Derek has a strong passion for preaching the Word of God, evangelism, and building a Gospel centered community within the body of Christ. Derek believes that the Word of God is true, sufficient, and the final authority. Through preaching the Word, Derek takes very seriously the commands to feed the flock and to raise up leaders in the church, while calling unbelievers to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

Derek has the personal conviction to engage in intentional evangelism throughout the community and to equip the church to do the same. This looks like engaging in door to door and street evangelism alongside of church members. The Lord gave Derek this passion first while he worked to engage the lost and broken people of the intercity of Kansas City.

Now, as pastor, Derek continues to seek out the lost and engage them with the Gospel. Derek has been building up Gospel centered leaders within the church by cultivating relationships through studying the Word, prayer, and serving one another.