Get to know

Our Team

About Our Team

Pastor Derek has served as senior pastor of Journey of Faith since January of 2020. Born and
raised in Oakland, CA, he committed his life to Christ after graduating from college and has
been serving in the greater Phoenix area for the last 30 years. He is passionate about sharing
God’s word and seeing it change the way people think, feel and act towards God. His other
passions include hiking and vacationing with his wife and family.


He received his bachelor’s degree in fine arts with minor in business and his Master of Business
Administration degree at Santa Clara University, as well as Master of Divinity at Western
Seminary and Doctor of Ministry at Phoenix Seminary. He is also the author of the book
entitled “The Faithful and the Flawed—Learning Life Lessons From Those Who Came Before
Us.” He married his wife, Kathy, in 2001, and they have three beautiful children—Bethany,
Rebekah and Benjamin.

Pastor Brian has served as Journey of Faith’s associate and youth pastor since August of 2023.
Born in Seoul, Korea as a preacher’s kid, he immigrated to southern California at the age of 10
after his father received a call to share the gospel within the growing immigrant population.
After receiving Christ at age 12, he committed his life to serving Christ after a short-term
mission during his college years. He has served as a youth pastor for over 20 years and has also
served in Korea 2007-2015 for Compassion International which is a non-profit organization
known for holistic development of children living in abject poverty. His other interests include
traveling, eating good food, basketball and watching MMA.


He received his bachelor’s degree in economics from U.C. Irvine and has studied at Talbot
School of Theology before earning his Master of Divinity from Torch Trinity School of Theology.
He married his wife, Amor, in 2014 and they are parents to three children—Lucas, Amelia, andElias.

Melissa has joined the family of Journey of Faith in 2016 and has served as director of children’s
ministry since the beginning of 2020. A Chicago, Illinois native, she moved to Arizona in 2005.She has dedicated her life to Christ during her high school years, and since then her passion has
been to serve His children and bringing His joy to them. Her interests and hobbies include
cooking, crafts, and planning parties.


Melissa has received her bachelor’s degree in marketing and management from University of
Illinois Business School. She married her husband, Frederick, in 2009, and they have two
wonderful boys—Ethan and Nolan.

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