Derek Taylor

Derek Taylor, Ph.D., is the Director of the Center for Pastoral Leadership at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU). He supports pastors through training, coaching, and research while teaching courses such as Leadership Studies Capstone and Foundations for the Practice of Youth Ministry. Holding a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies, Derek focuses on developing adaptive leaders with cultural sensitivity and systemic thinking.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Leadership Studies (University of San Diego, 2022)
  • M.Div. (Nazarene Theological Seminary, 2008)
  • B.A. in Philosophy and Theology (Point Loma Nazarene University, 2004)
• Certifications:
  • Board Certified Coach (2022)
  • International Coaching Federation Associate Certified Coach (ICF ACC, 2022)
  • Cultural Intelligence & Unconscious Bias Trainer (2022)

Research interests include pastoral leadership, organizational change, cultural intelligence, and youth ministry. Derek directs the Ministerial Coaching Initiative, a Lilly Endowment-funded program, and has extensive experience in faith-based nonprofits and coaching networks. His work emphasizes adaptive leadership and systemic thinking in complex environments.

Professional involvement spans roles such as ordained Elder in The Church of the Nazarene, PLNU Board of Trustees member (2011–2014), and Executive Pastor at El Cajon Church of the Nazarene (2008–2016). He also received two Thriving in Ministry grants (2020) to support pastoral development.

Contact Derek at dtaylor1@pointloma.edu or (619) 663-5248.