Meet Our Priest
Serving Our Anglican Church in Joplin, Missouri
Our priest’s journey into Anglican ministry has been shaped by faith, learning, service, loss, joy, and a deep love for people. Today, he is grateful to serve our growing Anglican church plant in Joplin, Missouri, walking alongside families and individuals as they grow in Christ.
Above all, his calling is simple: to help people know the saving grace of Jesus and live out their faith with confidence and hope.
A Foundation of Faith
Fr. Derek came to faith at age 15 in a Baptist church, where he first experienced the love of Christ and developed a lifelong devotion to Scripture. Since he had not been a regular churchgoer before that time, he deeply understands what it means to be new to church and new to faith. This gives him a unique heart for people exploring Christ for the first time.
Over the years, Fr. Derek has worked with many different Christian denominations, gaining insight into the breadth of the wider Christian Church. This experience shaped his commitment to both biblical truth and the richness of historic Christianity. From that early foundation, prayer, curiosity, and love for God have guided his walk of faith and now guide his pastoral care for others.
Education and Theological Training
Fr. Derek’s path into ministry includes years of thoughtful study and preparation. He attended:
- Southwest Baptist University
- Missouri State University
- Assemblies of God Theological Seminary
- Phillips Theological Seminary
Through these experiences, he gained a broad understanding of theology and a deep respect for historic Christian teaching. As a result, his preaching is both grounded and accessible—faithful to Scripture yet practical for everyday life.
A Heart for Counseling and Care
Fr. Derek brings a unique blend of pastoral care, counseling, and ministry experience to his work as an Anglican priest. He has served as a licensed professional counselor, working closely with:
- Individuals and families navigating life’s challenges
- Children and teens facing emotional and behavioral struggles
- People experiencing homelessness, including case management and support
- Those living with chronic mental illness and dual diagnoses
He also serves as a hospice chaplain, offering comfort and spiritual care to patients and families during life’s most difficult moments.
Because of these experiences, Fr. Derek ministers with compassion, listening carefully, and seeking to care for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Many describe him as steady, approachable, and safe to talk with, someone who makes space for real questions, doubts, and life struggles.
Above all, his heart is especially for those new to church or new to faith, understanding the courage it takes to explore God for the first time.
Finding a Home in Anglicanism
Fr. Derek’s journey to Anglicanism was a gradual unfolding of faith and experience. At age 17, he was licensed to preach in a Baptist church, beginning a lifelong commitment to ministry and teaching God’s Word.
Over the years, he served in United Methodist and Presbyterian congregations, helping people grow in faith. He has also led professional workshops and marriage and couples retreats for a variety of Christian denominations. These experiences deepened his understanding of church life and strengthened his heart for people from all walks of faith.
Eventually, he discovered that the Anglican tradition brought together everything he valued. Here, evangelical faith, sacramental worship, and historic Christian theology coexist, offering a spiritual home where all these streams unite into one clear and life-giving path.
Today, his ministry reflects this integration: a biblical, relational, and sacramental approach that welcomes people new to faith, those exploring historic Christian practices, and anyone seeking a church that honors Scripture and tradition.
Shaped by Life and Loss
After 19 years of marriage to his college sweetheart Lisa, Fr. Derek was widowed at age 40. This season of grief deeply shaped his heart and strengthened his compassion for others walking through loss and suffering.
Later, he remarried Jamie, who was also a widow. Together, they share a blended family with four children and four grandchildren. Jamie has been a true blessing in his life—a living proof that God restores, heals, and pours out new joy even after deep loss. Through every season, they have experienced God’s faithfulness and grace firsthand.
Because of these experiences, Fr. Derek ministers with both empathy and hope, understanding the complexities of grief, marriage, family life, and the beauty of God’s restoration.
Life Beyond Ministry
Outside the church, Fr. Derek enjoys simple, everyday joys, including:
- Exploring flea markets and antique shops
- Searching for great bargains
- Traveling and listening to music
- Talking about Elvis Presley
- Golfing (even if he admits he’s not very good)
- Sharing a well-timed meme
He is also a proud tribal member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.
These hobbies help him stay relational, joyful, and grounded, enriching both his life and ministry.
Join Us in Joplin
If you are looking for an Anglican church in Joplin, Missouri, we invite you to worship with us. Come grow in faith, build lasting friendships, and follow Christ together.
We would love to meet you.