The Middle: How the Quiet Majority Can Mend a Divided Nation

Payton, Patrick: - Patrick Payton is a seasoned leader, communicator, and public servant whose life has been defined by faith, courage, and conviction. As the founding and Senior Pastor of Stonegate Fellowship in Midland, Texas, Patrick led the church from its launch in 1999 to become a thriving multi-site congregation with over 5,000 attendees. For nearly two decades, he shaped not just a church, but a community known for its impact locally and globally.

After retiring from full-time ministry in 2018, Patrick founded The Payton Group, a leadership and performance consulting firm dedicated to equipping individuals and organizations to thrive with clarity and purpose. He is also the host of the No Neutral Moments podcast, a platform for exploring the decisive moments that define our lives.

Patrick's leadership has extended beyond the pulpit. In 2019, he was elected Mayor of Midland, where he championed city development and advocated for the vital oil and gas industry in the Permian Basin. He has advised world leaders on topics ranging from religious freedom and human rights to diplomacy and energy and was named to the inaugural class of the Presidential Leadership Scholars--a prestigious program sponsored by four U.S. presidential libraries.

With a background in business, ministry, and public leadership, Patrick brings a rare blend of insight, authenticity, and action to every endeavor. He holds degrees in Political Science and Divinity, and has been married to his wife, Cindy, since 1989. They have three grown children and six grandchildren