Joseph B. Covington, Pastor-Teacher

Rev. Joseph B. Covington currently serves as the Pastor of the Friendship Baptist Church of Corning, New York.  He is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.   He is the son of the Late Rev. Lewis and Johnnie Covington.  Rev. Covington is married to the former Esther D. Shepard (24 Years) and they have three children Joseph II (J.B.), Frank, and Brittany.

Joe was educated in the public school system of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  He is a 1978 graduate of Allegheny Senior High School.  He received a Bachelor of Theology degree in 1997 from United Christian College, Goldsboro, North Carolina and his Masters of Education in 2003 from Elmira College, Elmira, New York.  He has one year of post-graduate Education Administration Studies at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts North Adams, Massachusetts. He has a Doctorate of Ministry from United Christian College Goldsboro, North Carolina.

Rev. Covington answered the call to the gospel ministry in 2002 and was licensed to preach the gospel at the Beautiful Plain Baptist Church, Binghamton, NY.  He was ordained in 2003.  He served as a deacon for 15 years and as a trustee for 5 years prior to serving as a deacon.  His Beautiful Plain Baptist church family affectionately called him the “Reverend-Deacon”.

Rev. Covington’s greatest love is preaching and teaching in the church and community.    He is about kingdom building for the glory of God.  He believes we must live our mission “Called by God and united in love for Jesus Christ, we are committed to evangelize the unsaved and equip the saints for ministry beyond our walls” by “Being a Connected Church”.  

Joe has held occupations serving New York State Electric & Gas Co. for 16 years in various positions, teaching middle school, Dean of Students, and held the position of an Assistant Principal in the Elmira City School District at Diven Elementary and the Elmira Free Academy High School in Elmira, New York for over four years.   

He has also been a lifelong supporter of community efforts.  He has served as the Interim President/CEO of the Broome County Urban League, Binghamton, New York. He is currently the President for the Alliance of Interdenominational Ministers (AIM) Southern Tier of New York. He has received numerous awards and recognition for service to the community.  Rev. Covington’s Motto is Joshua 24:15b “But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord”.