About Clifton

Clifton H. Payne, Jr. is a student, researcher, writer, and Bible teacher. Through his ministry Root and Branch, Clif teaches the Scriptures from their historical Hebraic cultural, and linguistic background. His ministry motto is "Exploring the roots of our faith to Enhance the fruit of our lives, Empowered by the Spirit of God."

Clif has a degree in Religion from Gadsden State Community College with additional studies at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Jewish History, Rabbinic Literature, Archaeology, and Hebrew Language. He has a Certificate in Theology from the Awakening School of Theology and is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature.

Clif has served as an Associate and Senior Pastor, but his primary ministry is being a Bible teacher and he has served in this capacity for over forty years. He has contributed articles to the esteemed biblical journal Jerusalem Perspective and is also the author of his thought-provoking book.

Clif is married to the love of his life, Melanie M. Payne. They have two sons, Matthew and Joshua, a granddaughter Summer, and a great granddaughter Mila Rose.