2023 
Beat The Clock
Ephesians 5:8-16 

Pastor Eric Payne is a servant, preacher, teacher, international

evangelist, visionary and the Pastor of Bethel Pentecostal Church in

Seguin, Texas.  With a deep love for God, God’s people and great insight

in the revelation of God’s word, Pastor Payne’s undeniable desire is that

people from all walks of life will come to know a wonderful Savior, Jesus

Christ. 

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Born in Dayton, Texas, Pastor Eric Payne Sr. was the oldest of five

siblings.  After graduating from High School, he joined the United States

Air Force.  During his first tour of duty in Tucson, Arizona, he met his

gift from God, First Lady Cynthia Payne and they’ve been married since

February 13, 1982.

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Within the same year of 1982, while retraining at Sheppard AFB in

Wichita Falls, Texas, God called Pastor Payne for ministry.  He began his

ministry under Overseer James Brown of the Church of God of the

Apostolic Faith and was ordained as an Elder in 1984.  Subsequently, he

would be elevated to District Elder in October 2012 by the Texas State

Council, under the tutelage of the late Suffragan Bishop Horace M.

Young, Pastor of Greater Faith Temple in San Antonio, Texas, whom he

considers his father in the ministry.

 

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Pastor Payne’s Ministry Assignments:

• In 1986, the Payne’s were reassigned to Germany where they attended Newborn Apostolic Ministries under Bishop Frank Cuomo.  Pastor Payne served as the European Council of Nations Brotherhood Treasurer and preached throughout the region as God directed. Moreover, he sat under the dynamic ministerial leadership of the European Diocesan Bishop Norman Wagner as well.

• In 1989 the Payne’s were reassigned to Yokota Air Force Base in Japan where they attended United Pentecostal Church of Japan under Pastor Richard Lucas until God led them to establish Apostolic Assembly on base.

• In 1993, God moved Pastor Payne and his family back to Europe to Aviano Air Force Base in Italy; met Bishop Franklin, supported his ministry and Pastor Payne served as Sunday School Superintendent.

• Upon retirement, the Paynes returned to San Antonio and Greater Faith Temple under the late Suffragan Bishop Horace M. Young and then under the pastorate of Suffragan Bishop Douglass Thompson. Under the pastorate of Pastor Thompson, he served as Website coordinator, Christian Education Director, was a Church Board Member, and assisted wherever needed.

• In 2003, with the leading of the Holy Ghost, Bishop Franklin founded Christ Ministries International Church in San Antonio, Texas.  Under the Lord’s guidance and blessing from Pastor Thompson, the Payne family attended Christ Ministries full time while proceeding their work at Bethel in Seguin, Texas.

• On June 18th, 2008, District Elder Payne and Lady Cynthia Payne were installed as Pastor and First Lady of Bethel Pentecostal Church in Seguin, TX.

 

Pastor Payne’s Achievements

• Chairman of the Texas State Southern District

• District Elder with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

• Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, University of Maryland

• Master’s Degree in Organizational Security Management, Webster University

 

Pastor Eric Q. Payne Sr., is the proud husband of First Lady Cynthia Payne and proud father of their four children; Amos, Eric Jr. (deceased), Crystal, and Hannah. Also, God has graciously added grandchildren to the Payne family; Adriana, Amos Jr., Aniya, Ah’Layleiyanah, Naiemah, Nevaeh, Sophia, and Zora.