Lead Pastor Derek Specht
Having been in ministry for over two decades, I am a seasoned pastor. I have been an ordained pastor in the Church of God Movement since 2003 and have a BA in Christian Ministry from Mid-America Christian University. I am happily married to Gina, and we have three beautiful daughters.
In my free time, I enjoy traveling, running, cooking, and spending time with friends
and family.
My core beliefs and ambitions lead me to listening to everyone’s story before drawing
conclusions of a person’s character, helping those that do not have the same opportunity as I, and praying to be a pioneer in God’s Church.
One of my favorite Bible verses is Acts 20:24 ”However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”
Associate Pastor Jessica Willis
Associate of Family Ministries
Pastor Jessica Willis began as the Associate of Family Ministries January 1, 2017. She and her family moved here from Des Moines, Iowa where Jessica served as Youth Pastor for 9 years and Children’s Pastor for 1 year. Jessica takes great pride and joy in her family. Her husband Mike Willis has been a great support in ministry and raising their three daughters McKena, Aundrea, and Adalyn. Jessica enjoys hanging out with friends and family. She loves Virginia and loves serving the people of First Church of God in Christiansburg, VA.