Meet Derek Lauer, Northeast's New Senior Minister

Derek was born and raised just outside of Los Angeles, California. During his high school years he began to sense God's calling on his life. It was at a summer camp, when he was 16, where he committed to follow God's leading to full time ministry.

When Derek graduated from high school he enrolled at Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri. His college years were full of challenge and growth. Aside from his studies, he traveled nationally for two years with the Impact Brass and Singers. During his senior year, he served as the Senior Pastor of a Christian Church in LaHarpe, Kansas.

Soon after stepping onto the Ozark campus, Derek's eye was drawn to a beautiful redhead from Indiana. Brenda's passion to sing and love for God's Word drew them together. They dated throughout their years at Ozark, traveled together in Impact and were married following Derek's graduation in June of 1981.

From Joplin, Derek and Brenda moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. He enrolled as a student at Cincinnati Christian Seminary where he completed a master's degree in pastoral counseling. During his two years at the seminary, Derek also served as the youth minister of the Branch Hill Church of Christ in Loveland, Ohio and as Graduate Assistant to the Dean of Students and Professor of Youth Ministry, David Roadcup.

Following his graduation from seminary, Derek held youth ministry positions with West Valley Christian Church in West Hills, CA and with Knott Ave Christian Church in Anaheim, CA. In 1991 the Lauers moved to Phoenix where Derek became the Youth Minister at First Christian Church. Two years later, the leadership asked Derek to become the Senior Minister and he has served in that capacity since May of 1993. After 14 years of senior ministry at FCC, Derek and Brenda felt God leading them to a change. Their prayers and seeking God's will have led us together.

Aside from his church ministry responsibilities, Derek has been very active in support work for God's Kingdom. He served for six years as the Director of Youth Ministry Studies at Hope International University. He has also served on several boards including: Angeles Crest Christian Camp, United Christian Youth Camp, Leadership Training Institute, and the Arizona Evangelistic Association. Derek has also traveled extensively across the country as a speaker and seminar leader.

Derek and Brenda have three children: twin boys, born in July of 1986. Gabriel is a student at Glendale Community College and ASU. He is majoring in business and finance. He is also working to become a fireman. Gregory is a jazz performance major at NAU in Flagstaff, Arizona. Gretchyn, born in August of 1987, is a student at Ozark Christian College. She is majoring in Bible and ministry/missions.

Derek loves to read (he has a pretty extensive collection of books!). He loves the beach, skiing off the top of treacherous mountains and of course - golf! He and Brenda love to worship together, go on mission trips, walk with their two dogs and travel.

Be sure to welcome Derek and Brenda and their kids to the Northeast Christian Church family.