Jeff Haynes serves as Senior Pastor at Covington First, beginning in February, 2008. He is currently in his twelfth year as a pastor in the Church of the Nazarene, having served as church planter, senior pastor, and teen pastor.

Jeff grew up in Indiana, where he lived until attending Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois, receiving his Bachelor’s of Arts in Biblical Literature in 1995. But more importantly, Olivet is where he met his wife of twelve years, Alison, who is a West Virginia native, and a graduate of Indiana University with a degree in music. Jeff also holds a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministries from Northwest Nazarene University. They have two daughters; Noelle and Emma.

Jeff’s life mission is to do everything in his power to help God’s creation return to its original design. He desires to leave a legacy of integrity, kindness, service, and God-infusing life on those who his life’s path intersects. Jeff resonates with the Apostle Paul’s charge when he says in Acts 26:17-19 – "'I'm sending you off to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I'm sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me.' What could I do…I couldn't just walk away from a vision like that!” (The Message)

 

LaVonne Brown serves as Minister of Christian Education and Administrative Assistant to the pastors. Her special emphasis is on her own teaching ministry and the training of others to teach within the church.

She married Bob Brown in 1952 and their marriage was blessed with five children so child rearing was LaVonne's primary calling for several years. Both Bob and LaVonne attended Nazarene Bible College for the purpose of entering full time Christian service. In 1977 they graduated from college and began a pastoral career.

The Browns came to Covington First and joined the staff in 1995. Bob has graduated to Heaven while Lavonne continues to minister here. Working with Pastor Ben Durr and the other members of the staff gives her great satisfaction. LaVonne published a book recounting the wonderful things God has done in her life. The book is entitled, "Ready, Set, Glow". The book can be ordered directly from Lavonne by email.

Dawn Cook grew up in northern Kentucky and began attending church with her family when she was 6 years old. She graduated from Dixie Heights High School and later attended Cincinnati Technical College.

It was here that Dawn met her husband, Brian Cook, where they have been involved in many ministries such as singing with the Praise Team and leading/hosting a Small Group in their home along with their three wonderful children; Morgan, Madison and Macean.

Dawn became involved with the Children's Ministry as a Sunday School Teacher. She found a new excitement for summer when she began attending Children's Camp with our children and discovered a greater passion for our children and community through Vacation Bible School. It was through VBS that she recognized a calling into Children's Ministry. Dawn Cook joined our staff in 2006 as the Children’s Director. Dawn's passion is to see all our children have a real enthusiasm to grow, learn, and serve God through community.

 

Ben Durr was raised in West Virginia and his wife, Robin, grew up in Alabama. They met at God’s Bible School in Cincinnati and were married in July 1982. They have been involved in ministry for the past 24 years – pastoring, evangelism, song evangelism, and youth ministry. Ben and Robin have three sons: Daniel, David, and Jonathan.

Ben graduated from GBS in 1986 with a Bachelor of Theology and in 1995 from the Evangelical School of Theology (Myerstown, PA) with a Master of Arts in Old Testament Studies. Ben taught at GBS for 10 years and has authored two books, “The Yearning Heart” (studies in Ephesians) and “Second Thoughts” (devotional insights on Scripture). Ben joins our pastoral staff to minister in the areas of Discipleship, Outreach, and Visitation.

Lois Moeller began attending Covington First during her senior year at Northern Kentucky University where she received a Bachelor of Art degree in Graphic Design.

She has always had a passion for all things creative and now uses her talent to serve the Lord as the Creative Arts Director. Lois is responsible for designing various print and electronic communications including presentation slides for worship services, web site design, photography, video, and other media.

Lois is married to Chris, who serves as the church treasurer, and both enjoy playing in the praise band and spending time with their family and friends.

Singing in church since the age of 4 years old, Jim Squires’ enthusiasm, singing voice, and dedication to worshipping and praising the Lord makes him an exciting Minister of Music in our services. He has served in this capacity since 1994 and was officially added to the pastoral staff in 2000.

Jim and his wife, Julie, have been married since 1998 and have a daughter, Jenna and son, James. Jim leads the church through music with the praise band, Seek:1st, and the help of his wife as choir director.

Some of Jim’s favorite pastimes include playing and coaching sports and spending time with his family.