Rev. Dr. Derrick R. Anderson

A native of Wilmington, North Carolina and the youngest of three children born to Bishop & Mrs. Herman, L. Anderson, Sr. and the grandson of Bishop & Mrs. Felix S. Anderson, Sr. Dr. Anderson has been a pastor for over 40 years. His pastorates include the following A.M.E. Zion Churches: Bethel (Matthews, NC); Sandy Ridge (Landis, NC); East Stonewall (Charlotte, NC); St. Paul (Detroit, MI), Grace (Charlotte, NC) and he is currently the Pastor of Soldiers Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Salisbury, NC.

When Dr. Anderson accepted his calling into the preaching ministry, he was a Branch Manager and Assistant Vice-President at Louisville Home Federal Savings & Loan Association (Louisville, KY). He left this job, and moved his family to Salisbury, NC to attend Hood Theological Seminary. He served as the Youth Minister at Soldiers Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church prior to receiving his first appointment as a Pastor.

Dr. Anderson has been committed to serving the whole person both within and outside the walls of the church building by putting emphasis on disciple making and outreach. He has expanded ministries within the church and community; and has led congregations in major building and renovation projects.

Dr. Anderson has served as a board member of the following organizations: the Jeffersontown Chamber of Commerce (Louisville, KY); the Uptown Homeless Shelter (Charlotte, NC); and, the Mecklenburg County Human Services Council (Charlotte, NC). He was a co-founder and officer of the following: the Ministry of Recovery, a Faith-based Relapse Prevention Program (Charlotte, NC), and the 10th Precinct Clergy & Religious Leaders Association (Detroit, MI).

Dr. Anderson graduated from Salisbury High School (1969), and has earned the following degrees: Bachelor of Arts from Hampton University (1973), Master of Science in Community Development from University of Louisville (1975), Master of Divinity from Hood Theological Seminary (1983), and Doctor of Ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary (1995). He is married to the Reverend Margaret Roberson Anderson, the International President of the Ministers’ Spouses and Widows(ers) Fellowship. They have four adult children, Michael, Rashana (Darrish) Barnette, Benjamin, and Adria, and four grandchildren (Arianna, Elijah, Alexandra, and Ezra).