About Us — New Covenant Church

1972

Founded

How It Began

50+ Years of Faithful Ministry

New Covenant was born from a living room gathering of twelve people who believed God was calling them to something more. A handful of committed families, launched Sunday services in a rented elementary school gym.

Through seasons of growth and challenge, by God's grace, that seed has grown into a close, committed community — spanning generations, backgrounds, and zip codes — united by one faith, one Lord, and one unstoppable love.

"Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." — Psalm 127:1

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What We Believe

Our Core Values

These values are not programs — they are our DNA. They shape everything we do.

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Scripture-Centered

The Bible is the inspired, authoritative Word of God and the foundation for all we believe and practice.

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Prayer-Fueled

We believe prayer is not preparation for the work — prayer IS the work. We are a house of prayer.

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Radically Welcoming

Everyone is welcome, no exceptions. Grace covers every story. The table is set for all who will come.

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Disciple-Making

We are committed to the Great Commission — teaching people to follow Jesus in every area of life.

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Missional Living

The Church does not have a mission. The Mission has a Church. We are sent people living on purpose.

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Community-Rooted

Life is better together. We are called into authentic, life-giving relationships that carry each other.

Doctrine

What We Believe

The Bible

We believe the Bible is God's inspired Word — infallible, authoritative, and sufficient for all matters of faith and practice.

The Trinity

We believe in one God eternally existing in three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — equal in nature and glory.

Salvation

We believe salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone — not by human effort or merit.

The Church

We believe the Church is the body of Christ — called to worship, disciple, and proclaim the Gospel to every nation.

Resurrection

We believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promised resurrection of all people at the end of the age.

The Holy Spirit

We believe the Holy Spirit dwells in every believer, empowering us to live holy lives and to do the works of Jesus.

The Team

Our Leadership

Servant leaders who love God, love people, and are committed to this community.

Brantley Johnson

Pastor

Brantley Johnson grew up in Jackson/ Madison, MS. After moving to Starkville in 1999, he shortly became involved with New Covenant Church. Brantley has been married to his wife, Leigh, for 23 years. They have three sons: Wyatt(19), Luke(17) and Jack(15). Brantley has been involved in leadership at New Covenant Church serving on the council since 2013. He has owned and operated Climate Control Heating and Air since 2006.

Sterling Dahl

Finance Ministry Leader

Sterling Dahl is the Finance Ministry Leader and is married to Amanda and they have 2 sons, Hayes and Sutton.

Jack Redwood

Worship Team Leader

Jack Redwood grew up in Columbus, MS and began attending New Covenant Church as a college student in the late 1990s. He and his wife Emily have been married for 13 years and have three children. Jack serves New Covenant as part of the leadership and worship teams and also operates Redwood Roofing.

Josh "T" Taylor

Grounds/Facility Manager, Council Member

Josh "T" Taylor has been married to Lynn for twenty years and they have two children, Sophie and Hayes. He works with Kent Precision Foods as the Senior Quality Assurance Manager. He serves New Covenant Church as the Grounds/Facility Manager and Council Member.

Philip Murphy

Worship Team Leader

Serves in Worship Leadership and is the proud father of four. Philip has been a lifelong member of New Covenant and is passionate about helping the next generation of worship leaders cultivate their love of God through music.

Bill Murphy

Elder

He and Debbie both have deep roots in Starkville. He pastored New Covenant for 33 years. They have five children and 13 grandchildren. They love our City and University.

Dean Jordon

Elder

Dean and Autumn have also been around since we started in 1972. They both got involved while students at MSU. They lived and raised their six children for many years in Congo. When not traveling and teaching in Africa, they are here encouraging, serving and enjoying their 15,16,17 or whatever grandchildren (The number keeps growing). Oh yeah, and Autumn is working on her PhD in her "spare" time.

Phil Aman

Salt and Light Prison Ministry Leaders

Philip Aman is married to the former Gabrielle Gay Frazier of Louisville MS. They have two children Bradie and Bradley. They also have three grandchildren. Philip’s vocation is a veterinarian. He has practiced in Louisville, MS and in his home town of Tampa, FL prior to his current position as Supervisory Public Health Veterinarian with the Food Safety Inspection Service of the United States Dept of Agriculture.