Charity Baptist Church has ended its relationship with longtime senior pastor Marty Payton after leaders learned of serious sexual allegations. The church is in Kannapolis, central North Carolina, about 42 miles north of Charlotte. Leaders said the accusations involve sexual misconduct that occurred before Payton joined Charity Baptist. They also said the allegations do not involve anyone in the congregation, so members were not named.
Church cites safety, care, and grief after allegations
In a statement emailed to The Roys Report on Feb. 17, the church said it acted immediately. Leaders said they addressed the matter and prioritized congregational safety. The statement said Payton is no longer on staff, and it expressed grief over the harm caused. The church added that its faith remains firm because it believes Jesus offers hope and healing.
Supporters seek clarity, but detractors question accountability
Some supporters may welcome the quick separation and the focus on protecting the congregation. They may also appreciate the church’s emphasis on care, healing, and spiritual support. But detractors may argue that the statement leaves key facts unanswered, which could erode trust, such as transparency about timelines, reporting steps, and outside oversight.
Unanswered questions about law enforcement and timing
The church did not answer questions from The Roys Report about whether the allegations involve criminal behavior. It also did not say whether leaders notified law enforcement, which critics may see as a major omission. The statement did not specify when the church terminated Payton’s employment, which adds uncertainty for observers.
Sermon timeline and Payton’s ministry background
Payton’s most recent sermon on the church website is dated Jan. 25. WCNC-TV reported Feb. 12 that he preached on holy sexuality on Feb. 1, but that sermon no longer appears on the site. Payton’s personal website shows his account is suspended, and archived material says he joined Charity Baptist in August 2004 as a youth pastor. He became the senior pastor in August 2010, following the founding pastor’s retirement.
Education, prior churches, and denominational ties
Payton previously served as a youth pastor at churches in Louisiana, Texas, and Kansas, but those churches did not respond to requests for comment. He earned degrees from Baptist Bible College and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, and in 2015, he received a Doctor of Ministry from Liberty. Charity Baptist belongs to the Southern Baptist Convention and the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.
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North Carolina Baptist church parts ways with pastor facing ‘serious allegations of a sexual nature’
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