“And [Christ] gave … the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11–13)
Dr. John Clayton, Senior Minister
John is a native and lifelong resident of Fort Smith, Arkansas. A commercial real estate professional for almost two decades, John transitioned from business to ministry when he was called and ordained to pastoral ministry in 2011, serving on the pastoral staff of First Baptist Church of Fort Smith until the summer of 2012 when he became the church planting pastor of the congregation that would become Covenant Presbyterian Church of Fort Smith.
John holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arkansas (1993), a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (2012), a Doctor of Ministry from New Geneva Theological Seminary (2017), and a Doctor of Philosophy from Columbia International University (2019). John published his first book, The Curious Conversion of Thomas Chalmers, in 2021 and he continues to write regularly on Planter, Pastor, Preacher, where he shares a unique perspective for pastoral ministry and practical theology.
John and his wife, Sydney, have enjoyed over three decades of marriage and love serving in church ministry together. They have three married children and four grandchildren. In his spare time, John enjoys reading, gardening, and fly fishing.
Greg Bailey, Executive Director
Greg joined Covenant in 2014 after relocating from Bentonville, Arkansas to the Fort Smith area. Greg has a business background, having spent 40-plus years in the retail industry holding officer-level positions with Walmart, OfficeMax and the Dayspring division of Hallmark.
As Executive Director at Covenant, Greg serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the CPC ministry staff. Oversight of personnel and policy implementation is a part of Greg’s duties along with congregational care support, supervision of buildings and grounds, as well as long-term planning. Greg also serves the church as a Ruling Elder.
Greg and his wife Janice have three married sons and nine grandchildren. He spends his “off duty” time with his family and enjoys working new landscape ideas at his home.
Brandon Bolin, Director of Music & Media
Brandon has lived in Fort Smith, Arkansas, for most of his life. He joined Covenant in 2013 and became the Director of Music in 2015. Since becoming a member, he has overseen the creation of the church’s choir, handbell ensembles, and the Covenant Fine Arts Series of concerts. Brandon works closely with Dr. Clayton, selecting songs and liturgical elements for each service. His title, Director of Media, was added in 2016, and he oversees the weekly service media volunteers, the church website, and our online teaching ministry via weekly sermon and Sunday School videos, audio podcasts, and service livestreams.
Brandon studied music (with a classical vocal emphasis) at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, AR (2013), where he also took multiple classes in conducting and music arranging.
An avid enthusiast of multiple art forms, Brandon volunteers with the Fort Smith Chorale and the Fort Smith Little Theatre (where he and his wife, Jamie, enjoy spending time). He's also a fan of baseball and soccer.

Sydney Clayton
Administrative Assistant

Kim Peoples
Church Accompanist