ABOUT US
COVENANT OF GRACE
Saved by Grace (Ephesians 2:8–9)
Empowered by Grace (Titus 2:11–12; 1 Corinthians 15:10)
Conformed to the Image of Christ (Romans 8:29)
OUR VISION
To Be Conformed to the Image of Christ
"For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son..."
Romans 8:29
Our vision is to see lives transformed by the Gospel, established in biblical truth, empowered by God's grace to live holy lives as we are conformed to the Image of Christ, equipped for every good work, and sent to glorify Him in our homes, workplaces, communities, and throughout the world.
OUR MISSION
To make disciples who know Christ, become like Christ, and make Christ known—serving our community first, then the nations, for the glory of God.
OUR HEART
We are a multigenerational and multiculturalfamily of believers, united by one Savior, one faith, and one mission: to make Christ known.
We are rooted in God's Word, proclaiming without compromise the Gospel of the crucified, resurrected, and returning Jesus Christ. Led by the Holy Spirit, devoted to prayer, passionate in worship, and committed to discipleship, we seek to strengthen individuals, marriages, children, and families while faithfully serving our local community and the nations.
We are not pursuing our own dreams—we are joining God's eternal purpose. In Christ we have everything we need, for He is our purpose, our identity, and our life.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Jesus didn't simply come to make bad people good. He came to make dead people alive.
God's grace is not a license to continue in sin—it is God's power that transforms us into the likeness of Christ.
The Christian life is not about striving harder; it is about surrendering completely so that Christ may live through us.
"It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." (Galatians 2:20)
"Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27)
We don't simply attend church—we are the Church.
OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
God has planted Covenant of Grace in the heart of West Sunnyslope, and we believe we are called not only to be a church inthis neighborhood but a church for this neighborhood—and beyond.
We demonstrate the love of Christ through ministries that extend beyond the walls of the church. (To learn more about ministries within the church, please visit our Ministries page.)
- Food Bank Ministry — Helping meet food needs for more than 100 families each week while sharing the hope of Christ.
- Desert Palms Senior Ministry — Bringing encouragement, friendship, cognitive theraphy, dignity, and the Word of God to seniors through our weekly partnership.
- Unplug Teacher Care Ministry — Partnering with Mountain View Elementary to encourage and care for the everyday heroes who invest in the next generation.
- Mentor Kids Partnership — Serving children through the Promise Neighborhood after-school program in Sunnyslope, helping develop leaders of character and purpose.
- Jail Ministry — Bringing the hope, forgiveness, and transforming power of the Gospel to incarcerated men each week.
- Cafecito con Mamá — Gathering twice each month with neighborhood mothers to build friendships, encourage one another, and strengthen families as we raise the next generation together.
- Community Partnerships — Serving alongside the West Sunnyslope Neighborhood, the Hatcher Business Association, and local law enforcement to strengthen and bless our community.
OUR GLOBAL HEART
Jesus commanded,
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations."
Because His heart is for every nation, we joyfully partner in Gospel ministry throughout Mexico, Africa, Vietnam, Israel, and the Middle East, believing every people group deserves the opportunity to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.
OUR INVITATION
Whether you are searching for hope...
Looking for a church family that will lovingly encourage you while faithfully speaking God's truth...
Longing to grow deeper in His Word rather than settling for a comfortable faith...
Or desiring to be part of a community wholeheartedly committed to fulfilling God's purpose...
Welcome Home.
There is a place for you here.
Together we will worship.
Together we will pray.
Together we will serve.
Together we will grow.
Together we will sharpen one another in love.
Together we will become...
Conformed to the Image of Christ.
Meet our Lead Pastors
Emilio, a Yuma, AZ native, moved to Phoenix in 1998 after graduating college, eager to pursue his dream of becoming a counselor. Meanwhile, Mary, hailing from Puebla, Mexico, was passionate about law, writing and music, her studies of corporate law required her to speak fluent English so in 1998 she came to visit her mom and sisters who were already living here.
Their paths crossed at Pacto de Gracia during a worship concert, where Emilio was deeply moved by Mary's passionate devotion to God. Madly in love, in January 1999, they tied the knot, their hearts united by a shared vision to devotely follow Christ and building a large family though their dream quickly shatter after the loss of their first pregnancy. After three years of waiting, God’s faithfulness prevailed, blessing them with a beautiful daughter, strengthening their faith and deepening their bond.
Mary and Emilio have served passionately since they got married, it's been now 26 years of service at the same church starting at Pacto de Gracia under the leadership of Pastor Alex Piña, who mentor Mary and Emilio and train Mary in Worship Ministry, continuing at Covenant of Grace under the leadership of than pastors Len and Sharon Griffin. now their overseers. Both Mary and Emilio served as youth pastors on three separate occasions. Emilio has served in many different capacities for many years, from sound, outreach, evangelism and preaching God's word. His passion is to preach the gospel to the loss. Additionally, Mary has served 27 years in Worship Ministry, recorded her original songs in a Christian music album in Spanish, showcasing one of her passions: sharing the love of Christ through music. She attributes her music & song writing to the Lord.
Motivated by a desire to share about Christ to the world and seeing people struggling to get by at their church community, they launched startups aimed at creating job opportunities while promoting Godly stewardships. In 2008, Mary opened a State Farm agency amidst the housing crisis, confronting financial pressures and family health struggles. Their faith became their anchor, guiding them through a painful separation and ultimately leading to a powerful reconciliation and renewed vows in 2010.
As Mary’s agency thrived, earning accolades for its client genuine care, Emilio expanded into contracting, and together, understanding this market place of influence was given to them for a purpose, they worked earnestly serving their community, leading many to Christ.
After years of praying for a second child, they joyfully welcomed Ethan 10 years later, affirming their faith in God’s promises. For years of prophetic words about their pastoral calling, three miraculous confirmations and five years in the waiting, encouraged them to embrace this purpose fully with the support of mentors like Apostles Len and Sharon. Mary’s late brother's passing, inspired them to leave all behind and transitioned from their successful agency to the lead of their church community in November 14th 2022. They have been shepherding COG Community wholeheartedly ever since. Their inspiring journey is a testament of selflessness, resilience, faith , and a passionate commitment to follow Christ.
Meet our Founders
Apostles Len & Sharon Griffin - Former Pastors.
Len & Sharon Griffin founded Covenant of Grace Christian Fellowship in
March of 1988, building on a biblical and theological foundation of
charismatic and reformed convictions. Their vision was to build a multi-
ethnic and multi-generational congregation.
Pastors Len and Sharon have ministered internationally in Africa, Asia,
Latin America and the Caribbean. In the early years, Pastor Len worked
closely with Bridge Builders International and other pastors to hold and host
Pastors Prayer Summits to foster unity and cooperation among area
churches. He served as chairman of the Pastor’s Steering Committee for
the annual Prayerquake events in the greater Phoenix area. Together with
other area pastors he founded Pastors In Covenant, an association of
pastors who come together regularly for encouragement, prayer and
support. Out of this was born Grace Association, a relational network of
pastors and churches that provides resources, and support to churches
and pastors, where Len still serves on the Board.
Pastor Sharon, in addition to co-leading the church, pioneered a significant
outreach to refugees that flooded into the Phoenix area in the “nineties,
teaching ESL and providing various practical forms of assistance. Out of
this initiative was born Global Transitions, a Community Development
Corporation focusing on the needs of the immigrant community and those
less fortunate.
In 2023, Pastors Len and Sharon were ordained into the Christian
International Apostolic Network. That same year they passed the mantle of
pastoral leadership of Covenant of Grace to pastors Emilio and Mary
Parada where they continue to serve as apostolic overseers. Covenant of
Grace continues to thrive under their leadership as a model multi-ethnic
and multi-generational congregation that is impacting their community, city
and state.