Darren Hook
My wife, LeeAnn, and I have been in and around church most of our lives, but did not become “born-again” or establish personal relationships with Jesus Christ until we were young adults. We believe God may have allowed us to experience some time in the “wilderness” so we can better minister and relate to all kinds of people today. The desire of our hearts is to see men, women, boys, and girls grow in their Christian walks through authentic relationships with Jesus Christ. Because of our journeys, we are confident that no matter what has happened in anyone’s past, God is in the business of forgiveness, reconciliation, change, and salvation.
Lead Pastor
I surrendered to God’s calling on my life into full-time ministry over 25 years ago and feel very blessed to serve as Lead Pastor of Covenant Church. We’ve seen many changes in our culture and church during my 18 years in ministry at Covenant, but throughout those years we have never stopped proclaiming the truth of God’s word and standing on scripture as our guiding principle. The Core Values that drive everything we do are: Christ is Essential, Worship is Necessary, Community is Vital, Giving is Transformational and Serving is Life-Giving.
Covenant continues to grow in mission by reaching out locally, nationally, and internationally. We encourage all members of the Covenant Church family to serve in some way to the best of their ability and have many opportunities for each person to use their specific gifts to serve others. I have a soft heart for Compassion International and adoption, so I am excited that our church supports children and communities in El Salvador and the Dominican Republic, and holds an annual Race for Adoption to help local adoptive families with expenses.
LeeAnn and I enjoy being in ministry together and spending time outdoors in God’s beautiful creation and with our growing family.
I invite you to come worship at Covenant where we follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in “Igniting Faith and Changing Lives.
Mike Smith
Pastor of Discipleship, Families, and Students
My wife, Chrissy, and I have been blessed to call Covenant Church home since 2021, when I first joined the staff as the Director of Families and Discipleship. In that season, God confirmed my calling to serve the church, and today I am humbled to continue in that calling as Pastor of Students & Families. In this role, I have the privilege of walking with families, discipling students, and sharing in the sacred moments of preaching, baptism, and the Lord’s Table.
I have been serving in student and collegiate ministry since 2011, and my heart has always been to see the next generation encounter Jesus in life-changing ways. Whether through retreats, small groups, teaching, or simply doing life together, I love helping students and families discover that faith is more than a Sunday activity—it’s a lifelong journey of following Jesus. I am also pursuing a Master’s degree at United Theological Seminary to deepen my theological and pastoral foundation for ministry.
Chrissy and I have been married for over 13 years. She teaches 5th grade at Taylors Elementary, and together we are raising our two daughters, Addie (6th grade at Riverside Middle) and Riley (3rd grade at Taylors Elementary). If you’re ever on campus, you may see them serving, laughing, or—at times—being a little loud. They keep me grounded in ministry and remind me daily of God’s goodness and grace.
When I’m not preparing a message, planning ministry events, or writing seminary papers, I enjoy grilling, streaming World of Warships on Twitch, and listening to everything from country music to K-Pop. Our family loves Covenant deeply and is so grateful for the community we’ve found here. My hope is that you, too, will find this place to be a spiritual home—just as it has become for us.