Pastor David K. Payne

David K Payne has been the Senior Pastor of The Church at Covington (formerly Gospel Tabernacle) for the past nineteen years. In 1987, the church had a membership of close to 150. Today, there are over 800 active members and attenders involved at The Church at Covington.

David has desired to break down the walls that divide people along social, racial and religious lines. For years he has intentionally lead TCAC in a way that encourages people to get to know those different than themselves. Through events such as the community July fourth celebrations he has reached out to the un-churched trying to redefine church and change the worlds perspective on what being a Christian is truly all about. The primary purpose and vision TCAC is to bring people to a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This is not just a statement but a reality of practice as people are encouraged to be the individuals that God has created them to be, fully utilizing their natural talents and abilities, all the while submitting themselves wholly to God. Respect for each others views and person is taught and encouraged and as a result TCAC enjoys a very high level of unity. With dynamic worship and anointed relevant preaching and teaching, hundreds are affected each week by the ministry of the church. With a world-wide mission outreach that begins at home, the church has an affect on the lives of thousands in the Covington area and reaches into many countries with its short term mission trips and support. The Church at Covington is a non-denominational, multi-racial congregation that is making a difference in the world through Jesus Christ.

The greatest source of joy and pride in his life outside of God is his wife and children. David has been married to Valorie Strawn of Conyers, Georgia for twenty seven years, without whose support none of his accomplishments would have been possible. They have two married children. They are Stephen, their son, and his wife Shirley and Arlissa, their daughter, and her husband, Mike Jones.

David graduated with honors in 1980 from Newton County Comprehensive High School. He has attended both Perimeter College of Conyers and Christian Life College of Stockton California. David has been the past president of the Newton County Ministerial Association and is on the Advisory Board for Newton General Hospital Chaplains. He is respected in his county by his peers in ministry and by those in government and business. God willing it is David’s desire to continue to serve God by serving his community and seeing many become friends of God.