Our Pastor

Superintendent Samuel L. Payne, Jr.

    Our Pastor, Superintendent Samuel L. Payne, Jr. is leading the body of Christ and moving God’s program forward. Following God’s mandate, Our Pastor accepts the challenge to share the awesome work that is being embodied in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina at Sycamore Temple Church of God in Christ; and through this great Gospel of Jesus Christ, we believe all things can be accomplished.

Bio

    Pastor Samuel L. Payne Jr., has enjoyed the privilege of residency in the beautiful mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. He is the second of three siblings. Pastor Payne was offered the mantel of Pastorship following the demise of his great father Supt. Samuel Louis Payne Sr., and for over 30 years he continues to be the enthusiastic Pastor of Sycamore Temple Church of God In Christ with a testimony that he is saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost and do speak in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. He is not just a man taking a walk, but he is a man of distinction, moral integrity, and high principles. As a result, in 2014 he was appointed Superintendent of the Land of the Sky Asheville District by Bishop Leroy Jackson Woolard. As leader of this great District, Superintendent Payne is endeavoring to strengthen the body of Christ to a greater level of growth and commitment.
    Pastor Payne has recently been appointed as 4th Administrative Assistant to Bishop Leroy J. Woolard, a position he does not take for granted. He stands tall in the Greater North Carolina Jurisdiction and is well respected throughout the Jurisdiction and abroad. He serves as Chairman of the Ordination Committee and Co-Chairman of the Finance Committee.
    Pastor Payne attended AB Tech and trained in Auto Mechanics. Before graduating, he was drafted in the United States Army serving from 1969 – 1971. After returning to Asheville from the military, Pastor Payne attended Cecil Business College. Pastor Payne retired from Carolina Power & Light Company (CP&L) in 1993 after 20 years and became full-time in the Ministry. This accomplishment has afforded him great opportunities throughout Greater North Carolina and other parts of the United States. Under his tutelage as Pastor, Sycamore Temple would successfully feeds anywhere from 20-50 homeless persons per Sunday. Pastor Payne served as CEO of Grace Community Development, a program under the umbrella of Sycamore Temple COGIC which consisted of an abstinence Program, an after school program, and a literacy program. Pastor Payne stands tall in the community and well respected throughout the college of Pastors in Asheville.
    Pastor Payne is truly a family man. His marriage to the late Barbara Gordon-Payne was one of great accomplishment. He is the proud father of 3 daughters: Nikkia Payne-McBath, Nicole Payne-Wright and Natosha Payne. He is the proud grandfather (Pop-pee) of 5 wonderful grandkids: Skyrah, Tice, Anthony, Gary, Victoria and April.
    He is now married to Lady Janice Marie Payne. Together they are striving to Lead the Body of Christ at Sycamore Temple to higher heights and seeking to motivate the members to always pursue HOLY and RIGHTEOUS living. During times of uncertainty, Pastor Payne alone with Sycamore Temple’s Prayer Team incorporates 14+ hours of weekly prayer assembly. Pastor Payne is truly a man after God’s own heart.