Derrick Shields
Lead Pastor
derrick@ccclive.org
I was born in New Orleans and raised in a small town in north Mississippi as the oldest of three siblings. I was a member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, where I professed Jesus Christ as my savior at a young age.
I enlisted in the U.S. Army as an Infantryman at the age of 17, thinking it would be a four-year tour – but stayed for 20 years. I met my wife, Andrea, who was a soldier also, in the winter of 1986. We were married July 4, 1987. We have three children- Derrick Jr, Christopher, and Deandra and one grandson, Jayden.
After retiring from the military in 1995, Andrea and I became partners in the real estate business here in Columbus. In 2000, I had a life changing encounter with Jesus that totally changed my life which eventually led us to Christ Community Church in 2005. Beginning as the volunteer leader of Celebrate Recovery, my involvement increased until I came on staff in 2009. I was ordained an elder in the Free Methodist Church in 2015.
Life verses: John 3:30: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”; John 10:10:
Favorite foods: Since 2012, I have been trying to stay true to a Vegan lifestyle. I enjoy kale, quinoa, Thai food, beans and legumes, and fruit, fruit and more fruit.
Favorite movie: All of the “Godfather” series (don’t judge me please!), and any movie about sports.
Hobbies, pastimes and interests: Traveling, watching sporting events, visiting historical sights, museums, and challenging conversations.
Ambitions/aspirations: Getting better at serving Him and others daily. Striving to remain obedient to the “Call” He has placed on my life. I am currently pursuing a MA in Leadership from Asbury Theological Seminary.
What I like to read: Biographies of all type, books by Tony Evans, Bryan Loritts, Thabiti Anyabwile, Francis Chan, and many other Christian authors.
People are surprised to know: During my 20 years in the U.S. Army, I served as a drill sergeant and airborne instructor.
Best counsel/advice I've ever been given: While on Drill Sergeant status, a First Sergeant pulled me aside and told me, “You don’t have to talk to soldiers like that in order to get them to do what needs to be done.” That changed my attitude and approach to leadership in a moment.
My staff role at CCC: I am honored to serve as the Lead Pastor here at CCC. My primary responsibility is to lead our church, along with our board of directors and senior leadership team, in fulfilling our mission to “awaken ordinary people to extraordinary life in Christ-centered community. In addition, it is a joy to lead our teaching team in preaching the word of God each week in relevant and inspiring ways.
What I enjoy most about serving at CCC: The people! We are blessed to have such a diverse group of people who are striving to Live for a Change.
I enlisted in the U.S. Army as an Infantryman at the age of 17, thinking it would be a four-year tour – but stayed for 20 years. I met my wife, Andrea, who was a soldier also, in the winter of 1986. We were married July 4, 1987. We have three children- Derrick Jr, Christopher, and Deandra and one grandson, Jayden.
After retiring from the military in 1995, Andrea and I became partners in the real estate business here in Columbus. In 2000, I had a life changing encounter with Jesus that totally changed my life which eventually led us to Christ Community Church in 2005. Beginning as the volunteer leader of Celebrate Recovery, my involvement increased until I came on staff in 2009. I was ordained an elder in the Free Methodist Church in 2015.
Life verses: John 3:30: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”; John 10:10:
Favorite foods: Since 2012, I have been trying to stay true to a Vegan lifestyle. I enjoy kale, quinoa, Thai food, beans and legumes, and fruit, fruit and more fruit.
Favorite movie: All of the “Godfather” series (don’t judge me please!), and any movie about sports.
Hobbies, pastimes and interests: Traveling, watching sporting events, visiting historical sights, museums, and challenging conversations.
Ambitions/aspirations: Getting better at serving Him and others daily. Striving to remain obedient to the “Call” He has placed on my life. I am currently pursuing a MA in Leadership from Asbury Theological Seminary.
What I like to read: Biographies of all type, books by Tony Evans, Bryan Loritts, Thabiti Anyabwile, Francis Chan, and many other Christian authors.
People are surprised to know: During my 20 years in the U.S. Army, I served as a drill sergeant and airborne instructor.
Best counsel/advice I've ever been given: While on Drill Sergeant status, a First Sergeant pulled me aside and told me, “You don’t have to talk to soldiers like that in order to get them to do what needs to be done.” That changed my attitude and approach to leadership in a moment.
My staff role at CCC: I am honored to serve as the Lead Pastor here at CCC. My primary responsibility is to lead our church, along with our board of directors and senior leadership team, in fulfilling our mission to “awaken ordinary people to extraordinary life in Christ-centered community. In addition, it is a joy to lead our teaching team in preaching the word of God each week in relevant and inspiring ways.
What I enjoy most about serving at CCC: The people! We are blessed to have such a diverse group of people who are striving to Live for a Change.