Our Story

Covenant Life Church is a testimony to God’s faithfulness and guidance. In 2005, Justin Perry and Drew Tucker met through the small group ministry at North Wake Church in Wake Forest, NC. Both men had relocated to Wake Forest to attend Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, with a shared vision of planting and shepherding a gospel-centered local church. As their families grew together in ministry, Justin and Drew entered pastoral internship and church planting residency programs under the guidance of North Wake Church’s elders. Through prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of church leaders and friends, they felt called to partner together to plant Covenant Life Church.

Why Tampa?

We asked God to give our hearts a desire for a city with the following characteristics:

Growing In Population

Justin and Drew moved to Tampa with a deep desire to serve the city for the rest of their lives. Their vision was to plant a church in Tampa, a city poised for rapid population growth and increasing influence. As Tampa emerged as one of the nation’s most significant urban hubs, Justin and Drew recognized the critical need for healthy local churches to proclaim the gospel and serve the community.

Lacking an Urban Church Planting Movement

At the time, urban Tampa had little-to-no active church planting initiatives. This presented a unique opportunity to establish a gospel-centered church that could, by God’s grace, spark a movement of church planting in and around Tampa. Their ultimate goal was to glorify God by ensuring a thriving gospel presence in the heart of the city.

Diverse

Tampa is a vibrant city characterized by diversity—ethnic, socio-economic, and generational. Justin and Drew envisioned Covenant Life Church as a reflection of this diversity, a congregation where people from all walks of life could unite under the gospel. With Tampa often described as a city that “inhales the world,” they dreamed of it becoming a place that “exhales the gospel” to the nations.

Home To University Students

Tampa is home to a growing population of university students, many of whom will go on to shape communities worldwide. Justin and Drew saw universities as strategic mission fields, equipping students to love the gospel, engage with the local church, and eventually carry the gospel as young professionals to the ends of the earth.

GOD’S CALL TO GO TO TAMPA

Justin and Drew’s desire to plant a gospel-centered church aligned perfectly with the unique needs of Tampa. In May 2009, the Perry and Tucker families relocated from North Carolina to Tampa to establish Covenant Life Church (CLC). Early months were spent immersing themselves in the culture and meeting people from all walks of life—those who had prayed for a church like CLC, individuals who would become “persons of peace,” and many who heard the gospel for the first time. It was clear that God was already at work, and by His grace, Justin and Drew were privileged to join Him in His mission in Tampa.

In September 2009, CLC’s initial core group began meeting on Sunday evenings to worship, study the book of Ephesians, and learn about the mission and values of the church. These gatherings were not yet public services but were foundational in building unity and vision among the group. Weekly small groups soon followed, focusing on Bible study, accountability, and mission. Within months, the core group of seven outgrew the living room, which was understood as God’s blessing on the work.

THE FBC CULBREATH CHAPEL AND GYM YEARS

In March 2010, God provided a dedicated space for worship through the generosity of First Baptist Church (FBC) Tampa. On April 18, 2010, Covenant Life Church formally covenanted together with 13 members during their first official gathering at the Culbreath Chapel. Over the next five years, the grace of God was evident as the church grew in both numbers and spiritual maturity. During this time, CLC developed a culture of deeper love for God’s Word and greater obedience to His mission.

JOINING GOD’S MISSION IN THE PALMA CEIA AREA

By early 2015, it became clear that CLC had outgrown its space at FBC. After a six-month search, God led the church to partner with Palma Ceia Baptist Church (PCBC) in South Tampa. This fruitful relationship began in June 2015, with CLC renting space from PCBC. By March 2016, the two congregations were worshiping together, and after months of prayer and fellowship, they officially merged into one unified church. This merger not only provided CLC with a permanent home but also demonstrated God’s abundant grace and kindness to both churches.

THE FIRST church PLANT

From its inception, Covenant Life Church has prioritized church planting and gospel renewal. In September 2016, this commitment bore fruit with the planting of The Heights Church in Tampa Heights. Under the leadership of Drew Tucker, Brandon Whedbee, and Doug Hess, CLC sent 23 members to establish this new congregation. God’s faithfulness produced lasting fruit through this effort, and CLC continues to pursue further church-planting initiatives locally and globally. The Heights Church endured for 4 years before closing its doors permanently during the pandemic.

Establishing a PERMANENT HOME

God solidified CLC’s future when the final property transfer from PCBC was completed on December 30, 2016. On January 8, 2017, the combined congregations officially covenanted together as one church under the name Covenant Life Church. This milestone marked the culmination of years of prayer, trust, and God’s providential work in uniting two distinct congregations for His glory.

COVENANT HOPE CHURCH

Faithful to its vision, Covenant Life Church planted Covenant Hope Church in St. Petersburg on September 25, 2022. This effort involved sending 17 members, including former elders Ronnie Rentz and Jim Hollenbach, to lead the new congregation. The plant was a direct answer to prayer, and CLC continues to support Covenant Hope Church in their mission to reach St. Petersburg with the gospel.

a continuing story of grace

Although still young, Covenant Life Church’s history is rich with evidence of God’s grace and faithfulness. As Tampa grows and evolves, CLC remains committed to its mission to glorify God by proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. We invite you to pray with and for us as we seek to make His name known in our city and beyond.