Who we are.

Our Story

Our story at Valley Covenant is God’s story! About six years ago, a high school class reunion turned into a worship service in Ridgeview Park. As the service concluded, the presence of God was moving in everyone in the pavilion. It was not completely apparent at that moment what was happening, but in retrospect, that is when our new church was “birthed.” Through prayer and faith, Pastor Jerry resigned as Senior Pastor of his church after 20 years and on July 5, 2015, Valley Covenant Church held its first service at the original location on Main Street. God continued to move and show himself faithful as Pastor Oscar and Carolina Obando launched Cielo Abierto in December of 2017 to minister to the Hispanic community in Waynesboro and the surrounding areas. The Lord was not finished as in the summer months of 2020, He provided for the congregations of Valley Covenant Church and River of Hope, both Church of God (Cleveland, TN) churches, to become one. We are forever grateful to God and all those who have invested their time, energy, and prayers in this great work and we look forward to what God has in store for our future! 

Our Affiliation

Valley Covenant is affiliated with the Church of God in Cleveland, TN. The Church of God is an evangelical, Spirit-filled church with congregations in North America and throughout the world. For additional information about our beliefs, please refer to the Beliefs section of our website or navigate to www.churchofgod.org. 

Our Team

Pastor Jerry and Darlene Steele
Senior Pastor

Pastor Jerry, a native of Waynesboro, has been in full-time ministry since 1979.  He has a B.A. in Christian Education from Lee University and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Geneva College.  Jerry is married to Darlene, who is originally from the Chicago area.  Darlene earned a B.S. in Nutrition from Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. She directs the women’s ministries at VCC along with leading the Celebrate Recovery Ministry.  Darlene has a daughter, Jenny Berger and Pastor Jerry has two sons, Kenneth and Christopher Steele.  Pastor Jerry and Darlene have eight grandchildren combined. 

Pastor Oscar and Carolina Obana
Hispanic Pastor

Pastor Oscar, originally from Honduras, has been serving the Lord in ministry for many years. His testimony speaks to the powerful way the Lord moves in our lives, even at times we may not be aware. Carolina, originally from Columbia, has passionately served the Lord by ministering to families, children, and women for the last several years. Along with their three children, the Obando family is a blessing to Valley Covenant Church and the entire Valley region! 

Pastor Kevin and Jessie Tressler
Associate Pastor - Children, Students, Family

Pastor Kevin, originally from southwestern PA outside of Pittsburgh, has been in licensed ministry for the last five years and has been serving the Lord for the last 20. He has been an English teacher in both middle and high school and now works as an instructional designer at a local university. He loves to teach and share the Word in creative and various ways. Jessie, originally from the Hagerstown, MD area, has ministered in a variety of ways for over 20 years and has a passion for children and outreach. They have three daughters and love living and serving in the Valley!