ABOUT US

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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.

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.

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 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 lives intertwined at Pacto de Gracia during a worship concert, where Emilio was inspired by Mary’s heartfelt devotion to God. They married in January 1999, facing challenges together, including the heartache of losing their first pregnancy, yet their faith deepened with the arrival of their daughter, Camy three years later.

 Mary and Emilio  have served passionately since they got married, it's been now 25 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. Additionally, Mary recorded a Christian music album in Spanish, showcasing one of her passions: sharing the love of Christ through music. 

One of the areas they have enjoyed the most as a family has been street evangelism and missions—going to places where others were reluctant to go, to share the message of Christ’s love with those in need.

Motivated by a desire to serve their community, they launched startups aimed at creating job opportunities while promoting Godly stewardship. 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 they worked to educate communities about healthy marriages, practical daily living skills for young families and financial literacy with Christ as the Center!, inspired by their motto: “If He can do it for me, He can do it for you.”

After years of praying for a second child, they joyfully welcomed Ethan 10 years later, affirming their faith in God’s promises. Prophetic words about their pastoral calling encouraged them to embrace this purpose fully. With the support of mentors like Apostles Len and Sharon, and Mary’s late brother, they left all behind, transitioned from their successful agency to lead their church community in late 2022. Their inspiring journey is a testament to resilience,  faith, and a passionate commitment to follow Christ.