Steve Payne serves as a Teacher at Chippewa Valley Church in Eau Claire, WI, and supports churches across the Upper Midwest by mentoring teachers and helping develop teaching ministries. His passion for teaching began as an undergraduate when he noticed students struggling spiritually while away from their campus ministries. In response, he created a quiet time series to help them stay engaged in their relationship with God.

For 25 years, Steve worked in corporate finance while actively serving in nearly every volunteer leadership role in his church, including training leaders, serving on the Financial Board, and helping develop core leadership groups. Feeling called to the teaching ministry, he left the corporate world to pursue this calling.
Steve earned his Master’s in Religious Education from Rochester Christian University in 2021. His teaching emphasizes the missional and relational nature of God. His current study focuses on how our understanding of salvation shapes our participation in the Missio Dei.

Steve and his wife Lisa have been married for 24 years. A devoted Minnesota sports fan, he has also rekindled his love for ice fishing since moving to northern Wisconsin.