Pastor Derek Elkins is from Raleigh, NC and graduated from Garner Senior High School in 1994. After High School he served over three years in the U.S. Navy. It was in 2003 that Derek began to walk a different path when he was invited to join a Bible study in Franklinton, NC. This Bible study became a Church plant where he taught Sunday school for several years and served in various capacities. During this time he answered God’s call to pursue ministry, which lead to his enrolling at Liberty University. 

Derek felt called to become part of Raleigh First Church of the Nazarene in 2007 where he was issued his local license to preach. He began working with college and career believers in 2008 where he has concentrated much of his efforts.

Pastor Derek and his wife, Jessica - who has also ministered to many young Christians - have four beautiful girls who all love the Lord. They presently reside in Clayton, NC. Derek has a heart for young people and God’s Word; his desire is to equip young Christ followers to daily live for Christ in a postmodern culture. What pleases Derek the most is to see young Christians become ignited with the fire of God’s truth in such a way that they become contagious Christ followers.