Derek came to faith in Christ while studying at Cal Poly Pomona through the college ministry named Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ). In Cru, he first experienced intentional discipleship when a mentor helped him grow spiritually and equip him for ministry. 

Shortly after graduating, he joined Cru’s full-time staff and served on college campuses in Freiburg, Germany, and Menomonie, Wisconsin. During this time, Derek learned the importance of discipling future leaders, seeing generational discipleship established, and ministering in cross-cultural environments. While serving in Menomonie, Derek oversaw the replanting of a student ministry after a massive division. He led a team of students to implement a new strategy of reaching the campus for Christ and training new leaders. As his time serving on campus came to a close, Derek was able to transfer leadership to student leaders, some of whom went on to serve God in full-time ministry. 

After his time with Cru, Derek and his wife moved to Dallas, Texas, where he received his Master’s of Divinity from Redeemer Seminary (now Reformed Theological Seminary, Dallas) and a Certificate of Biblical Counseling from CCEF (Christian Counseling Education Foundation). While in seminary, Derek became a local church member, serving both as a Home Group leader and a Home Group Coach, overseeing other Home Group Leaders. It allowed him to see firsthand what a gospel-centered church looks like while learning how to shepherd others toward greater maturity and multiplication. 

After his seminary season, Derek accepted a call to pastor Sunbury City Church, a small church plant in rural Central Pennsylvania, where he has served since 2014. In his first few years at SCC, he transitioned the church towards a missional community ministry model and established an elder-led, congregationally-governed polity. He has cast a vision, led by example, trained, and equipped many within his church to evangelize and make disciples. 

Then, in 2024, Derek accepted a pastoral role at Real Hope Community Church in Lake Mills, WI, to devote more time to training and equipping men for full-time ministry within the local church.