About the Church & Culture Ministry
Preserving Unity. Exposing Falsehood.
Church & Culture Conference Ministries exists to faithfully proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the full counsel of God’s Word. Grounded in Scripture, our mission is to address complex conversations around race, ethnicity, and culture within the Church—bringing clarity where there is confusion and truth where there is misalignment.
We are committed to helping the Church navigate these topics through a biblical lens. This includes identifying and correcting teachings that may distort or distract from the truth of the Gospel, while encouraging a deeper understanding of unity rooted in Christ.
At the heart of our work is a desire to equip, encourage, and strengthen the Body of Christ. We foster an environment where thoughtful dialogue, biblical challenge, and honest discussion are welcomed—not for the sake of division, but for the pursuit of unity in the Spirit and maturity in faith.
Purpose, Goals, Approach
Our Purpose
Our purpose is to lovingly guide the Church toward a clearer, more faithful application of God’s Word in matters of culture and identity. We seek to:
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Teach and uphold biblical truth with clarity and conviction
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Encourage spiritual growth through sound doctrine
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Address cultural influences that may conflict with Scripture
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Promote unity that reflects the Gospel, not the divisions of the world
Our Goals
Strengthening the Church
We aim to support and equip believers to pursue unity and peace, even amid cultural and political pressures.
Celebrating Diversity in Christ
We affirm the beauty of diversity within the Church, encouraging believers to appreciate differences while remaining grounded in shared faith.
Identity Rooted in Christ
We emphasize that a believer’s primary identity is found in Christ alone—above all other distinctions.
Encouraging Meaningful Dialogue
We create space for honest, respectful conversations around sensitive issues that can hinder unity within the Body of Christ.
Equipping for Righteous Living
Through teaching and instruction, we seek to prepare believers for faithful service and spiritual maturity.
Expanding the Mission
We are committed to growing the reach of the Church & Culture Conference, bringing this message to communities across the nation.
Our Approach
We believe unity is not achieved by avoiding difficult conversations, but by engaging them with truth, humility, and love. Through teaching, conferences, and ongoing dialogue, we seek to build a stronger, more unified Church—firmly rooted in Scripture and reflective of Christ.
Pastor Henry J. Payden, Jr.
Executive Director
Pastor Henry J. Payden, Jr. has faithfully served in Gospel ministry since 1980 and has been the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Malvern, Ohio since 1996. With a commitment to biblical truth and expository teaching, he is dedicated to proclaiming the full counsel of God’s Word and helping believers grow into mature faith.
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In addition to his pastoral leadership, Pastor Payden is an experienced teacher and speaker, having led workshops and classes across Northeast Ohio. His work reflects a deep passion for equipping the Church through sound doctrine and meaningful engagement.
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He is the founder of Church & Culture Conference Ministries, launched in 2021 in response to growing division within the Church around issues of culture, ethnicity, and societal influence. Through the conference, he seeks to foster biblically grounded dialogue, encourage unity in Christ, and address complex cultural topics with clarity and conviction.
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A Cleveland native, Pastor Payden resides in Akron, Ohio, with his wife, Angela. Together, they have four children and six grandchildren.