After growing up in one of the snowiest cities in the US, Derek Sanford seemingly defied all logic by rejecting other offers to relocate to where the sun shines, instead choosing to stay and establish his ministry in Erie, PA. With degrees from Taylor University and TEDS (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School), Derek weathered some worship wars, youth pastoring in the nineties, and a near church split and has remained at the same church, Grace Church, for the past twenty-five years. Grace Church is a multi-site church with a rich history. Derek also founded a nonprofit called ServErie which has now mobilized over 100 churches and organizations in hands-on service in Erie. Derek married his high school sweetheart, Kim, who runs a construction company (she wields the power tools in the family); they have three amazing kids: Caleb, Chase, and Ayden. As a washed-up athlete, Derek still enjoys old-man sports like golf and racquetball.