Payton grew up in Cartersville, Georgia, and graduated from Berry College in 2018 with a degree in Religion and Psychology. In May 2022, he earned his Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School, receiving a Certificate in Faith-Based Organizing, Advocacy, and Social Transformation. In July 2022, Payton was appointed as Associate Pastor at Mulberry United Methodist Church.

Since July 2025, Payton also serves as the pastor for The Bridge UMC in Milledgeville, a new church start within the North Georgia Annual Conference. He is passionate about pastoral care, discipleship, and partnering with others to discern and live into God’s mission in the world.

Payton enjoys reading, board games, and soccer. He and his wife, Mallory, joyfully welcomed their son, Xander, in August 2024. Together, they are grateful for this new season of life and excited about what God is doing at Mulberry and throughout Macon.