Meet the Leadership – National Evangelism Movement

Meet The Leadership

Our dedicated team is passionate about serving with faith, integrity, and a heart for ministry. Each leader brings unique gifts and experience, united by a shared commitment to advancing our mission. Get to know the people guiding our vision, supporting our community, and working to make a meaningful impact.

Executive Director

Pastor Rodney Payne

Rodney R. Payne – a leader, pastor, teacher, counselor, and author joined Bethlehem Star Baptist Church in October 2005. He served as Assistant Pastor from January 2006 to December 2008 under the leadership of Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr. James C. Coats. Later he was called to pastor this church and was installed on January 11, 2009. Under Pastor Payne’s leadership, Bethlehem Star has experienced significant and consistent growth in ministries as well as members added to the kingdom. He focuses on developing leaders and meeting the needs of the entire family.

Pastor Payne served as the Assistant Executive Director for the National Evangelism Movement, Inc. from 2018 to 2021 and currently serves as the Executive Director. The National Evangelism Movement, Inc. (NEM) is a multi-denominational organization of churches and ministries with a unified purpose of fulfilling the Great Commission.

Pastor Payne has been married to his lovely wife Thelma for 35years. They have two daughters, Danielle and Devin, two sons-in-law Trevel and Brian, three grandsons Jaxen, Tycen, and Brycen and two granddaughters Teaghan and Dawsyn.

Meet Our Founders

Dr. Rocellia Johnson

Dr. Rocellia Johnson (December 17, 1922 – September 19, 2018) was a distinguished pastor and visionary leader renowned for his significant contributions to Christian ministry and education. In 1958, he founded Bethany Baptist Church of West Los Angeles, where he served as senior pastor for over four decades. Demonstrating a deep commitment to theological education, Dr. Johnson established Bethany Christian Bible College in 1978, an accredited institution that has enrolled over 800 students annually, aiming to deepen believers' understanding of the Bible and equip them for effective ministry. Beyond his local church initiatives, Dr. Johnson's influence extended nationally through the founding of the National Evangelism Movement (N.E.M.). As the executive director for 27 years, he led N.E.M. in training and mobilizing individuals for evangelistic outreach, emphasizing the importance of witnessing to the lost and preparing the saved for service. Dr. Johnson's educational background was extensive; he earned an Associate of Arts degree from Los Angeles Business College, a Bachelor of Theology from the Preachers and Teachers Training School, a Master's in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, a Master's in pastoral psychotherapy from the American Institute of Family Relations, and a Master's in family counseling from the University of LaVerne. His dedication to ministry and community was recognized by the City of Los Angeles in 2015, when the intersection of King Boulevard and Hillcrest Drive was designated as "Dr. Rocellia Johnson Place." Dr. Johnson's enduring legacy is evident through the institutions he established and the countless lives he impacted through his commitment to evangelism, education, and pastoral care.

Dr. Sylvester Washington

Bishop, Dr. Sylvester Washington is a distinguished pastor and leader with over five decades of dedicated service in Christian ministry. Since 1969, he has been the senior pastor of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Los Angeles, California, guiding the congregation with a deep commitment to spiritual growth and community outreach. Under his leadership, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church has become a beacon of hope and service, offering programs such as blanket drives, food distributions, after-school care for youth, and initiatives for seniors. Dr. Washington emphasizes the importance of ministry training, overseeing the Pleasant Hill School of Evangelism, which provides Christian education classes to foster discipleship and personal Christian commitment. In addition to his pastoral duties, Dr. Washington has played a pivotal role in the National Evangelism Movement (N.E.M.), an organization founded in 1979 by the late Rev. Dr. Rocellia Johnson. Serving as the executive director, Dr. Washington leads N.E.M. in developing strategies and programs to empower congregations across the U.S. and Canada in their evangelistic efforts. Dr. Washington's contributions have been recognized by the City of Los Angeles, which honored him by designating a street as "Sylvester Washington Court" in acknowledgment of his more than four decades of community improvement efforts. His enduring passion for ministry and unwavering dedication to serving both his congregation and the broader community continue to inspire many in their spiritual journeys. For more insight into Dr. Washington's ministry, you might find this video of interest: Dr. Sylvester Washington at the 34th Annual National Evangelism Movement

The NEM Executive Leadership Team

Rev. Lester Heath

Director of Evangelism

Rev. Lester M. Heath has been an integral part of NEM's leadership team for many years, playing a vital role in shaping the organization's vision and outreach strategies. His unwavering dedication to spreading the Gospel has made a profound impact, not only within the organization but also in the countless communities NEM has reached. With a passion for evangelism and a heart for ministry, Rev. Heath has tirelessly worked to equip and train others, empowering them to share their faith with confidence and clarity. Through workshops, seminars, and one-on-one mentorship, he has helped cultivate a generation of effective evangelists who carry forward the mission of NEM.

Pastor Kenneth Washington

National Coordinator

Dr. Kenneth R. Washington is the pastor and teacher at First New Hope Bible Church, located in Katy, Texas. Under his leadership, the church has fostered a vibrant community, engaging members through various ministries and programs. Dr. Washington emphasizes youth involvement, as evidenced by congregants like Bryce Brandon Cook, who actively participated in the youth choir, usher board, and Drama Club. Through his dedication to preaching, teaching, discipleship, and evangelism, Dr. Washington strives to ignite hope and lead individuals toward spiritual wholeness.

Pastor Jerry Bryant

Facilitator of the Pastors’ Plenary

Rev. Dr. Jerry L. Bryant serves as the 7th pastor of the historic Chantilly Baptist Church, founded in 1880 and located in Northern Virginia near Washington-Dulles International Airport. He was officially installed as pastor on May 7, 2000. Under his visionary leadership, a new $2.1 million worship center was constructed in 2003, and the mortgage was successfully burned in 2011. Pastor Bryant remains deeply involved in regional church leadership. He is active in the Northern Virginia Baptist Association, Inc., where he serves as President of Region 4 Churches and as Vice President of the Commission on Evangelism.

Dr. Thomas Wilson

Director of Teachers Training

Reverend Thomas W. Wilson, Jr. is an Associate Pastor at First Baptist Church of Pittsburg, CA, and Director of Teachers Training for the National Evangelism Movement. He has taught at various institutions, including the National Baptist Convention and Harvard Law. With an MBA and Ph.D. in business, he retired as a Senior Managing Director at PwC and previously held executive roles at the IRS. He has preached in 14 states, serves on multiple boards, and is a sought-after speaker. A dedicated teacher of God's Word, he is married to Donna Paulette Wilson and has four adult children.

Rev. Khy Traylor

Executive Leader, Young Adults

With a heart to see this generation boldly walk in their God-given purpose, Rev Khy leads with passion, strategy, and authenticity—equipping young adults to share their faith and live out the Gospel in everyday life. Through ImpactNEM, Khy develops relevant evangelism content, fosters community through quarterly virtual gatherings, and helps churches connect and retain young believers with practical tools and relational discipleship. Rev. Khy is also the founder of Khy Traylor Ministries, where she mentors leaders around the world, combining biblical teaching, leadership training, and personal wholeness.