Derek Carlsen is a native Zimbabwean and was a resident in that country until he was called to be the pastor of the Church of Christian Liberty from April 2003 to September 2005. Following this, he became founding pastor of Covenant Reformed Church of Elk Grove in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Derek received his theological training through George Whitefield College, Cape Town, South Africa (L.Th. 1992) and Whitefield Theological Seminary, Lakeland, Florida, USA (M.Miss. 1999 and D.Miss. 2001). Derek has served as a pastor in Zimbabwe for 10 years and was also involved in pioneering a Christian school in that country together with his wife Elise. He also started Reason of Hope Ministries, a mission based in Zimbabwe that has its focus upon printing and distributing Christian literature in southern Africa. Derek is the author of three commentaries: Faith and Courage: A Commentary on Acts; That You May Believe: A Commentary on John's Gospel; and soon to be released, Grace and Law: A Commentary on Galatians. Derek and Elise have been blessed with three children.