Dr. Harold L. Bare, Sr. is a former social worker/counselor and college lecturer. While serving Covenant Church since 1981, he has authored several books, including A Month of Sundays, They Call Me Pentecostal, Hell is War, and numerous articles. Pastor Bare completed his Ph.D. at the University of Virginia. He is married to Dr. Laila Bare. Concurrently Laila earned her Ed.D. from Virginia Tech and is a sought after public speaker. They have three children, Danny, Dana, and Joshua, and 7 grandchildren.
Pastoral Staff
Tim Sersen
Tim joined our staff in January 2007 after 19 years of ministry throughout Maryland and Delaware. He has served the Church of God as Youth Pastor, Associate & Music Pastor, as well as Senior Pastor. As an Ordained Bishop, he has served on several State Boards in Delmarva. Tim is married to Tammy and they have two kids, Amber and Austin. His desire is to passionately pursue the Presence of God through worship.
Email: t.sersen@covenantchurch.net
Phone: (434) 973-5536
Bettie Christian
Bettie was born and raised in the area of Staunton, Virginia. For a couple of years she lived in Harrisonburg, moving to Charlottesville at the end of '98. She began attending Covenant at that time, and became a member in April of 1999. Bettie's first position here was that of a deacon; from there she moved to the Board of Elders and remained there until her recent appointment as pastor of Covenant Care Ministries. Her heart is prayer, and out of this flows a passion to see God's people be strong and mighty warriors in His kingdom.
Email: b.christian@covenantchurch.net
Phone: (434) 973-5536
Angela Raker
Angela was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, and in her early 20s sensed a call to the ministry of children. She has a passion for working with children and volunteers, and is a gifted administrator and event planner. Angela understands the importance of helping children grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. She has completed all levels of certification from the Church of God and pursued an Associates degree in Business Administration. Angela resides in Ruckersville, Virginia with her husband Jason and son Raesean.
Email: a.raker@covenantchurch.net
Phone: (434) 973-5536
Zhan You (Martin) Li
Zhan You (Martin) Li is a former professor in English Language and Literature from China. In 2005 he became a visiting scholar of Lee University and earned his M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies. Martin is on a religious visa and serves as Special Projects and International Ministry Pastor. Martin's servant heart and faithfulness to the Lord is a testimony to many. Xia, his wife, is an engineer in management in China. Their daughter, Jin, has been granted a 2/3rds scholarship to Liberty University for under-graduate studies.
Email: m.li@covenantchurch.net
Phone: (434) 973-5536
Zenas and Lisa Choi
Zenas is a graduate of Gordon College where he recieved a degree in Youth Ministry and Bible. Zenas comes to Covenant as a former Youth Pastor, Young Life Leader, Christian School Teacher and Lacrosse Coach. Lisa is also a graduate of Gordon College with a degree in Social Work. She has a wealth of knowledge working with families and youth.
Zenas and Lisa are excited about youth ministry at Covenant Church. They have a son Devon who is 1 1/2 years old and another baby on the way! They are excited to share their lives with families, edify the saints, build up believers and reach out to the community. "We are so excited to share the Word with the youth, on the streets, in the church, in the mission field, across the World!"
Email: z.choi@covenantchurch.net
Phone: (434) 973-5536
Support Staff
Jessica Dizon
Jessica came to Covenant in September of 2004 and she is married to Froilan. She holds a degree in accounting from Lyceum Northwestern University, Dagupan City, Philippines. She manages the day to day financial aspects of Covenant Church as well as the administrative functions of the Senior Pastor. She is also responsible for other administrative and financial functions like maintaining church accounts, updating the accounting system and preparing various church reports. Jessica is always ready to greet you with a sunny smile and a helping hand.
Email: j.dizon@covenantchurch.net
Phone: (434) 973-5536
Patty Perkins
Patty is from Charlottesville, and has been a member of Covenant since 2005. She is married to Jim and together they have six children. Patty loves to assist in the Children's Ministry activities and teaches in the 3's and 4's classrooms. Patty will assist in overseeing the business, financial, and property development matters of the church. She comes to us with a wealth of business and financial knowledge as well as a heart to diligently serve the Lord.
Email: p.perkins@covenantchurch.net
Phone: (434) 973-5536
Michael Kneller
Michael (Mike) Kneller joined the Covenant staff in 2007 as Facilities Manager. He and his wife Becky, whom he met at Covenant Church, have a leadership role in drama, participate in a small group Bible study, and are faithful workers in Children's Church. He is multi-talented in construction issues and currently taking classes towards an electrical license. His cheerful attitude and helpful hands are a great asset to Covenant's ministries.
Email: m.kneller@covenantchurch.net
Phone: (434) 973-5536
Abigail Wells
Abigail, a native of Charlottesville, has attended Covenant Church her entire life. She joined the Covenant staff in May of 2010 as Administrative Assistant. She is a member of the Praise and Worship Team, Sanctuary Choir, has a heart for outreach, and is a mentor to teenagers. She is completing a degree at Piedmont Virginia Community College with specialization in technology and correspondence. Her cheerful and willing heart to serve are an asset to the Covenant Pastoral Team.
Email: a.wells@covenantchurch.net
Phone: (434) 973-5536