“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.

Jacob McCoy, Church Administrator & Ministerial Intern

Jacob moved to Fort Smith in 2023 as he and his wife Kelsie were having their first child. Jacob received his undergraduate degree in Graphic Design and worked for many years as a signage and wayfinding designer for airports around the country. But, aspiring to ministerial work, Jacob began working on his M.Div. at Reformed Theological Seminary in 2024 and began at Covenant in 2026 as Church Administrator and Ministerial Intern.

As Church Administrator, Jacob assists with the building and grounds, personnel needs, and supports the diaconate and the session. As Ministerial Intern, he is working toward the completion of his internship as required by our Presbytery with the goal of being licensed and ultimately ordained as a Teaching Elder in the PCA.

Jacob and Kelsie have two young children and enjoy spending time together outside. In his free time, Jacob enjoys playing with his children and reading novels.

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.

Carol Sikes, Assistant Director of Music

Carol grew up in Fort Smith, Arkansas and has made it her home again since 2020. She joined Covenant in 2025 after having served as the accompanist at First Baptist Greenwood since 2021. As Assistant Director of Music at Covenant, Carol directs the children’s choir program, participates in and assists with directing the adult choir and handbells, and provides a variety of service music every Sunday. Carol is also the principal organist for Sunday services.

Carol holds a Bachelor of Music Education (2010) and a Master of Music Performance (2012) degree from the University of Central Arkansas. She was a band director for the first ten years of her professional career in Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas. In 2022 she transitioned into the corporate world where she currently works at ArcBest in logistics analytics and compliance.

Outside of work and church Carol enjoys singing in the Fort Smith Chorale, playing in the River Valley Community Band, and acting in plays at the Fort Smith Little Theater and King Opera House in Van Buren. Carol also loves spoiling her two dogs, Layla and Douglas, periodically fostering dogs through the Artemis Project, and participating in classes and an occasional team competition with her CrossFit gym, Activate Fitness.

Sydney Clayton

Administrative Assistant

Kim Peoples

Pianist