Joseph Yerger

Senior Pastor

Joseph is a native-born Floridian (a true rarity), but he is happy and excited to enjoy the different life in the Mid-West. He is also a second-generation, second-career pastor, following in the footsteps of his father in parish ministry; he left a 15 year career in retail management to enter ministry. He is a graduate of the University of West Florida with a BSBA in Management, the University of Central Florida with an MBA, and from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity. Prior to coming to Mansfield 1 st , he served as the Senior Chaplain at a State-run Prison in Florida.

At home, he is responsible to his cat, Kilo, a “Hemingway” or “poly-dactyl” (which simply means that he has way too many toes). He is an avid reader; reading across most genres from Science Fiction, to Biographies, and of course to Theology. Hobby-wise, Joseph enjoys wood-burning and painting with acrylics. Wandering in the outdoors, he enjoys "getting lost" and finding his way home and also really enjoys river kayaking.

What do you like best about your ministry at church?

I really enjoy being able to join people and share in their lives, discipling and being discipled, as we live, work, and worship our Holy and Sovereign Lord. Together we can then grow in faith, love, understanding and unity as members of the Body of Christ.

What's your favorite food?

Lasagna hands down: both normal “meat-a-tarian”, as well as vegetable-based. All five food groups can be found in this balanced and yummy meal (but not in the veggie lasagna): Fruit-Tomato, Vegetables-Onions, Meat/Protein-Sausage and/or Ground Beef, Grain-Pasta, Dairy-Cheese.

What's something people don't know about you?

That while I really like my vegetables, but am not a fan of fruit: ordinarily excepting apples and grapes.

Other than Jesus, who has had the greatest impact on your life?

Johannes Gutenberg, the man who invented the "moveable-type" printing press; reading has helped to expand my horizons with knowledge and information, introduced me to many different worlds and cultures (both real and imagined), and enabled the easy sharing and reading of the Bible with me (and everyone else) across the globe over the past few centuries.

What's your favorite season?

Summer time: it provides the most pleasant opportunities to be out and about in God's Great Creation.

I'm quite excited for how temperate Ohio's weather is supposed to be; rarely too hot (unlike Florida) and rarely too cold (unlike Minnesota where I live for 7 years as a youth).