Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott is a progressive Evangelical pastor serving as the Senior Pastor of both Desert Heritage Church (UCC/DOC) in Mesa, Arizona, and Sun Lakes United Church of Christ in Sun Lakes, Arizona. He also serves as the Associate Conference Minister for Authorization, Accountability, and Discernment in the Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ.
Ordained in the United Church of Christ in 2016, Dr. Elliott’s ministry has included local church leadership, chaplaincy in the Air Force and National Guard, and mentoring clergy and Members in Discernment. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary, a Master of Education, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. He also completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education. Dr. Elliott’s preaching and teaching focus on inclusion, justice, and faith in action, often weaving contemporary themes with biblical truth.
He is passionate about worship renewal, faith formation, and intergenerational engagement, and he frequently develops Bible studies and community workshops. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening, cycling, swimming, running, and has completed five sprint triathlons. A veteran with over 20 years of military service, he recently retired from the Air Force Reserve as a chaplain. He has been married nearly two decades and cherishes time with family and friends.