Contributors
Derrick's church

Cornerstone Christian Church
Syracuse, New York 13203
(315) 424-5472

About Derrick
  • Experience: This is my first church. I did an internship for nine months before I was hired as the full time Associate Minister in February, 2005. I worked for a year and a half before becoming officially ordained in September, 2006.
  • Family: I have been married for 24 years to my wife Beth and we have an 16 year-old son, Shaun.
  • Best advice given to me about preaching: Know your congregation. Get personal with them through counseling, relationship building, discipling, etc. Find out what their needs are and where they’re at and what they’re dealing with and preach accordingly. This also helps when communicating to make sure you use terms and language that’s appropriate for your audience. This helps to make your sermons more practical and applicable in their everyday lives; ensuring the biggest impact that makes a difference in their spiritual growth.
  • Books that have had an impact: C.S. Lewis’ ’Mere Christianity’ is a must for anyone who is interested in Apologetics. Other classics such as ’My Utmost for His Highest’ and ’Pilgrim’s Progress’ are keepers. Neil Anderson’s ’Victory Over the Darkness’ is also good for those struggling with sin and their identity in Christ.
  • Hobbies: I enjoy reading and creative writing. I’ve written poems and short stories along with a self-published fictional novel. Check out my website: www.SuperTuper.com for more information. Summer is my favorite time of year so I enjoy those seasonal activities the most.
  • Something funny that happened while preaching: Not funny at the time but it was about 15 minutes before service started and it was my Sunday to preach. My wife called, frantic. She had used her remote car starter but locked the keys in the house. She was outside in the cold with my two-year-old son and seven-year-old niece. I raced home (15 minutes), took care of business and raced back. I had just minutes to spare before it was time for the sermon. Afterwards, some said it was my best sermon to date. Perhaps chaos produces better sermons!
Browse All

Newest Sermons

Browse All

Newest Sermon Series

Browse All

Newest Sermon Illustrations

  • Why Do We Say Merry Christmas But Happy Everything Else?

    Contributed on Dec 23, 2019
     | 2,556 views

    Why Do We Say “Merry Christmas” but “Happy” Everything Else? by, Meghan Jones. "The word "merry" isn't one we use very often during the months of January through November. But as soon as Thanksgiving passes, you're bound to start hearing and seeing it everywhere—on ...read more

  • Gabriel Hurles Was Enjoying His Sixth Birthday ...

    Contributed on Dec 21, 2012
     | 2,925 views

    Gabriel Hurles was enjoying his sixth birthday party. He was so focused on eating his birthday cake, that he hardly noticed the giant package in the corner of the room. When another child pointed out the large gift, Gabriel ran over and began to tear off the wrapping. It wasn’t a bicycle or any of ...read more

  • The Latched Of Sandals

    Contributed on Dec 14, 2012
     | 2,242 views

    Albert Barnes’ commentary for John 1:27: “The latchet of sandals was the string or thong by which they were fastened to the feet. To unloose them was the office of a servant, and John means, therefore, that he was unworthy to perform the lowest office for the Messiah. This was remarkable humility. ...read more

  • The Cave Dwellers” By Max Lucado. ...

    Contributed on Dec 4, 2012
     | 6,379 views

    “The Cave Dwellers” by Max Lucado. “Long ago, or maybe not so long ago, there was a tribe of people in a dark, cold cave. The cave dwellers would huddle together and cry against the chill. Loud and long they wailed. It was all they did. It was all they knew to do. The sounds in the cave were ...read more

  • The Wonderful Twists And Turns

    Contributed on Nov 12, 2012
    based on 2 ratings
     | 2,188 views

    THE WONDERFUL TWISTS AND TURNS Condolezza Rice said, "Life is full of surprises. Being open to unexpected turns in the road is an important part of success. If you try to plan every step, you may miss those wonderful twists and turns. Just find your ...read more