Rev. Dr. Derrick McQueen is a scholar, pastor, community leader, and artist dedicated to the intersections of faith, justice, and the arts. He earned a B.A. in Theater Arts from Drew University, an M.Div. in Theology and the Arts, and a Ph.D. in Homiletics and New Testament from Union Theological Seminary.
Derrick serves as the pastor of the historic St. James Presbyterian Church in Harlem. His call to St. James made history, as he became the first African American LGBTQIA+ pastor ordained into called ministry and the first Interim Pastor to transition into a called and installed role under a then-recent PC(USA) constitutional change.
He has held key leadership roles within the Presbytery of New York City, including Moderator and Chair of the Commission on Ministry. In these roles, he developed a reputation for guiding the organization through times of major transition, assisting congregations in leadership development, mission discernment, and liturgical training.
In academia, Derrick is the Associate Director and Visiting Professor of Community Partnerships at Columbia University’s Center on African American Religion and Sexual Politics (CARSS). He has been with the project since its inception, shaping conversations around sexuality and faith in historic Black churches. His research and advocacy advance the long-term movement for LGBTQIA+ inclusion within Black faith communities.
Beyond the church and academy, Derrick has worked as a community activist, social worker, and organizational consultant. He is the Board Chair of Auburn Theological Seminary, helping redefine its mission under new leadership. Recently, he launched D-Petros Oikos, a consultancy dedicated to coaching, teaching, and facilitating transitions for organizations, congregations, and individuals.
His academic and artistic interests span practical theology, biblical studies, and the dramatic arts. He explores the impact of classical dramatic structures on Christianity, early Christian models of social justice, and their modern applications in addressing poverty, sexuality, race, and gender. A spiritual multimedia artist, Derrick serves as a ritual partner and multifaith leader and tours a solo production on the life of Paul Robeson with the East Lynne Theater Company. As a professor, he teaches Preaching, Worship Arts, and New Testament.