Pastor of Lebanon EPC in Greenwood, VA, where he served for 6 years.  Retiring from full-time ministry at the end of 2021, he first served as Transitional Pastor in Florence, SC before coming to Brainerd Pres.   We are blessed and pleased to have Dr. Rev. Michael Payne with us during our exciting time of growth, discipleship, and transition!