ABOUT US
Covenant of Grace is a multi-cultural and multi-generational passionate body of believers located in North Central Phoenix in an area known locally as Sunnyslope, named for the sunny slopes of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve right outside our back door.
We are a discipling evangelistic church. A community oriented church able to infiltrate the areas surrounding our church through the Sunnyslope alliances with the love and compassion of Christ.
Covenant of Grace is a unique church with a fascinating history and an exciting future. We have been a stable and transforming influence in our community and state for over thirty years and plan to be around a long time. If you are looking for a church that will encourage and build you up and also challenge you to give yourself to something bigger than yourself we might just be the place for you and your family.
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.
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 26 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 late 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.