James Merritt

American pastor (born 1952)

(Learn how and when to remove this message)

James Merritt, (born December 22, 1952), is a U.S. religious leader and was president of the Southern Baptist Convention from 2000 to 2002.

Southern Baptists
Background Christianity Protestantism Anabaptists General / Strict / Reformed Baptists Conservative resurgence
Beliefs Baptist Faith and Message Believers' Church Biblical inerrancy Autonomy of the local church Priesthood of believers Two ordinances Individual soul liberty Separation of church and state Two offices Nashville Statment
People List of SBC-affiliated people
Related organizations North American Mission Board International Mission Board LifeWay Christian Resources Woman's Missionary Union Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission State conventions Baptist Press Founders Ministries
Seminaries Gateway Midwestern New Orleans Southeastern Southern Southwestern
v t e

Biography

James G. Merritt is the senior pastor of Cross Pointe Church. He was born and raised in Oakwood, Georgia and surrendered his life to Christ as a 9-year-old boy. At age 21, he committed to full-time Christian ministry, and went on to pastor five churches. He has preached around the world to hundreds of thousands of people through television and radio.

As a popular Bible teacher and respected voice of the Christian faith, James has been interviewed by media outlets including 60 Minutes, The New York Times, ABC World News Tonight, Time Magazine, and Hannity and Colmes. Each week, Merritt's messages are broadcast in all 50 states and 122 countries around the world through Touching Lives, a television and media ministry.

Merritt earned his bachelor's degree from Stetson University and his Master of Divinity degree and Doctor of Philosophy degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He has published several books including Friends, Foes and Fools, and How to Be a Winner and Influence Anybody, with Broadman and Holman publishers. His heart for pastors has also resulted in PastorsEdge.com, a ministry resource and PastorsEdge Mentoring Conferences.