Faculty & Academic Leadership
Covenant School of Ministry is led by pastors, theologians, educators, worship leaders, and ministry practitioners who bring together biblical and theological learning, spiritual formation, ministry experience, and a shared commitment to forming disciples in the way of Jesus.
Academic Preparation • Ministry Experience • Spiritual Formation • Faithful Practice
DR. MIKE HAYES
Chancellor
Mike Hayes is the Founding Pastor of Covenant Church, which he established with his wife, Kathy. A pastor, author, and mentor with more than five decades of ministry, he received an honorary doctorate in recognition of his work in racial reconciliation. His lifelong passions include covenantal relationships with God and one another, radical generosity, and serving God’s kingdom in the church, government, and business. His teaching offers a hopeful, kingdom-centered vision of the future that calls believers to faithful action today. As Chancellor, he brings the wisdom of a spiritual father to the formation of emerging leaders.
AMIE DOCKERY
President
Amie Dockery serves alongside her husband, Stacey, as Lead Pastor of Covenant Church. Her ministry helps people deepen their understanding of Scripture, grow in relationship with Jesus, and discover their God-given purpose. A teacher and author, her books include When Women Worship, When Women Reign, and On Daddy’s Shoulders. As President of Covenant School of Ministry, she brings pastoral wisdom and a love of biblical study to the formation of disciples whose faith takes root in everyday life—equipping them to serve Christ in their homes, churches, communities, and places of influence.
DAVID & NICOLE BINION
Dean of Worship Arts
David and Nicole Binion are worship leaders, songwriters, recording artists, and pastors whose ministry has served churches around the world. Through Dwell Ministries, they mentor worshipers and cultivate a life of worship that reaches beyond music into everyday communion with God. Their recordings include Dwell, Glory of Eden, and The Revelation of Jesus. As Dean of Worship Arts, they bring musical craft, spiritual formation, and personal mentorship together, helping students grow as both artists and disciples. Their passion is to form worship leaders whose public ministry flows from a life rooted in the presence of God.
DR. JEFFREY GARNER
Provost
Jeffrey Garner is a pastor, theologian, and educator who pastored in San Francisco for twenty-two years. He holds a Master of Arts in Exegetical Theology from Western Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where his dissertation focused on the Beloved Disciple of the Fourth Gospel. He has served as a professor and lecturer in practical theology, discipleship, apologetics, evangelism, urban mission, biblical interpretation, preaching, and spiritual formation. As Provost, he brings theological study, contemplative life, and apprenticeship together—helping students know themselves as God’s beloved and learn to live the way of Jesus in the world.