Senior Pastor
Rev. Joseph Yerger
Although a native-born Floridian (a true rarity), Joseph is happy and excited to enjoy the different lifestyle in the Midwest. He is a second-generation, second-career pastor, having previously spent 15 years in retail management before entering ministry. Joseph is a graduate of the University of West Florida with a BSBA in Management, the University of Central Florida with an MBA, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity, and is presently a DMIN Candidate at Ashland Theological Seminary. Prior to…
Ruling Elder and Clerk of Session
Tucker Bacquet
Tucker’s roots at Mansfield 1st run deep. He was baptized here as an infant and raised within this church community. Christ called him to faith when he was eleven years old at a church camp. While his journey has faced its share of challenges, Tucker views those moments as God’s “continual pruning” to produce greater fruit in his life. After some time away, he and his family returned to the congregation five years ago. Every day, Tucker continues to grow…
Ruling Elder
Ben Troyer
Ben serves as one of the Ruling Elders here at Mansfield 1st Presbyterian Church. He has been a member of this church family since 2017. He loves being a part of the life of this church, whether it’s helping with fellowship meals, participating in preschool activities, or being a part of our discipleship groups. Ben was raised in a Christian home, and he appreciates the traditional worship services that we have at Mansfield 1st. Outside of church, Ben enjoys fishing,…
Ruling Elder
Dana Woodring
Dana serves as a Ruling Elder at Mansfield 1st Presbyterian Church. He works alongside our pastor and session in caring for the church’s building and grounds. A faithful member of the congregation for 40 years, he has shared his gifts in many ways over the years, including serving as a deacon and participating in Stephen Ministry. Raised in a family active in Presbyterian churches, Dana continued that tradition after marrying his wife, El, and raising their three daughters. He shares…
Children’s Ministry Director
Jennifer Bacquet
Growing up as a PK (aka pastor’s kid), church service is in Jennifer’s blood. She began teaching kids in her teens and felt the Lord’s call early on in her life to go into the field of education. After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education from Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, New York, Jennifer began working in the public school system as a classroom teacher. She was privileged to work for 10 years with Lexington Local School District and…
Kitchen & Nursery Coordinator
Sonya Francis
Sonya is Mansfield born and bred with roots in Virginia, Massachusetts, Italy, and Scotland. She has been married to her split-apart (some of you may get this movie reference) for 27 years. She worked in the medical field for 12 years until the birth of her first son. At that time, she became a stay-at-home mother and homemaker. (She likes to call herself a “Domestic Engineer”.) Her second son was born five and a half years later to round out…
Music Ministry Director
Bernice Holeman
Office Administrator
Carey Slater
Carey is married to her high school sweetheart! They have three beautiful children: Kylie, Hudson, and Ryder. Carey is an animal lover at heart who can’t resist holding or petting an animal, and she often saves them as well. She has two hairless cats (Sphynx), a standard poodle, and six chickens. Carey and her family recently moved out into the country, and they look forward to working on their gardening skills and raising chickens. They also have a pond where…
Communications Coordinator
Carrie Troyer
Carrie married her husband, Ben, and together they have two sons, Caleb and Henry. Both boys attended preschool here at Mansfield 1st Presbyterian, which is how they first became connected to the church and eventually became members. For the past several years, Carrie has primarily been a stay-at-home mother, a role she deeply values during this season of life. While her children are her priority, she also greatly values the opportunity to serve and work for her church. Before the…