July 2016: Bob Payne
July 15, 2016
Juggling several responsibilities can be challenging sometimes. Dr. Bob Payne is doing that by serving the Lord not only as a pastor but also as the president of Emmanuel Baptist Bible Institute in Moncton, New Brunswick.
Bob and his wife, Becky, both graduated from Faith in 1986. During Bob’s junior year in another college, his pastor recommended Faith so Bob transferred to Faith for his senior year. Due to the transfer, he was heavily involved in his studies, but he still made time for ministry opportunities. Bob served at Urbandale Baptist Church where he helped teach Sunday school and minister with music. He appreciated the local church emphasis taught at Faith and loved the opportunities to serve. In addition to ministry, he helped with the drama program at Faith. Bob says Faith helped prepare him for ministry through grasping a better understanding of solid theology.
After graduating and getting married, Bob had been pastoring in his home area of Detroit for more than 22 years when the Lord began leading him in other directions. When the Lord led him to consider other ministries, he had his heart set on moving to the South. God had other plans, however, and as Bob put it, God “miraculously led” them to Canada.
Bob and Becky have been serving at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Moncton since June of 2013. Bob is senior pastor as well as the president of the church’s Bible institute, Emmanuel Baptist Bible Institute.
Although the transition to Canada has been relatively easy, he has noticed some differences. The biggest difference is learning how to wear two hats as a pastor and as an institutional president. That balance can become very difficult, but God has been good to bless the institute with great students and a good spirit within the church.
When asked their favorite part of the ministry, both Bob and Becky replied, “people.” “People” is also the greatest lesson they have learned while in ministry. The Paynes rejoice in the opportunities to give people the Word of God and show them Christ.