Pastor Mackenzie Jager
Mackenzie Jager is a storyteller at heart, and she loves bringing the Bible to life through conversations, Bible studies, sermons, and more. After completing her Master of Divinity at Western Theological Seminary in 2021, Mackenzie worked as the Director of Ministry at a church in Illinois. She’s also worked with youth groups and college ministries in Michigan, Maryland, and even England!
Now, she’s thrilled to be back home in West Michigan serving as the pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Muskegon.
Mackenzie hopes to create church spaces where everyone belongs and where everyone can develop a curious faith that lasts a lifetime.
If you can’t find her in her church office, check the beach or the bookstore. Mackenzie also loves to travel, write, bake, and spend time with her friends and family.
Joan Bengston, Office Manager
Joan Bengston has been with FPC since 1997. She has a variety of responsibilities affiliated with the members of the congregation including church records, publications, annual reports, volunteers, as well as the day-to-day operation of the church office.
Shelly Nelson, Financial Secretary
Shelly started with First Presbyterian Church in 2024. She oversees our daily financial operations including accounts payable/receivable, financial reports and assists with the church operating budget. She has many years of experience in church finances.
Shelly was born and raised in Muskegon. She is married to Cliff. They have four adult children and two grandchildren. They are very involved in Cub Scouts and love kayaking, camping and bicycling with their Boston Terrier, Minnie.
Shelly is very excited to join the staff of First Presbyterian Church.
Melody Pollard, Combo Director and Worship Music Leader
Melody is the Combo Director and Worship Music Leader at FBC as of November, 2022.
She directs a variety of instruments and singers of all ages, backgrounds, styles and cultures to create an atmosphere of authenticity, joy and receptiveness to God’s voice. She also accompanies the singing with piano, keys, organ and folk harp.
Melody began playing piano and singing in churches at age four. She lived in Mexico and Spain as a child and teen with parents serving as missionaries. She received a diploma in piano performance from Moody Bible Institute and BA in Music Theory from Northeastern Il.Univ. in Chicago.
She studied voice with Tenor Carlos Seise and Metropolitan Opera singer Gwenneth
Bean and sang with the GR Symphony Chorus for 2 years. She served on the board of the GR Musicians Union to represent professional vocalists in Western Mi.
She traveled with 70 teens on Mission trips throughout WA, Canada, FL., GA, for 15 years. She directs choirs, combos and performs professionally in Western MI as a soloist and
collaboratively with praise/gospel/jazz/pop/fusion groups. She currently teaches 45 students piano, voice, songwriting, and theory at Music Everyday in Spring Lake and serves on the board of Praise By the Pier.
