Paula's Story
Paula Payne - Children's Pastor
Paula was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee into a Christian home with four siblings, one of whom is her identical twin sister. Her personal pursuit for a relationship with Jesus Christ was sparked during high school as Paula met with a group from Campus Crusade for Christ. As a result, she was drawn into a commitment to Jesus rather than a religion.
Paula was caught in the turbulent winds of change, in high school she experienced firsthand the desegregation of schools. While many took part in the "white flight" from the public schools, she chose to stay at Chattanooga High School and found a comfortable fit in the African-American community. Little did she know then how significantly this decision would impact and direct her life. She moved to Memphis and attended The University of Memphis (Memphis State back in the day). While at Memphis State, she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Paula considers it a privilege to be part of such an amazing group of godly women whose core purpose is to "serve all mankind.” She graduated and began teaching for Memphis City Schools in the inner-city. This further ignited her passion to work in a diverse area and "give back" where she had found love and acceptance as an impressionable high school girl. Also while she was at the University of Memphis she met her husband, Sidney, of 27 years! She and Sidney have three children and a son-in-law.
Paula was a stay at home mom for many years as she took care of her young family. As Paula sought what was best for her family, she found that raising bi-racial children in the 80's and 90's compelled her to become an advocate not only for her own children but for change in schools, churches, and communities. It seemed necessary to stay alert and one step ahead as the family seemed to always be on "center stage." Real safety and freedom during this challenging time was truly found for Paula in Jesus! These years of her life were marked by an increasing desire to pursue God and the abundant life He promises. As always, He was faithful to provide godly people that loved their family, prayed with their family, and shared their dream for a racially united city.
Paula later returned to the classroom as a teacher at Snowden School, a public school, a Montessori School, a private school, and most recently as a teacher for gifted children in the Downtown School. Paula also has experience in home schooling her own children. These experiences testify to her great passion for children and for excellence in education, but most importantly, these experiences are what God has used to nurture Paula's deepest life passion: to know and be known by God.
