The Reverend Dr. Derek Browning became Minister of Morningside Parish Church in 2001.

Dr Browning's first charge was in Fife, where he was ordained to the ministry in Cupar Old and St Michael of Tarvit Parish Church in 1987.

Born in Edinburgh in 1962, Dr Browning was educated at North Berwick High School before going to Corpus Christi College, Oxford in 1980 to read History.  He graduated with an M.A. Honours degree. In 1983, having been accepted as a candidate for the Ministry, he went to St. Mary's College, St. Andrews where he read Divinity and graduated with B.D. Honours.

In 1997 he graduated with the degree of Doctor of Ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary, where his doctorate involved the study of leadership.

He has served in several capacities whilst a member of the Presbytery of St. Andrews - as Moderator, as Convener of the Business Committee and as Convener of the Christian Education Committee. He has been the Convener of the General Assembly's Prayer and Devotion Committee, and was a member of the Assembly’s Panel on Worship for eight years. These appointments reflect his commitment to the development of worship, education and leadership. Dr Browning was the Convener of the Business Committee of the Presbytery of Edinburgh. He has also served as the chairman of the Board of Directors at the Eric Liddell Centre, and has served as a member of the General Assembly’s Stewardship and Finance Committee. He is currently a member of the General Assembly Arrangements Committee.

In recent years he has been a regular contributor to BBC Radio Two and its 'Pause for Thought' programme and has also appeared on national television and radio programmes.