Rev. Russell Smith, a native of Columbia, SC, is a graduate of Wake Forest University and Reformed Theological Seminary. He met his wife, Tammy, while they were both enrolled in an exchange program at St. Peter's College of Oxford University. Tammy, a native of Newark, OH, graduated from Salem College and worked as a Benefits Analyst prior to coming to Covenant-First wtih Russell in April, 2001. The Smith's are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, Sarah Grace and Annalise Marie. Russell is very active in several local Christian and civic organizations and, in addition to his pastoral duties, leads a wide variety of Bible study programs at Covenant-First. In addition to spending time with his family, Russell enjoys books, movies, and Wake Forest basketball.

Rev. Nathan Wright serves as Covenant-First's Associate Pastor for Family Ministries. A native of Lebanon, Ohio, Nathan was baptized and grew up at Lebanon Presbyterian Church, and first sensed God's call to ministry amongst the dedication and love of that congregation. Nathan earned a B.A. in Bible and Religion from Montreat College in North Carolina and a M.Div. and a Th.M (in preaching) from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. Prior to his call to Covenant-First in June of 2008, Nathan served on the staff of the Montreat Presbyterian Church PC(USA), Montreat, NC, and served in the youth ministry of First Presbyterian Church, Fresno, CA. He and his wife, Johanna, reside in North Avondale with their son, William. Nathan is passionately convinced that one mark of a healthy church is their care and commitment to passing on faith in Jesus Christ to their children. With that in view, the family ministry of Covenant-First aims to equip all members of the church, especially parents, to show and teach our children the gospel of Christ.

Philip Bishop is the Organist and Music Director at The Covenant-First Presbyterian Church. He received the degree BA in Music Education (Performance Track) from God's Bible School and College located in Cincinnati, OH. He received the degree MCM (Master of Church Music) from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary located in Louisville, KY. Upon completion of his MCM, Philip returned to GBSC and taught college music for four years. Philip has been involved in music ministry since childhood, playing the piano in church. In 1999, he married Dorcas. They were classmates at GBSC, and traveled together in a PR music team. Dorcas is a vocalist and pianist as well, and the two enjoy singing together. They have worked together in churches, Dorcas with the children, and Philip with the adults for eight years. They have also been involved in song evangelism singing for summer campmeetings, weekend retreats, banquets, and concerts. Philip and Dorcas were joined in October of 2006 by their son Blake Ryland who is the "joy of their lives."