Professional Background
Reverend Dr. Tony F. Drayton, a native of Indiantown, Florida, is a scholar, pastor, educator, and community leader whose life and ministry have been shaped by a deep commitment to faith, justice, leadership, and service. Raised by the late Rev. Charles Drayton and Mrs. Lottie Drayton, he developed a strong sense of fairness and community responsibility that continues to guide his work today.
Dr. Drayton earned a Doctor of Ministry in Transformative Leadership from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in New York, a Master of Divinity from the Florida Center for Theological Studies in Miami, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Pfeiffer University in North Carolina. His ministerial training also includes Clinical Pastoral Education at Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach and a residency through the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy. During this time, he served as the founding secretary of the HIV/AIDS Pastoral Care Network of Palm Beach County.
For more than 30 years, Dr. Drayton has served as Senior Pastor of Saint James Church in Riviera Beach, Florida, leading the congregation as only its second pastor. His leadership has expanded both the church’s facilities and community impact through initiatives such as JAMM (Jesus As My Motivator), the Dr. A.H. Lockett Scholarship Ministry, Mighty Men Mentoring Ministry, Young Ladies of Influence Mentoring Ministry, Order My Steps HIV/AIDS Ministry, and a Financial Planning Ministry.
Beyond the church, Dr. Drayton has served as Co-Chair of the City of Riviera Beach Commission on Social Justice, Senior Chaplain for the Riviera Beach Police Department, Board Chair of the Riviera Beach Housing Authority, and a member of several hospital community boards, the Urban League, the Police Athletic League (PAL), and the Library Board. His commitment to public service has helped strengthen institutions and create opportunities throughout the community.
Dr. Drayton’s influence extends across denominational and educational platforms. He has served as First Vice-Moderator of the Progressive Kingdom Baptist Association, Union President for more than 50 churches within the Florida East Coast Missionary Baptist Association, and Vice-President of the District Congress of Christian Education. He has lectured nationally, authored curriculum for Boyd’s Publishing Company, served as an Adjunct Professor with Moody Bible Institute, and written the book Transformation and the Church: A Push Toward Acceptance Within the HIV/AIDS Pandemic. His work also led to national engagement with Meharry Medical College’s Project SAVED, where he served as an educator in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
As President & CEO of Bridge The Gap Wealth & Empowerment Center, Dr. Drayton brings decades of leadership, ministry, education, and community service experience to help advance the organization’s mission of empowering individuals, strengthening families, and creating pathways to opportunity.

Areas of Expertise
Faith-Based Leadership, Transformational Leadership, Community Development, Pastoral Care, Public Service, Youth Mentorship, Educational Leadership, Strategic Planning, Community Engagement, Scholarship Development, Public Speaking, Christian Education, Organizational Leadership, and Community Empowerment.