Our Staff
About Our Pastor
Dr. Derrick E. Reaves
Senior Pastor
Dr. Reaves has been the Senior Pastor of St. John Baptist Church in Corpus Christi, Texas, since 1998. He tirelessly works to prepare the body of Christ for the work of the Church and believes in calling individuals from spiritual death to everlasting life. He preaches with authority and power from the anointing of the Holy Spirit. His message and delivery exemplify his belief in the Word of God. He has a burden for souls and a desire to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to help build up the Kingdom of God.
Dr. Reaves earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Psychology from Park University in 1989, followed by a Master of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 1993 and a Doctor of Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2008.
He has served as an adjunct professor at Stark College and Seminary (SCS), as well as on the Board of Trustees and as Chair of the Academic Committee. Pastor Reaves has worked with diverse cultures and communities, teaching philosophy courses on contemporary moral issues at Howard Payne University and the University of Maryland Asian Division. Additionally, he has served congregations in Illinois, Texas, New Mexico, and The Republic of South Korea, and retired as a Major from the United States Air Force Reserve Chaplaincy in October 2005.
He has served the community leading the St. John church to serve persons impacted by Hurricane Harvey, and led the church to partner with Child Welfare/Child Protective Services and other local churches to implement the Care Portal Ministry to meet the physical needs of families in crisis. Safely led the church through a deadly COVID-19 global pandemic. Immediately created a Ten-person ministry team to provide worship, Bible Study, and Small Groups via social media platforms so the members could continue to worship. Led St. John to become one of the hub sites for a drive-thru of the 1st and 2nd doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations. The physical and spiritual health and well-being of the church family and the community are his first and foremost concerns.
Served as a Commissioner on various boards and committees, including the Human Relations Commission, Mayor’s Advisory Committee, and Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of the Coastal Bend. Past positions include President of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance and Board Member of the National Council for Community Justice. Also served as Moderator of the Corpus Christi Baptist Association, Board Member of the Corpus Christi Crime Stoppers, and Commissioner to the Ethics Commission of the City Council of Corpus Christi, Texas.
Dr. Reaves was born in Chicago, Illinois, the second of three children. He was ordained to the Gospel Ministry on December 16, 1979, in Chicago, Illinois. He is married to Mrs. Denise Reaves, and they have two adult children, D.J. and Danny.
Our Staff
James Curtis
Custodian
Justen Evans
Minister of Music
Pam Roy
Pastoral Administrative Assistant
Natasha Abdul-Jami
Church Secretary
