Bishop Derrick W. Hutchins Sr., one of the most respected and influential leaders of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), passed away on December 5, 2022, at the age of 65. His death was confirmed by Bishop J. Drew Sheard and the General Board of the Eastern Florida Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the COGIC in a Facebook post. The cause of death was reported to be pneumonia and a massive heart attack.
A Life of Service and Ministry
Bishop Hutchins was the founder and pastor of Victorious Believers Ministries in Columbia, South Carolina. He began preaching at the age of 14 and traveled extensively, preaching and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. He served in various leadership roles within the COGIC, including over two decades of youth ministry, director of operations and convention affairs in the South Carolina Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, and chief of staff in the International Department of Evangelism.
Bishop Hutchins was also the former pastor of New Life COGIC in Pine Hills, Florida, near Orlando. He had a lasting impact on those he touched in the ministry, especially his fellow bishops and pastors. Bishop Brandon B. Porter, an elected official in the COGIC for 20 years, described Hutchins as one of the “greatest men of God I’ve ever known”. He wrote on his Facebook page:
My brother, this departure of yours left a hole in my heart. I have had your back for years and you have had mine. Now, I promise to guard your legacy the rest of my life. … He loved the Church of God in Christ. When you really love someone, you don’t just say it.
When you have an opportunity, you move mountains to show it. Rest in peace my awesome friend and brother.
A Legacy of Inspiration and Justice
Bishop Hutchins was not only a preacher and a leader, but also a visionary and an advocate for justice. He often invoked the phrase, “injustice anywhere threatens justice everywhere”, reflecting his passion for social change and equality. He also often said, “true fulfillment comes through true involvement”, encouraging his followers to be active and engaged in their communities and their faith.
Bishop Hutchins inspired many people with his powerful and eloquent preaching and teaching. Alex Danvers, who wrote a tribute to Hutchins on fox9obituaries.com, said:
In the few years that I had the good fortune to know him, he had such a profound and enduring impression on my life that it will never be erased. Bishop never stopped referring to me as his brother in the covenant. What a fantastic individual he turned out to be. A mighty man of God, a visionary and a leader who also happens to be one of the best preachers and instructors I have ever listened to.
Bishop Hutchins inspired me to perform deeds that were honorable. Every time I got the chance to read for him, he would tell me, ‘Read up on the Word, not like you were reading.’ We give thanks to God for providing the chance for us to participate in such a wonderful ministry.
Bishop Hutchins is survived by two children, daughter Jordan Elyse and son Derrick III. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and countless believers who were touched by his life and ministry.
