Carriage Lane Presbyterian Church recently welcomed Jon Payne as new youth pastor to serve the youth of Carriage Lane and the surrounding area.

Payne is a former professional soccer player, and spent the last four years in North Carolina as a forward for the Charlotte Eagles. The team gained notoriety as national finalists two years running in the Division 3 Pro-league team, one of only two Christian professional soccer teams in the world.

While in Charlotte, this Clemson University graduate received his masters in Theological Studies from Reformed Theological Seminary and served for two years as senior high youth pastor at Christ Covenant Church (PCA). He also fell in love with Marla Odom who is from South Carolina, and they were married this past September. Marla is a physical therapist in Peachtree City.

Payne and his wife are enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve at Carriage Lane Presbyterian Church. Their desire is to challenge youth to live out what they say they believe.

"There is a low expectation of teens today," he said, "and they respond to that low expectation by setting low standards for themselves and others. But these youth are not children. They are young men and women who are called by God to strive toward maturity and godliness." Practically speaking, this means the youth are being challenged to worship God sincerely and to share their faith with other students. A hunger for the Bible and for prayer is being cultivated in their hearts. Compassion for the world and a vision for missions are being developed as well.

There are currently about 60 youth active in Carriage Lane's junior and senior high youth program, with about eight youth leaders assisting as discipleship leaders and with program planning.

For information about youth group activities and meeting times, call Payne at 770-631-4618.

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