Senior Pastor at Laguna Presbyterian since 1972, Jerry received his B.A. from Westmont College, followed by a B.D. at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Jerry was ordained by the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1963. He went on to obtain a Th.M. from Princeton Theological Seminary, followed by a Ph.D. from Claremont Graduate School. He also received a Doctorate of Ministry from the School of Theology Claremont. Prior to his service at LPC, Dr. Tankersley served as Assistant Pastor at the Wilshire Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles and as Associate Pastor at La Canada Presbyterian Church in La Canada.

Jerry and his wife, Kay, are enjoying their role as grandparents to Quinn and Luke Tankersley, born to Rachel and Jeff, their son.