Pastor and Leader.
For over 20 years, Derek has given his life to serving, leading and pastoring in the local church. Throughout the years, Derek has served within multiple areas of the local church from church janitor, to student pastor, to missionary, to ministry team pastor and more.
Today, Derek serves at Daystar Church as the Global Creative Pastor and oversees marketing strategy; message series and event design; creative producer management; as well as the multi-site wide church calendar for the 4,000 members of Daystar. In addition to his role as Creative Pastor, Derek also serves as the President of Daystar College, which serves to launch students of all ages and backgrounds with accredited ministry degrees and practical ministry experience into the local church and the marketplace.
No matter his area of ministry service or management, Derek endeavors to grow and develop healthy leaders equipped to lead the next generation of Global Church leadership.
Husband and Father.
In October 2012, Derek married his highschool sweetheart, Nikki. Derek and Nikki were first drawn to each other because of their passion for the local church and missions. Nikki currently serves as a pastor at Daystar Church in Daystar College Leadership. Nikki is passionate about Biblical education and guiding others toward personal freedom and empowerment found in Jesus. After 5 years of infertility, God gifted Derek and Nikki with a miracle through the birth of their son, Silas. Silas has followed in the footsteps of his father, and he loves people fiercely. Derek, Nikki & Silas love to travel, enjoy tasty food, and laugh loud, hard, and often.
Encourager and Friend.
Jesus modeled for us the way to change the world, one at a time - one conversation, one interruption, one lingering meal, one need - but always one person at a time. Derek’s faithfulness, authenticity and compassion draw people close. Whether one-on-one or from the platform, friends and strangers alike are encouraged by his unique voice. He believes that hope and encouragement are available to everyone. Derek has a passion for encouraging the underdog, the church planter, the one with church hurt, the overlooked, the one grinding day to day, and the courageous entrepreneur.