Charity Baptist Church in Kannapolis told worshippers Sunday that longtime Senior Pastor Dr. Marty Payton is no longer on staff after what leaders called "serious allegations of a sexual nature" came to light. Church officials said the accusations involve conduct from before Payton’s time at Charity and stressed that the alleged behavior did not involve anyone in the congregation. The announcement went out during Sunday services and on the church’s public channels, just weeks after Payton last preached there, and it has left regular attendees and nearby residents asking hard questions about how leaders are vetted and how the flock is protected.
What the church said
In a statement to WCNC Charlotte, Charity Baptist reiterated that the allegations predate Payton’s tenure and confirmed that "Marty Payton is no longer on staff at Charity." Church leaders told the station they acted immediately once they learned of the claims and said steps were taken to ensure the safety of the congregation.
Community reaction
Members and neighbors told local reporters the news landed like a gut punch, describing a mix of surprise and concern. According to WSOC, some residents said the bulletin shook their trust in the church. The station also reported that its own records checks did not immediately turn up any related arrests or charges for Payton.
Pastor's record and online presence
The church’s official website lists Payton as having served as senior pastor since August 2004 and features an archive of his sermons, with postings running through late January that still describe him as Senior Pastor. The Charity Baptist Church staff pages and sermon library reflect a lengthy tenure in Kannapolis, and local nonprofit directories continue to list the congregation as an active neighborhood resource.
Records and follow-up
Reporters for WCNC Charlotte said they searched civil and criminal court records in multiple states and did not immediately find matches for charges tied to Payton. The station also noted that church leaders did not respond to questions about who will lead services in his absence, and local law enforcement had not announced any charges at the time of the initial reporting.
For now, Charity Baptist’s campus and ministries remain listed online, while members and neighbors wait for more detail from church leadership and any public agencies that may decide to investigate. Many say they will be keeping a close eye on what, if anything, comes next.
