Rev. Derrick Barksdale grew up in Ora, SC, and attended the Public Schools of Laurens District 55. He was raised by his mother Sarah Barksdale.  He is married to Wakita Barksdale.? Derrick and Wakita have two children DJ, and Patience and cares for their nephew Braelyn Hackett.

On May 19th, Two Thousand Eighteen, The President and Faculty of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary by the Authority of the Board of Trustees and the exercise of powers granted by the commonwealth of Massachusetts conferred upon Derrick T Barksdale, the degree of Doctor of Ministry.  Derrick’s doctorate work focused on Redemptive Leadership, with his thesis topic being, “A Redemptive Leadership Model for Developing Healthy Multi-Ethnic Churches and Organizations”.  In 2012 Derrick received his Masters in Christian Leadership, and in 2013 satisfied his Masters in Divinity requirements from Gordon-Conwell, also.

Rev. Derrick Barksdale also holds an, Masters in Business Administration, Winthrop University, December 2002, Diploma Engineering Graphics, York Technical College, December 2002, and a BA in Art and Design, Winthrop University, August 1996. 

He has worked in Corporate America as a Cyber Security Professional for over 18 years and holds several security certifications, on being the Certified Information Security Manager certification making him an expert in his field.

He is a Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated where he has served as Chaplin and currently is a member of the Kappa Alpha Chapter, Rock Hill, S.C.  Derrick is also a member of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, Charlotte Chapter.

Through all of his accomplishments, Derrick says his most important achievement is that he has devoted his life to serving God. Derrick became a licensed Minister in 2008 and was ordained in 2011, and currently serves as Sr. Pastor of the Duncan Creek Baptist Church located in Laurens, S.C.

Rev. Barksdale’s favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me”