Rev. Dr. Derrick McQueen earned his Ph. D. in Homiletics and New Testament at Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York. He entered the Ph. D. program after completing his M. Div. with a focus on Theology and the Arts, also at Union. He earned his B.A. in Theatre Arts at Drew University in 1987. Derrick’s interests include: practical theology; integrating current academic theologies and Empire critical biblical studies into congregational and community life, classical dramatic structures and their influence on Christianity, early Christian community models of social justice and their modern applications on issues such as poverty, sexuality, race and gender. He has taught New Testament at Fordham University, Worship and Preaching Courses at Lancaster Theological Seminary, as well as Preaching and Worship and a Homiletics course "Preaching with a Biblical Character" at Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York.  Rev. McQueen is currently editing his dissertation  for publication, "Preaching and Teaching the Word to Reclaim Christian Identity: LGBT African Americans Who Are Black Church."

Within the Presbyterian denomination he worked on the successful campaign for LGBTQ inclusion in church life while serving on the boards of Presbyterian Welcome (now Parity) and That All May Freely Serve.  He has served as the Moderator of the Presbytery of New York City, Chair of General Cabinet, and Moderator of the Committee on Ministry.  He is currently serving on the Presbyterian Intercultural Network for the PCUSA.

Rev. McQueen is the Associate Director  for the Center on African American Research, Sexual Politics and Social Justice (CARSS) at Columbia University.  Derrick has worked as a community activist, social worker and has served as an Arts and Culture Poverty Scholar with the Poverty Initiative/Kairos at Union.

A sought after preacher, he has delivered sermons in the pulpits of Harlem Churches of St. James Presbyterian Church, The Abyssinian Baptist Church, Rutgers Presbyterian Church, the new worshiping community of Neighborhood Esperanza of Jan Hus Presbyterian Church (now The Avenue Church), Metro Baptist Church. He has also preached for the Metropolitan Association of United Church of Christ for their Martin Luther King Day commemoration, at the Briarcliff Congregational Church, Metro Baptist Church in NYC, the WeWo Service at Marble Collegiate Church, the Fourth Unitarian Universalist Society, as well as the historic Macedonia Baptist Church in Cape May, New Jersey.   His homilies have been featured at "Morning Light", the meditative service at The Riverside Church. He continues to be welcomed by many denominations and congregations. 


Derrick also tours a one-man show entitled, "Paul Robeson: Through His Words and Music" for the East Lynne Theater Company of Cape May.  Written by the company's Artistic Director, Gayle Stahlhuth, he has performed the play at the New Jersey PAC as well as for benefit in Asheville, NC and places in between.  Having performed the production for over ten years, it has truly settled in his spirit.  And being a tenor, singing the songs of Paul Robeson has stretched his range.  He also brought to life the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for the 50th Anniversary of King's speech in Cape May.

Currently he serves on the boards of Auburn Theological Seminary-as Vice Chair, the LGBT Faith Leaders of African Descent-as Chair, The Center at West Park, and as Chair and founding board member of InterConnected Justice. He has served on the board of More Light Presbyterians, That All May Freely Serve, .  Rev. McQueen also partners with Lab/Shul, an innovative Jewish community that serves, New York City and the world led in part by Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie.  He serves as a Ritual Leader and thought partner.

Rev. Derrick McQueen is an ordained Teaching Elder in the PCUSA and serves as the Pastor of Saint James Presbyterian Church USA in the Village of Harlem, New York City where he  started as interim on October 3, 2015 and named called and installed pastor in October of 2020.

All in all, Derrick is a man with many passions, joys, academic interests, and a love of humankind.