COVENANT LIFE CHURCH - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Girls Discipleship Coordinator
Abby was rasied in Ambler, PA all my life and came to Christ at an early age. After graduating High School, I did a Youth Ministry internship at the church I grew up in where I worked alongside the Youth Pastor. That same summer I felt the Lord's calling on my life to go into Student Ministry. I attended Lancaster Bible College earning an Associates in Biblical Studies and a Bachelors of Arts in Youth and Young Adult Ministry. I am a huge NFL football fan and when I'm not watching football, you can catch me at the beach surfing, at home reading or out with friends being spontaneous.
Job Titles:
- Community Life Coordinator
As Executive Director, Ben oversees Covenant Life's operations and supports the church's vision to make disciples, equip families, and transform Sarasota for the glory of God. Ben began his career in ministry but has spent the last 17 years in the Healthcare industry, lastly as the President of Novant Health's Ballantyne Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Returning to full time ministry, he relocated to Sarasota in April 2024. Ben holds an MBA from the University of Louisville and is finishing his Master of Divinity from Southern Seminary. Ben and his wife, Lauren, have four kids: Matthew, Joshua, Isaac, and Hattie. When not herding the kids, Ben enjoys cooking, golf, and live music.
Job Titles:
- Director of Children 's Ministry
Blythe joined the staff in August of 2014. She and her husband, Jared, have 2 daughters, Annie and Eden. Blythe loves discipling our Covenant Life kids to know, love, and live God's Word. Before coming to Covenant Life, Blythe worked in various areas of full-time ministry in Sofia, Bulgaria and St. Louis, Missouri. She has her B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from Berry College, an M.A. in Theological Studies and an M.A. in Educational Ministries from Covenant Theological Seminary. When she's not with our church kids, Blythe is learning the ropes of being a "dance mom" and enjoying family time!
Bob came to know Christ as his Savior while a senior in high school and was discipled while a student at Florida State University by Campus Crusade for Christ. The Dillards have enjoyed many ministry experiences including: missionary service in Colombia, church planting in Louisiana, and pastoral roles in Florida, Ohio and Maryland. Bob and Juanita have four children and four grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Director of Community Groups & Discipleship
Brent and his wife, Jill have been married for 21 years. Both of them grew up in Ohio, but have lived in Florida for 34 years & 45 years respectively. They have 3 children Ian, Sophia and Jonathan. With their oldest beging married 3 years ago, now they have a new daughter in the family, Rachel! Brent spent 36 years as a Master Automobile Technician. They have called Covenant Life their church home for 9 years. Brent has served as an elder, and as Director of Community Groups and Discipleship.
Deb Raduns, along with her husband, Bob and Daughter, Elizabeth, move to sunny Sarasota from snowy western NY in 2016, after retiring twice; first from Kodak (where she met Bob) and then from special education in the school system. Deb loves to cook (and Bob likes to eat!) Most nights you'll find her on the lanai, reading. Covenant Life Church became home from the beginning, and now she is blessed to serve as co-coordinator of Women's Ministry.
Job Titles:
- Women 's Ministry Coordinator
Diane and her husband, Dave have been married for 48 years, and have two children and 4 grandchildren. They moved to Sarasota four years ago after living in several states while Dave served as a pastor for 20 years. In addition to being a upport to him in the the ministry, Diane worked most recently as a historical interpreter at the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC. She enjoys walking, hiking and finds joy in seeing God's hand at work. Diane is glad to serve as co-cordinator of the Women's Ministry at CLC.
Job Titles:
- Senior Visitation Coordinator
Ed and Betty Gross moved to Sarasota in 1992 and started coming to CLC from day one! Ed has served as an elder and small group leader. He currently is the Senior Visitation Coordinator where he ministers to our Senior Citizens through caring visits, phone calls, sending greeting cards, and assisting with Communion in their hiomes. Betty has served in Women's Ministry, VBS, Bible studies, hope to count the Sunday morning offering. God has blessed them with two precious daughters and five amazing grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Classic Service Coordinator
Glen has served as music director in churches in New York City, West Texas, Florida, as well as on the faculties of secondary schools and universities. Glen holds advanced degrees from institutions such as Wheaton College, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and Drew University. Dr. Olsen has developed a number of curriculums and programmed unique concerts during his career. Having three grown children, and a grandson, Luke, Glen and his wife, Amy currently live about a mile from the beach in South Venice.
Ken relocated to Sarasota in 2011 to serve as Senior Pastor of Covenant Life Church. Ken and Amy have two sons and a daughter: Noel, Ben and Molly. Ken enjoys gardening, exercise and discipling men thirsty for spiritual growth. Amy loves to read, play the violin, meet with people over good coffee (Starbucks), and manage the home front.
Job Titles:
- Children 's Ministry Assistant / Nursery Director
Lisa was born and raised in Rockland County, NY and moved to Florida in 1987. She graduated from Palm Beach Community College in 1992, and later studied criminal justice at Florida Atlantic University. She volunteered in children's ministries for many years as a Kindergarten Sunday School teacher, and then as a 2nd/3rd grade discipleship teacher at Covenant Life before joining the staff in October 2015. Lisa enjoys reading, driving her Jeep, and spending time with her husband Kevin and son Luke.
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Ministry
Mike joined the Covenant Life staff in July of 2020 after serving for 10 years in the Student Ministry at a church in Wayne, PA. Mike is American grown (Jersey Boy) with Brazilian roots. He and his wife, Amber, have a daughter and a son, Mia and Max, who are their little M&Ms. Mike has his B.A. in Youth Ministry from the University of Valley Forge, and a M.A. in Missional Ministry from Missio Seminary. Mike has a passion for helping students navigate through the rollercoaster ride of their teenage years. His hope is to see teens experience the unconditional love of God and equip them with a faith in Jesus that will last. Mike enjoys fishing, R/C cars, video games, playing sports, writing spoken word poetry and spending time with his family. When not working, you can find Mike lounging on the beach getting his tan on!
Job Titles:
- Pastor of Counseling and Care Ministries
Mitch is the Pastor of Counseling and Care Ministries. He graduated from Samford University with a BA in Sociology and went on to attend seminary at Covenant Theological Seminary, where he received a Masters of Divinity and a Masters of Counseling. Mitch and his wife, Kristen, are native southerners with family located in Venice. They have three daughters at Sarasota Christian Academy: Mary Louise (12), Ella (10) and Amelia (8). Rev. Welborn also enjoys being outdoors, eating good food, listening to music and dad jokes.
Nancy Wadlinger grew up in the Bronx and moved to Florida in 1995 and worked for Globe Communications, now American Media Inc. She was the Photo Editor for Mira! magazine, the Spanish tabloid of The Star magazine. She has been working at Covenant Life Church since 2006. Nancy and Steve met here at the church and were married in December 12, 2015. Between them, they have 3 children: Brianna, Steve's daughter, and Nancy's children Tyler and Serah.
Job Titles:
- Modern Service and Production Coordinator
Nick McCarty manages the modern service and technical production. Beyond his chruch responsibilities, Nicholas finds fulfilllment in his family life. He is m arried to Sarah and two wonderful children, Scarlett and Lincoln. His edcuational journey includes earning a bachelor's degree from The Baptist College of Florida and Master's Degree in Worship Leadership from Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Nick is deeply passionate about crafting Scripture-guided worship experiences.
Job Titles:
- Men 's Ministry Coordinator
Paul Martin and his wife, Barb, met through InterVarsity Christian Fellowship during their college years and have been married since 1976 and have three children and five grandchildren. The are both graduates of Bethel Theological Seminary. Paul serves at CLC as the Men's Ministry Coordinator. Barb serves in Women's Ministry as a Bible Study leader and small group facilitator. Paul also volunteers as a pilot with Agape Flights.
Job Titles:
- Little Explorers Preschool Director
Rocky was raised in Northern Indiana and frequently vacationed in Sarasota with her family. After graduating from Purdue University with a BS in Environmental Health, she moved to sunny Sarasota. For many years, she worked in the Blood Bank Laboratory and then enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom. She joined the Covenant Life Staff in 2005 working in Children's Ministry and as a VPK teacher at Little Explorers before becoming the Directorin 2014. Rocky enjoys crafting and spending time with her 2 daughters, Jessica and Hannah.
As Executive Pastor, Steve oversees the development and implementation of the church's ministry plan to Reach Sarasota. He has a PhD in Organizational Leadership from Eastern University and a Master of Divinity from RTS Orlando. Steve married the love of his life, Kim, in 2004 and they have four children: Jeremiah, Charis, Rachel and Micah. When not working, Steve can often be found at the Little League field coaching kids baseball.