Derek Almarode

Elder Derek Almarode is the lay pastor for Pines Chapel Presbyterian Church and Bethel Presbyterian Church. 

Derek has served the Lord faithfully alongside his wife Cindy and their family of two children, Nathaniel Lane Almarode and Ashlyn Layne Almarode. Nathaniel, awaits his family in heaven, resting in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Ashlyn, is enjoying life as a Hokie at Virginia Tech University and is the apple of her parents eye.

In addition to his service in Christ’s church, Derek has also served his community for over 32 years as a criminal justice professional. Currently, he serves as the Superintendent at Rockbridge Regional Jail. He supervises 45 employees and manages the day-to-day operations of the facility. He also spends a fair amount of time farming with his family on their small beef cattle operation.

Derek is a native son of Augusta County and is also a graduate of Riverheads High School. As a child he and his family attended Pines Chapel. He has enjoyed many accomplishments throughout his life, however if asked, he would tell you that his greatest accomplishment is his personal acceptance of Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He also cherishes his marriage to his wife Cindy and being the proud father of his children.

Derek has completed his Certified Lay Pastor Training (CLP1) with ECO and received his ordination from ECO on January 19, 2025. In addition to his professional duties Derek loves serving others and in the pulpit strives to prepare and deliver a scripturally based message that speaks from the word of God. One of his favorite scriptures is 2 Corinthians 3:17, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Derek describes Pines and Bethel as being filled with the Spirit.