Derwin L. Gray is the Founding and Lead Pastor of Transformation Church, a multi-ethnic, multi-generational, mission-shaped community that focuses on loving God completely (Upward), ourselves correctly (Inward), and our neighbors compassionately (Outward) in Indian Land, South Carolina, just south of Charlotte, North Carolina. Transformation Church was named the 2nd fastest growing church by percentage and the 14th fastest growing church by number of participants in America in 2010, according to Outreach magazine. Derwin and his wife Vicki have been married for 20 years and have two children, Presley and Jeremiah.
After graduating from Brigham Young University, Derwin played professional football in the NFL for five years with the Indianapolis Colts (1993-1997) and one year with the Carolina Panthers (1998). During that time, he and Vicki began their journey with Christ and experienced God’s faithfulness and direction as He moved their hearts to know Him and make Him known. Click here to read more about how Derwin went from playing football to pastoring a church and who the “naked preacher” is. Derwin went on to graduate magna cum laude from Southern Evangelical Seminary with a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree with a concentration in apologetics. He was and continues to be mentored by renowned theologian and philosopher Dr. Norman Geisler.
In addition to his role at Transformation Church, Pastor Derwin speaks at conferences nationwide through One Heart at a Time Ministries. He is the author of Hero: Unleashing God’s Power in a Man’s Heart, published in 2010, and is recognized by many as the “Evangelism Linebacker.” Derwin also regularly posts strategic thoughts about Gospel-centered living and transformative leadership on his blog, Just Marinating.
