Derrick Thomas

I gave my life to Jesus at the age of 9. Being confused was God’s way of dealing with me, as I had in my mind that God made Jesus go to the cross. My father was able to show me otherwise through the Scriptures, and that night I put my trust in Jesus forever. For the years following I struggled with the fact of whether or not I was truly saved. It was at Falls Creek one summer that I came to a complete understanding that my salvation was never in jeopardy, based upon what God had done for me. I was called to the ministry in June 2004 after a 3-wheeler accident nearly took my life. It was at that moment in the days following this accident that I realized God was trying to get my attention to be a part of ministry and I was not listening. This accident was what it took for God to get my attention. I became involved in BCM activities at NWOSU when the fall semester began and looked for other opportunities on campus to serve as well. In January of 2006, the student minister position opened up at FBC in Alva. I applied and began my tenure in March of 2006 and served there until September of 2022. My Vision for ministry was to provide spiritual care for church members and guests of all ages. To oversee discipleship and educational opportunities for all ages and to assist the Senior Pastor and other staff with general pastoral duties such as, preaching when called on, counseling, training, and providing care to those who are homebound, or hospital visits. To encourage spiritual growth through small groups and fellowship. To train leaders in specific areas of need (i.e. Sunday School teachers, small group leaders, etc.). In 2013 our first daughter, Asa, was born. She is now an outspoken, vibrant 10-year-old who is currently completing the fifth grade. In August of 2019, we welcomed our second daughter, Bays to our family. She’s currently four and a half years old, and is completing her first year of pre-k. Chesnei is finishing up her seventh year of special education at our local middle school. While in student ministry, she was vital to the aspects that made ministry run smoothly and was a tremendous role model to the girls.

• Assistant High School Football Coach, Alva High School, Alva, OK, 01/2011, Present
• CDL Bus Driving, Church and School Activities, 01/2013, Present
• Youth Evangelism Conference Workgroup, 01/2012, 12/2015
• Security Detail, Conference
• GoStudents Mission Trip Coordinator, Edmonton, Alberta, 2019
• Ranger Connection Teacher/Leader, NWOSU, 08/2019, 05/2021
• Adjunct Professor, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, 08/2022

• Brian Baldwin, Youth Missions & Evangelism Specialist, Oklahoma Baptists, 918-625-4190
• Brandon Adams, Minister of Education and Administration, First Baptist Church of Choctaw, 405-390-2131
• Dr. Tim Argo, Superintendent, Forgan Public Schools, 580-309-3310
• Jesse Chapman, Owner/Operator, Marcum Farms LLC in Alva, OK, 580-327-7904
• Calleb Mosburg, Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, NWOSU, 580-748-2235

Ordained to the Gospel Ministry February 9, 2014