Derek Hale

In the fall of 1996, Derek Hale was about to be married, in his final semester of earning a bachelor’s degree in music education from Wichita State University, and planning to teach in government schools. When he least expected it, an infamous book entered his orbit: Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning by Douglas Wilson. Although that book exploded Pastor Hale's worldview and altered his intended career path, it also led him to far richer educational vistas that continue to bear fruit. Frivolous reading gave way to the Great Books and solid Reformed tomes, passions that continue to this day.

Some of Mr. Hale's earliest childhood memories revolved around Jesus Christ and His church. His parents taught him early on to confess Christ with his mouth and believe in his heart that God raised Jesus from the dead. The church was a place he ran toward in high school, a place he ran from briefly in college, and came to cherish as college graduation approached.

The Lord guided him steadily through the usual progression of youth work, music ministry, serving as an elder, and now the pastorate. Currently, he is the pastor of Trinity Covenant Church (CREC) in Wichita, Kansas. He studied theology at Theophilus Institute in Birmingham, Alabama.

Mr. Hale enjoys reading theological and historical books, particularly those covering the Protestant Reformation, the Scottish Covenanters, the American War Between the States, and World War I. He also enjoys poetry, the works of C. S. Lewis, and the comedic writing of P. G. Wodehouse. He is a fan of the recent PBS Masterpiece remake of James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small and follows the men's pro tennis tour.

Mr. Hale began playing electric guitar and bass in high school and toured briefly as the lead guitarist for CCM artist Rich Mullins in the early 1990s. These days, his musical interests include singing Psalms, great hymns, and listening to classical and jazz music. He also enjoys a fine single malt scotch during cooler Kansas evenings.

Mr. Hale is married to his wife Nicole, who is a pianist and upper school music instructor at Classical School of Wichita. Together, they have seven children.