Leadership
At Covenant Life Church, our leadership structure is designed to reflect what we understand to be the biblical model of church governance. We are congregationally governed and elder-led, with our elders serving as shepherds of the congregation. In Scripture, terms like “elder,” “pastor,” “bishop,” and “overseer” describe the same role (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). These men are responsible for teaching God’s Word, providing spiritual care, and leading the church in faithfulness to Christ.
We are blessed with a plurality of elders, meaning leadership is shared among a group of qualified men rather than concentrated in one individual. All elders share equal authority, though some are employed by the church as full-time staff pastors. These staff elders devote themselves to pastoral ministry as their vocation.
Other elders, called lay elders, serve without receiving a salary. Lay elders serve up to two consecutive three-year terms, followed by at least one year of rest from pastoral responsibilities, allowing for renewal and discernment about future service.
To further support the church’s ministry, Covenant Life employs ministerial staff who lead or assist with specific ministries or organizational functions. These staff members may work full- or part-time, depending on their roles.
We also follow the biblical model of deacons as described in Acts 6:1-7 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Deacons are elected by the congregation to assist the elders by addressing practical needs within the church, such as scheduling members for service, caring for our supported missionaries, and supporting church operations. This allows the elders to prioritize prayer and the ministry of the Word. Unlike elders or ministerial staff, deacons serve as volunteers and do not receive compensation.
Our leadership structure aims to faithfully honor the biblical commands for church leadership while equipping our congregation to grow in faith, unity, and mission. Whether through elders, staff, or deacons, every aspect of our leadership exists to glorify Christ and serve His church.
pastoral staff
JUSTIN PERRY
Lead Pastor
Justin is our lead pastor and primary preacher, overseeing family ministries, leadership development, and community groups. He came to faith before his senior year of high school when a student pastor shared the gospel with him. After graduating from Union University, he earned his M.Div. from SEBTS in 2008 and completed a church planting residency in 2009. That year, he and his wife, Jackey, were commissioned by North Wake Church to plant a church in Tampa. Married since 2004, Justin and Jackey have three daughters. #GBO
bob walker
Associate Pastor
Bob is the Associate Pastor, overseeing finance, biblical counseling, missions, and Covenant Life Institute. He came to faith at age 8 during a Sunday night service where the gospel was preached. After 20 years in the Air Force, Bob worked 12 years as a program manager. He and his wife, Tonya, moved to Tampa in 2012, joining Covenant Life that year. Bob joined the staff in early 2018 and has served as Associate Pastor since January 2019. They have two grown children and three grandchildren.
Charlie Jackson
Assistant Pastor
Charlie is the Assistant Pastor, overseeing Sunday gatherings, communications, student ministry, church events, and facilities. He was saved in 2005 and baptized in 2006 at Bell Shoals Baptist Church, where he met his wife, Amy, in 2009. Married in 2012, they have two sons. Charlie graduated from Trinity College of Florida in 2014 with a B.A. in Christian Ministry and began studies at SBTS in 2015. After returning to Tampa in 2016, they joined Covenant Life Church. Charlie is a fan of the Tennessee Volunteers and Atlanta Braves. He has served on staff since 2018.
LAY ELDERS
Jon huff
Elder
Jon is a lay elder at Covenant Life Church. He was saved by God’s grace the summer before his senior year of high school and developed a passion for teaching God’s Word. While attending Trinity Baptist College in Jacksonville, FL, he met his wife, Heidi, and they married in 2001. After earning his M.Min. and learning French, Jon and Heidi served in Togo, West Africa, for six years, planting two village churches and leading a Bible institute to train men for ministry. They are blessed with three daughters and a son.