KANNAPOLIS (NC)
Biblical Recorder [Cary NC]
February 12, 2026
By BR Staff Report
Charity Baptist Church in Kannapolis, N.C., has dismissed longtime pastor Marty Payton after church leaders recently became aware of “serious allegations of a sexual nature” that occurred prior to his tenure at the church, according to a statement from the church.
The move came after the church was made aware of the allegations, which did not involve individuals in the congregation, according to the statement.
“Charity leaders took immediate action to address the matter, ensure the safety of the congregation, and provide care for all involved,” the statement said. “Marty Payton is no longer on staff at Charity.”
Payton had been on the pastoral staff at Charity Baptist for more than 20 years, according to a since-deleted bio on the church’s website. He joined the staff at Charity in August 2004 as youth pastor and became the church’s senior pastor in August 2010 following retirement of the church’s founding pastor.
Prior to joining the staff at Charity Baptist, Payton served in youth ministry at churches in Kansas, Texas and Louisiana. According to his bio, Payton began serving as youth pastor at Grace Baptist Temple in Salina, Kan., in 1992 after graduating from Bible College. One year later, he moved to Lubbock, Texas, where he served as youth pastor at Lubbock Baptist Temple. He moved to Louisiana in 1995, where he served as youth pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Monroe, La.
Payton’s bio said he graduated from Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Mo., with a bachelor’s degree in religion with a concentration in missions. He went on to earn a master of divinity from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in May 2011 and a doctor of ministry from Liberty in March 2015, according to his bio.
News of Payton’s dismissal was first reported by The Charlotte Observer.
Following is the church’s full statement:
“Charity Baptist Church was recently made aware of serious allegations of a sexual nature against our pastor, Marty Payton, occurring prior to his tenure at our church. The alleged actions did not include any other individuals in our congregation. Charity leaders took immediate action to address the matter, ensure the safety of the congregation, and provide care for all involved. Marty Payton is no longer on staff at Charity. We grieve with all those impacted by sexual sin and its effects. Our faith in Jesus Christ is unwavering. He offers hope and healing to us all.”