Hey, I’m Derek Shipley! I’m originally from Knoxville, Tennessee and graduated from the University of Tennessee (Go Vols!). I moved to Southeast Kentucky for a job opportunity, and it turns out, that move changed my life—I ended up settling down here and meeting my amazing wife, Kaylee. I work in the accounting field, and when I’m not working, I love spending time with Kaylee and our sweet dog, Macie.
Kaylee and I started attending Parkway at the end of 2021 and officially made it our church home in March 2022. It didn’t take long for us to get involved—especially with kids’ ministry, which is something close to Kaylee’s heart. I jumped in with her, and now we lead Kids World together on Sundays, during community events, and at KidFest each year in Gatlinburg. It’s been such a joy to serve the kids and watch them grow in their faith.
One of my favorite things I get to do is play the Grinch each year at our Kids’ World Grinchmas fundraiser—it’s become a bit of a tradition! And just for the record, I promise I’m much nicer in real life. One of my favorite Bible verses is Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” That verse has always been a solid reminder to keep my eyes on God and let Him shape who I’m becoming.