Derek is an ordained minister. Because God set him free from a life of addiction and incarceration over 16 years ago, he loves sharing the Word of God through preaching, teaching, and music. Derek grew up traveling with his parents gospel singing group, where he developed his love for Jesus and music. During his incarceration, he played worship 6 days a week. This is when he began writing his own southern rock Christian music. He also began studying through United Christian Bible Institute to become a certified minister.
One Son’s Carpentry
Derek became a master carpenter while incarcerated. Upon his release, he started One Son’s Carpentry and Woodworking, where he has helped others learn a trade and be discipled. He met his wife, Lindsay, the same year in 2015. Derek was soon ordained at their church.
Men of Valor
They met Men of Valor in 2016. Men of Valor Men Of Valor has been serving men in prison for 26 years, with programs in every men’s prison in TN. They have reentry housing in Nashville, TN for over 90 men. Recently, an expansion of their reentry housing program started in Knoxville. MOV began training Derek and Lindsay in leadership, prison ministry, and reentry programming in 2016. This led them to start This is Living Ministries in 2016 to serve women reentering society. In 2020 they were began traveling with MOV to host concerts in all of the TN prisons. Derek was hired full-time as their reentry minister for MCCX in 2023, where he teaches discipleship groups and leads a church service.
All Roads Lead to Ministry
Derek’s love for worshipping God has opened so many doors to share the gospel. His music connects to hearts that have been broken or lost. He loves to see others experience God’s love through music. His vision is to one day have a house of worship for anyone to come to 24/7 for encouragement and support. This house will also be a place for others struggling with addiction to have a safe place to land.