Derek Cain

Rev. Derek Cain began serving as our Senior Pastor on July 8th, 2024.

A native of Pulaski County, Kentucky, most recently Derek served as the beloved Pastor of Salem Baptist Church in Logansport, Kentucky, a role he held since 2011. Derek's heart for service extended beyond the pulpit as he worked in child welfare, serving as a Foster Parent Recruiter for Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth (SAFY) Two Rivers Region from 2021 to 2024. His compassionate nature also led him to serve as the Chaplain and Director of Spirituality at Signature HealthCARE in Morgantown, Kentucky, from 2014 to 2020. And long before this he served as the Campus Minister at Berea College's Baptist Campus Ministry (2006-2008).

His educational journey took him from Berea College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education (2005), to the Baptist Seminary of Kentucky in Georgetown, where he obtained a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Pastoral Care and Counseling (2015).

In 2022, Derek’s life took a joyous turn when he adopted his son Michael from foster care. His home is a haven of love and support, welcoming other children who need therapeutic foster care. Derek is an avid reader, a movie and television aficionado, and a foodie who loves discovering new dining spots. You might find him and Michael kayaking down a serene river, hiking a rugged trail, or engaging in a spirited game of Settlers of Catan. Derek also enjoys writing, tinkering with various projects, and traveling to new and exciting places.

Joe Bob Pierce

Joe Bob serves as Administrative Pastor and as a consultant to the pastor/staff regarding the spiritual health and ministries of TBC, serving in this position since July of 2011. He has served in ministry-related positions for several years. He graduated from Christian Theological Seminary with a degree in pastoral counseling, and he maintained a full-time counseling practicing at Third Baptist through Spring of 2024. He plays bluegrass guitar with various groups in the area and also enjoys running and playing tennis.
Dubbed “Minister of Excellence” Joe Bob can be found sharing joy through music and entertaining the congregation with his witty charm.

Lisa Clark

Lisa is the Interim Music Director at Third Baptist Church. She is a Cincinnati native who moved to Owensboro with her husband Neal in 2023. She is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University and has been a music educator since 2017! Lisa also teaches piano and vocal lessons out of her home, and is expecting her first child in September 0f 2024!

Stacey Utley

Stacey came to TBC in 1973 with her family and made her profession of faith in 1976. Having been a member of Third most of her life, her church family has been a constant source of love, support, friendship, and fellowship. She’s happy to continue in that tradition, as well as helping the church maintain its tradition of excellent music. Making music with her mother at the organ is especially meaningful. When not at church, she’s either at her job with the Glenmary Sisters, or at home caring for the many older dogs who are part of her passion, "Spirit’s Homestretch", a sanctuary for senior dogs who need a place to live out their final years.

Libby Kassinger

Libby is the Ministry Secretary at TBC. She is here to help with the day-to-day operations of the church and she can help find answers to your needs. She is also a Notary Public, and is available for church members. She started in September 2022 and is so happy to be here! Libby is a member of Settle Memorial UMC. She and her husband, Jake, are both from Owensboro and they met at Daviess County High School.



Ben Mercer

Ben first came to Third Baptist Church in diapers. His grandmother Abbie always made sure if the door were open, he was there. Her mother, Dorothy, also attended Third. Ben was baptized at Third on Easter Sunday 1980. And married (Carla) in the sanctuary in March 2007. "It has been a true blessing to 'return home' and serve as Financial Secretary starting in July 2023. The transformation of Third from when I was a child to now is amazing, and something I wanted to be a part of." The bulk of Ben's duties are payroll, payroll taxes, accounts payable, and records retention. He also assist the church committees with financial reports, personnel files, and Joe Bob’s favorite “other duties as assigned.” 

Rozelyn Hernandez

Rozelyn was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas but has called Kentucky home for the past fifteen years. She has been attending Third Baptist Church for nine years. In addition to being the custodian at TBC, she is also a small business owner, a freelance translator, and a mother to four beautiful children.