By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Let’s Talk Local with Sarah Zubiate Bennett.

When a bus full of Frisco’s mayor, police chief and fire chief rolled into Covenant Church in September 1999, Pastor Keith Craft didn’t just hear applause – he heard a call.

That Unexpected Audience Ignited a Mission

Craft recalls the scene vividly: “I chartered a bus and brought the mayor of Frisco, the chief of police, the fire chief, the school superintendent, everybody that was anybody in Frisco” to hear him preach. About 250 people stood during the service, a remarkable turnout for a church that then housed roughly 5,000 members. After the sermon, a city leader named Gary Burns invited Craft to lunch, a meeting that cemented his sense of purpose in the community.

Reflecting on the experience, Craft said, “Through these deaths, God’s connecting me to this city.” The two funerals he conducted in the fall of 1999, coupled with the bus event, convinced him that his ministry was meant to be more than pulpit preaching – it was a partnership with the civic fabric of Frisco.

Building a Physical and Spiritual Hub

Within two years of that pivotal weekend, Craft’s congregation purchased 28 acres and erected a $4.7 million auditorium. “We’re going to establish God’s kingdom in Frisco like nobody’s business,” he declared, framing the expansion as a leadership culture rooted in biblical principles. He likened his vision to the sons of Issachar in Israel, who “knew the times and the seasons and knew what to do.”

The rapid growth—from a modest gathering to a megachurch serving over 10,000 members—has turned Covenant Church into a central community anchor, hosting events that draw civic leaders, business owners, and families alike.

Bold Stances on Culture and Faith

Craft does not shy away from controversy. He described Islam not as a religion but as a “demonic ideology,” and he voiced strong opposition to what he sees as the erosion of traditional gender definitions, noting that some claim there are “six” or even “256” genders. These statements have sparked heated dialogue within and beyond his congregation.

When asked how pastors of different denominations should respond to cultural threats, Craft answered, “Speaking the truth in love means you’re forthright in what you say everybody.” He emphasized that pastors are “warrior priests” first, called to defend truth while also modeling love.

Faith Meets Politics as Midterms Loom

As the nation approaches the midterm elections, Craft connects his local ministry to the broader political climate. He references the turmoil of recent years—COVID, BLM protests, cancel culture—and urges believers to engage civically, stating, “We have a greatest commission to go into all the world, preach the gospel, make disciples, not just in our own image but supernaturally endow them to be like us.”

While he does not endorse specific candidates, Craft encourages his flock to vote in alignment with biblical values, framing civic participation as an extension of discipleship.

Looking Forward: A Community Shaped by Conviction

Pastor Keith Craft’s story illustrates how a single, unexpected gathering can launch a decades‑long effort to weave faith into the civic tapestry of a growing Texas city. His emphasis on bold leadership, cultural clarity, and active citizenship offers a template for other faith leaders navigating the intersection of church and public life.

The conversation with Sarah Zubiate Bennett underscores that, for Craft, the mission is ongoing: to keep “speaking the truth in love” while guiding Frisco’s residents toward what he believes is a higher, God‑centered purpose.

The full episode of Let’s Talk Local with Sarah Zubiate Bennett is available on OBBM Network TV.