Darren Hook
Lead Pastor
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.
I surrendered to God’s calling on my life into full-time ministry over 26 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 19 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.
I surrendered to God’s calling on my life into full-time ministry over 26 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 19 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."
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 Student and Family Ministries
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.
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.
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.
Patrick Griffey
Pastor of Discipleship and Technology
Growing up, my family and I were at the church anytime it was open but I did not truly embrace Christ as my Savior until I was much older and already serving in ministry! I began working professionally for the church at the age of 24 when a close mentor identified something unique in me. It was a 1 Samuel 3 moment and I will forever be grateful to Carolyn Brashear for listening to the voice of the Lord when I could not yet hear it myself. When I first began in student ministry, I loved students and liked Jesus. Through the pursuit of a graduate degree in Practical Theology to further my knowledge for ministry, the Lord ignited my love for Him on an intellectual plane and I’ve been on fire ever since.
I am blessed to serve as the Pastor of Discipleship after spending my first twelve years of ministry working with students. I still have a passion for students and direct that towards my own at home! I also dabble in the realm of technology when needed since I am by far the nerdiest member of the staff.
On the personal side, my bride Candace is an amazing teacher (3 time teacher of the year!!) and our daughter, Eliza, keeps us on our toes each and every day. I am a huge proponent that my first responsibility as a disciple is to my own family, so they get the best and worst of me!
In my free time, I love running and watching the Atlanta Braves. I will sprinkle in some Florida Gators football in there as well when they are not actively trying to ruin my weekends. I am currently working on my MDiv which will be my second graduate degree and Lord willing, I plan to pursue a PhD because I love theology!
I am blessed to serve as the Pastor of Discipleship after spending my first twelve years of ministry working with students. I still have a passion for students and direct that towards my own at home! I also dabble in the realm of technology when needed since I am by far the nerdiest member of the staff.
On the personal side, my bride Candace is an amazing teacher (3 time teacher of the year!!) and our daughter, Eliza, keeps us on our toes each and every day. I am a huge proponent that my first responsibility as a disciple is to my own family, so they get the best and worst of me!
In my free time, I love running and watching the Atlanta Braves. I will sprinkle in some Florida Gators football in there as well when they are not actively trying to ruin my weekends. I am currently working on my MDiv which will be my second graduate degree and Lord willing, I plan to pursue a PhD because I love theology!
Melodie Streett
Pastor of Children’s Ministry
I was baptized at Covenant in the year 2000, and I “came home” in 2022 to join the Covenant staff. Covenant has always been a big part of my story, and I am grateful to get to serve God and His people in the place that kick-started my family’s heart for ministry.
It is my joy and privilege to serve as the Pastor of Children at Covenant Church! I have a deep passion for helping children know that they are loved by God, that they have a place in His church, and that their faith matters—not just when they are at church, but every single day.
I completed my education at Liberty University in 2024, where I received my master's degree in Christian Ministries. Since then, I have continued to take courses at United Theological Seminary and Asbury Theological Seminary.
When I am not hanging out with our kids and families at Covenant, you can find me at a local coffee shop, walking around town with my dog, Dolly, or cheering on the Clemson Tigers!
It is my joy and privilege to serve as the Pastor of Children at Covenant Church! I have a deep passion for helping children know that they are loved by God, that they have a place in His church, and that their faith matters—not just when they are at church, but every single day.
I completed my education at Liberty University in 2024, where I received my master's degree in Christian Ministries. Since then, I have continued to take courses at United Theological Seminary and Asbury Theological Seminary.
When I am not hanging out with our kids and families at Covenant, you can find me at a local coffee shop, walking around town with my dog, Dolly, or cheering on the Clemson Tigers!