Dr. Gayton came to Jacksonville from Buffalo, New York six years ago.  He has a Doctorate of Theology and a Doctorate of Bible philosophy from Faith Theological Seminary. He is currently a candidate for a Doctorate in Ministry from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida.  Dr. Gayton joins the Providence staff after  serving in a variety of ministry positions including senior pastor  of a mega-church, chaplain for the federal prisons, adjunct professor at the University at Buffalo and Vice-President of Logos College and Seminary. He has lectured at Harvard Divinity School.  Most recently, by invitation of the Turkish Government, he traveled to Turkey to dialogue with Muslims.        
He has been  married to his High School sweetheart, Ellen, for thirty-nine years.  He has a daughter, Tabetha, and granddaughter, Jasmine. When he is not at school he enjoys reading or being out on the golf course.