Hayden began serving Idlewild Baptist Church as Pastor to Students and Families in October 2021, as Interim Pastor in April 2025, and Senior Pastor since June 2026.
He served previously at First Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC where he provided oversight, discipleship/counseling support, and mentoring/spiritual formation for Adult LifeGroup leaders, Young Adults, College students, and Youth.
Prior to this, he served with Fellowship of Christian Athletes at UNC Charlotte and in the greater Charlotte region.
Hayden completed his Master of Divinity in Christian Ministry at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2023. He is endorsed as an SBC Chaplain by the NAMB and currently serves as a Battalion Chaplain (Captain) in the
U.S. Army Reserve. He also serves as a Board member of the Metrolina Baptist Association.
Hayden and his wife, Meredith, were married in 2019 and have a desire to disciple, encourage, and lead congregants of all ages and stages of life into thriving relationships with Jesus Christ.