Chris Layton

Covington-Jefferson Davis Baptist Association
Collins, Mississippi 39428
601-765-4689

• Education: Graduated from William Carey College, Bachelor of General Studies (Religion and History), May 2001 Graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Master of Art in Pastoral Ministry, May 2017 Graduated from Andersonville Theological Seminary, Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Leadership, December 2024
• Experience: Pastor of Galilee Baptist Church in Georgetown, Ms (1 years) Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Pinola, Ms (2 years) Pastor of Pine Grove Baptist Church in Magee, MS (2 1/2 years) Pastor of Evergreen Baptist Church in Shubuta, MS (5 1/2 years) Pastor of First Baptist Runnelstown in Runnelstown, MS (7 years) Pastor of West End Baptist Church in West Point, MS (5 Years) Pastor ofFirst Baptist Church of Glendale in Hattiesburg, MS (2018-2025) Currently Associational Missions Strategist for the Covington-Jefferson Davis Baptist Association in Collins, MS
• Comment to those looking at my sermons: May these sermons be a blessing to you as you read. If any of these messages resonate with you or can serve your congregation, please feel free to use them as you see fit. It's my joy to share these insights, and I hope they bring inspiration and encouragement to your journey of faith.
• Sermon or series that made a difference: Kingdom Authority by Adrian Rogers
• One of my favorite illustrations: ere was once a young boy who went to spend a week with his grandfather on the farm. As he explored the property, he watched the chickens scratching and pecking in the dirt, flapping and clucking as they went. He shook his head and said, “They ain’t got it.” Next, he saw a young colt out in the pasture, kicking up its heels, full of life and energy. Again, the boy said, “He ain’t got it.” One by one, he examined every animal on the farm, looking for something—though he didn’t say what. None of them had "it." Finally, he wandered into the barn and saw an old donkey standing there—still, stiff, and stone-faced, with a long, drooping expression. The boy’s eyes lit up and he yelled, “Pawpaw! Come quick—I found it, I found it!” His grandfather hurried in, asking, “Found what?” With great excitement, the boy pointed at the donkey and said, “I found an animal that has the same kind of religion that you have!”
• Family: Wife and 3 Daughters, 2 son-in-laws and 3 granddaughters
• What my parents think of my sermons: My dad, a faithful bi-vocational minister, only heard me preach once before he went to Glory—and that was before my ordination. My mom was able to witness about 25 years of my ministry. She never said a negative word about any sermon I preached—though, of course, I was her baby. 😊 Their love and quiet encouragement shaped so much of who I am.
• What my spouse (really) thinks of my sermons: My wife has always been a faithful supporter of my preaching—my sermons, my delivery, and my calling. When something doesn’t quite work, she’s honest enough to tell me—but those moments are rare. Her encouragement has meant more than words can express.
• Best advice given to me about preaching: The best advice I ever received was from my Dad: "The mind will only absorb what the seat can endure." In other words, keep it clear, keep it meaningful—and don’t preach too long!."
• Books that have had an impact: "What Every Christian Ought to Know" by Adrian Rodgers; "Screwtape Letters" and "Mere Christianity" by C. S. Lewis; "The Ragamuffin Gospel" by Brennan Manning; "What Was I Thinking: Things I've Learned Since I knew It All" by Steve Brown; "Pastor's Handbook" by John Bisagno
• Hobbies: Enjoy spending time with family and friends. Also, I really enjoy sports, but now it's more about watching them than playing them. Die-hard Mississippi State Bulldog and New Orleans Saints fan.
• If I could Preach one more time, I would say...: If I could say one last thing to anyone, it would be this: Without Jesus, your eternity will be hell—real, eternal separation from God. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Jesus gave His life so that you could be forgiven, redeemed, and have the hope of heaven. Turn to Him while you still can—because eternity is too long to be wrong.
• What I want on my tombstone: I placed my faith in Christ as a boy, served Him as a young man, grew to know Him more deeply with age, and loved Him so much… I’ve gone home to be with Him.