Derek was born in a small town in Central Illinois called Green Valley. He attended Moody Bible Institute and Moody Theological Seminary. He met his beautiful wife, Ilona, at church in Chicago and they have been married for 17 years and have two awesome kids: Caleb and Briella.

When Derek was a sophomore at his Christian high school, a revival broke out and God put it on his heart to pursue ministry. He began to go on missions trips, serve at church, and pursue theological degrees. After being a pastor for several years in the Chicago suburbs, God directed him to The Bridge Church in 2021.