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.

 

KEVIN WILDER

Elder

Kevin is a lay elder at Covenant Life Church. A Tampa native, he came to faith at a young age through the witness of faithful believers. After joining CLC in 2013, he met his wife, Melanie, and they now have two daughters. As a part of his ministry to the church, he keeps our lobby bookstall stocked with wonderful resources. Kevin works in marketing and communications and holds an MA in Christian Ministry from SEBTS. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, woodworking, and home improvement projects. Kevin has served as a lay elder since 2020.

MINISTERIAL STAFF

Jenny fugler

Director of Covenant Life Kids

Jenny is the Director of Covenant Life Kids. She came to faith in the gospel at 16 through the faithful witness of her parents and extended family. Originally from California, Jenny attended college in Minnesota and married her husband, Travis, in 2006. As a military family, they moved frequently before settling in Tampa. Jenny and Travis joined CLC in 2013, and Jenny began her role as CLK Director in 2016. Together, they have six children—five daughters and one son. Alongside her work for the church, Jenny manages an active household while Travis serves as a pilot.

DEACONS

JEREMY BARNES

Deacon of Men’s Ministry

Jeremy Barnes serves as a deacon and is responsible for overseeing our Men’s Ministry. Jeremy has been a member of Covenant Life since 2020.

NICK BROOME

Deacon of Corporate Gatherings

Nick serves as a deacon and is responsible for opening and securing our facilities before and after corporate gatherings. He has been a member of Covenant Life since 2019.

HEIDI HUFF

Deacon of Scheduling

Heidi serves as a deacon and is responsible for scheduling volunteers for service positions. She has been a member of Covenant Life since 2016.

MICHAEL STUMP

Deacon of Ushering

Michael serves as a deacon and is responsible for leading our team of ushers for corporate gatherings. He has been a member of Covenant Life since 2015.

ELAINE WEINDRUCH

Deacon of Missionary Support

Elaine serves as a deacon and is responsible for leading our missionary support efforts. She has been a member of Covenant Life since 2010.