About Derek Godfrey
Derek Godfrey – Minister of the Gospel
Derek Godfrey is an ordained Chaplain who is an Evangelical and Pentecostal/Charismatic minister called by God to bring the message of hope, healing, and salvation to all in need. With a deep passion for Revival, a heart for the lost and broken, and an unwavering commitment to preaching and teaching the uncompromised Word of God, Derek is dedicated to seeing lives transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. He has a strong burden for prayer, believing it to be the key to impacting this dark world and ushering in God’s presence. His ministry is also shaped by a profound appreciation for the Christian faith’s Messianic, Jewish, and Hebraic roots and a vision for planting churches that will multiply and spread the Gospel.
Early Life & Calling
Although Derek occasionally attended church as a child—visiting Cullasaja Assembly of God in Franklin, NC, with his grandparents and First Assembly of God in Winston-Salem, NC, with his mother—his personal journey with Christ truly began when at age nine, he made a decision for Christ while watching The 700 Club. However, it wasn’t until a revival meeting at Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem during his Junior High or early High School years that he fully surrendered his life to Christ. He later followed the Lord in water baptism during High School after years of active involvement in Junior High and Senior High youth ministry.
During these formative years, Derek began to sense God’s calling to ministry. He played guitar in the High School Youth Group’s Praise and Worship team at Calvary Baptist Church. He took on leadership roles in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), serving as an officer and editor of the group’s newsletter. His hunger for God led him to attend numerous retreats, conferences, and Bible studies, including Dawson McAllister Conferences and Walk Thru the Bible seminars. During his senior year of High School, he was deeply immersed in personal Bible study and ministry leadership. He even took a bold step of faith by teaching at a student prayer breakfast—his first experience preaching the Word of God.
Scouting Achievements
Derek’s leadership skills were also honed through the Boy Scouts of America. After earning the Arrow of Light in Cub Scouts, he advanced to Boy Scouts in 1982 and became an Eagle Scout in December 1989. While with Troop #934, he held several leadership positions, including Senior Patrol Leader and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. He was also inducted into the Order of the Arrow, the BSA’s National Honor Camper Society, and attended the 1985 75th Anniversary National Scout Jamboree in Fort A.P. Hill, VA.
A Season of Struggle & Redemption
After graduating from Mount Tabor High School in 1990, Derek briefly considered Bob Jones University but felt unworthy of God’s calling. He ultimately attended Western Carolina University, following in his parents’ footsteps. Derek was active in the Wesley Foundation at Cullowhee United Methodist Church for two years at Western Carolina University. He struggled with doubt after transferring to the North Carolina School of the Arts. This led to a season of running from his calling, lack of church attendance, compromising his values (which began at Western Carolina), and seeking fulfillment in worldly pursuits and various religions. However, none of these could fill the void in his heart.
After years of sporadic church attendance and disappointment with organized religion, Derek decided to give church another chance. In November 2000, he visited Faith Assembly of God in Kernersville, NC. Just two months later, in January 2001, he had a life-changing encounter with God—receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues during an evangelistic event. Fully surrendering to God’s call, he rededicated his life to Christ and never looked back.
Ministry Training & Revival Encounters
Determined to equip himself for ministry, Derek enrolled in Vintage Bible College, earning an Associate in Biblical Studies on July 18, 2003. He was actively involved in a two-year revival at Faith Assembly (2002–2004), which radically transformed his life. During this time, he made two trips to Brownsville Revival in Pensacola, FL, where he encountered the power of God in profound ways that left a lasting impact on his faith and ministry.
Ordination & Ministry Credentials
Derek received credentials as a Certified Minister from the Assemblies of God on July 12, 2004, and was officially promoted to Licensed Minister on September 20, 2005. However, after leaving the Assemblies of God and much prayer and seeking God’s will, he felt led to pursue credentials with a denomination aligned more closely with his convictions. On September 4, 2008, he was ordained through the General Conference of the Evangelical Protestant Church (GCEPC), and on February 21, 2009, he was consecrated as a priest with valid Apostolic Succession. Derek left the LEPC in 2013 and became an Ordained Chaplain, but the Pastoral calling never ended.
His theological education continued with a Bachelor of Practical Ministry from Concordia Theologica (LEPC) in 2009, a Master Diploma in Biblical Counseling from Light University in 2012, a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies focusing on Christian Counseling, Crisis Intervention, and Psychology from Liberty University on May 10, 2014, and a Master of Divinity from Tripp Bible Institute in 2020. He also plans to complete a Doctor of Divinity through Tripp Bible Institute.
Ministry Experience
Associate Pastor – Media and Technology (August 2011–April 2012)
Resurrection Christian Community Church, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Managed all technology needs, including sound, lighting, video, website, social media, internet marketing, computer maintenance, and live streaming. Successfully optimized the church website to rank on page one of Google within 24 hours through SEO strategies.
Interim Pastor and Worship Leader (2004)
Calvary Assembly of God, Kannapolis, North Carolina
Preached the Word, administered sacraments, and led worship services.
Itinerant Minister / Guest Preacher (2001–2005)
Produced and/or preached on Christian radio and television broadcasts at local venues, conducted Bible studies, and volunteered at church services and conferences. Preached at Peace Haven Church of God in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Volunteer (2001–2007)
Served in various churches by operating audio mixers and projection systems, preparing PowerPoint presentations for services, recording and duplicating sermons, and assisting in altar ministry.
Current Ministry & Invitation
Derek is available for ministry as a Guest Preacher or Fill-In Preacher (pulpit supply). Please visit the Services page and complete the request form if you want him to minister at your church or event.
Additionally, Derek plans to launch a House Church in Winston-Salem, NC. If you are interested in joining or learning more, please contact him.