Brett Payne
Spiritual Life coach
Brett Payne, MA, M.Div. – I grew up a professor’s kid in Oxford, Ohio. After finishing a degree in history at Miami University I married Susan and went to Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary where I studied Church History. In later years I also finished an M.Div. Church Music at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. I have had a consistent and passionate interest in Christian spirituality and spiritual formation and have served in a variety of ways as a pastor and worship leader in churches for much of the past twenty-four years. I have been in Pennsylvania for twelve years. I am thrilled to be serving now as a full time spiritual life coach. I am also deeply grateful that Susan and I are able to lead a ministry of Spiritual Formation called Rhythms for Life Soul Care.
My passion for God and deep desire for healing and unity in the church has driven my calling. I believe God can bring substantive change to our souls through his ministering presence and have come to realize that my greatest passion is in bringing this hope to others. My coaching with Rich Plass (founder of CrossPoint) and my experiences in retreat series, such as Deeper Journey, have been more important than any of my schooling in nurturing spiritual practices that have strengthened and sustained me in my relationship with Christ for the good of my life and ministry. I am extremely thankful to be serving God by caring for Christian leaders and very grateful for the support of CrossPoint in launching this ministry.
Susan Payne
CHristian Counselor
Susan Payne, MS, MSCC, LPC – I have enjoyed the people, culture and food of DC, Boston, California, Kentucky, Philly, England and Japan... even though I am a mid-western, Michigan girl at heart. Being moved by the deep relational and spiritual needs seen through women’s and small group ministry and my twenty years working as a speech therapist (Gallaudet University), I later returned to school for a master’s degree in Christian counseling (Cairn University). In 2018 I completed my hours to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania.
My participation in Deeper Journey gave me the clarity and courage to pursue my calling. I am now a licensed counselor and along with caring for ministry leaders I also specialize in grief recovery, coming alongside people as they adjust to life’s twists and turns. I am passionate about the importance of living in community and have enjoyed leading small groups and training leaders. Co-leading the Deeper Journey retreats with my husband is a privilege and a gift. I am grateful to be leading a ministry of Spiritual Formation with Rhythms for Life Soul Care and providing ongoing counseling as an LPC.
In 2015, Brett and Sue partnered with CrossPoint Ministry. In 2018 they launched their own ministry of spiritual formation called Rhythms for Life Soul Care. Together they lead retreats and community experiences, provide spiritual life coaching and soul care, and throw epic hand-tossed, stone-baked pizza parties. Brett enjoys tending his orchid collection and Sue enjoys yoga and dance. In quieter moments, they enjoy reading by candlelight, watching movies or getting lost in the beauty of God’s creation. Their son, Alex, is enrolled in the PhD program at the Tri-Institutional Program in Chemical Biology in NYC.