Dr. Derek Taylor works for the Center for Pastoral Leadership at Point Loma Nazarene University where he spends most of his time supporting the work of pastors through training, coaching, and research. He holds a B.A. in Philosophy and Theology, a Master of Divinity, and a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies. Derek is a keynote speaker, trainer, and certified coach (ICF ACC) and directs the Ministerial Coaching Initiative, a Lilly Endowment-funded program that helps pastors thrive. Derek brings with him extensive experience working with education-focused and faith-based nonprofits as well as an expansive network of professional coaches, trainers, and consultants. Derek's passion is to develop healthy leaders willing to confront today's complex challenges and support them as learn to be adaptive, develop cultural sensitivity, and think systemically.
Education
Ph.D. Leadership Studies, 2022, University of San Diego (San Diego, CA)
M.Div., Cum Laude, 2008, Nazarene Theological Seminary (Kansas City, MO)
B.A. Philosophy and Theology, 2004, Point Loma Nazarene University (San Diego, CA)
Certifications
Board Certified Coach (Executive/Corporate/Business/Leadership Coach), 2022
International Coaching Federation Associate Certified Coach, 2022
Cultural Intelligence & Unconscious Bias Trainer, 2022
Courses Taught
Emerging Leaders
Personal Leadership and Self-Inquiry
Leadership and Ministry
Leadership, Organizational Change & Self-Inquiry
Foundations for the Practice of Youth Ministry
Leadership Studies Capstone
Introduction to Changemaking
Professional and Community Involvement
The Church of the Nazarene, ordained Elder, June 2, 2011
PLNU Board of Trustees Member, 2011-2014
Nazarene Theological Seminary Alumni Board Member, 2013-2016
Executive Pastor, El Cajon Church of the Nazarene, 2008-2016
Interim Senior Pastor, Freeman Presbyterian Church, 2006-2008
Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives, PLNU Center for Pastoral Leadership, 2015-Present
Field Youth Coordinator, Southwest Nazarene Youth International, 2017-Present
Awards and Honors
Grants Received
Thriving in Ministry Planning Grant, $50,000, 2020
Thriving in Ministry Implementation Grant, $1,000,000, 2020