Today we’d like to introduce you to Derrick Snodgrass.
Hi Derrick , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Indianapolis, and at 16 I sensed a clear call from God to preach the gospel. I’ve been preaching ever since; nearly 22 years now. and pastoring for almost 11. Over the years the Lord shaped my heart around prayer, discipleship, and serving people up close, not from a distance.
In June 2022, following the leading of the Holy Spirit, my family and I relocated to Lake Jackson, Texas. I preached a trial sermon at Willow Church, and the congregation voted—94% in agreement—to invite me to serve as senior pastor. Since then, God has blessed our church family. We’ve leaned into unity, the presence of God, and practical ministry in our city, and we’ve seen real impact in the community. My story is simple: say yes to Jesus early, keep saying yes, and trust Him to open the right doors at the right time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No it wasn’t smooth. I was born and raised Pentecostal in a predominantly African American Church. Then I became non-denominational for over 17 years. My style of preaching and doctrine were different than Willow Church, so there was definitely a lot of resistance to change. We began losing members before I preached my first sermon, and people had to find out if they could be apart of the new vision. Willow was a “Southern Baptist” church which is a predominantly white denomination. I was the 6th Pastor to step into this role so this was a lot for the people and community to adjust two. I had opposition in the interview process, and even more once I was hired and started leading. I also had to lead a team of the former administration who was NOT on board with my leadership and the vision of where we were going. Everything eventually came to a head my wife and I were disrespected, lied on, and rumors were spread about us throughout the community. Eventually God fully vindicated us, and when he did our church split. This was terribly sad, but really it was a gift from God. It was like God was pruning us, and refining us, and we were shedding the old wineskin.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I wear a lot of different hats. But I’m a pastor, and I lead people to Christ. I teach biblical principles that help people come out of an old destructive lifestyle and come into spiritual awakening. I’m known to be an exciting and engaging public speaker, I’ve done national television, I’ve authored several books. I’m most proud of my family. My wife and my two precious children are my first ministry. I don’t want to say what sets me apart from others, I think there’s a lot of amazing preachers who are doing amazing things many preach much better than me, I’m just grateful to be used by God.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.willowchurch.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowchurchlj/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willowchurchlj/
