Our Pastor

Derrick K. Holmes, the oldest son of Tyrell & Christine Groom, was born January 8th, 1978 in Harlem, New York. 

 

 A graduate from Eastmoor High School (now known as Eastmoor Academy), Derrick went on to attend Wright State University where he graduated with Bachelor of Arts in English Education with a specialization in African American History. After completing his undergraduate studies at Wright State, he then went on to attend Harvard University, obtaining a certificate in Leadership, Action & Social Change. He is currently enrolled at Phillips Theological Seminary working towards a Masters Degree in Pastoral Leadership. 

 

Reverend Holmes has written poetry, essays, and social critique that have had the privilege of being featured in various journals and publications across the country; offering commentary on life & spirituality. In addition to this, he contributes reflections once a month for his own website “Are You Up Yet?” (revderrickholmes.com) 

 

He is the author of “After The Benediction: Practical Insights For Christian Living”, a 40-day Africentric devotional reading. 

 

Pastor Holmes has conducted numerous lectures and workshops regarding social justice, youth mentorship, and community empowerment. He has also partnered with local organizations including the 100 Black Men of Central Ohio and the Columbus Chapter of the NAACP. 

 

Derrick counsels families and youth as a Licensed Christian Counselor, offers his services as a public speaker, serves as Dean of the Congress of Christian Education for the Eastern Union Missionary Baptist Association and joins a number of local community organizations in the fight for civic equality. 

 

In 2021, Rev. Derrick Holmes was honored with a “Future History Maker” award from AARP-Ohio for his social justice efforts in Columbus and vicinity.

 

Reverend Holmes was licensed and ordained as a minister at the Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio where he served for eleven years; regularly preaching and teaching while serving as Youth Pastor. 

 

Rev. Holmes served as the Senior Pastor of the Second Baptist Church in Circleville, Ohio for 10 years where that congregation saw exponential growth in both spirit & number. 

 

On February 15th, the Lord led the Union Grove Baptist Church of Columbus, Ohio to extend a call for Rev. Holmes to be the 11th pastor in the 136 year history of their church. 

 

His favorite bible verse is Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”