Dr. Merritt's Bio

 
Dr. James Merritt

Dr. James Merritt is the host of Touching Lives international broadcast ministries. He is also the founder and Senior Pastor of Cross Pointe Church in Duluth, Georgia. His greatest passion, and the call of his heart, is leading men, women, boys and girls around the world to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Saved at the age of nine and accepting God’s call to preach at twenty-one, Dr. Merritt earned an undergraduate degree from Stetson University and his Master of Divinity and Doctorate of Philosophy degrees from Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.

He has pastored churches in Kentucky, Mississippi and Georgia and is also a popular speaker and the author of several books. 

From 2000-2002, Dr. Merritt served as President of the Southern Baptist Convention, the world’s largest Protestant denomination, as well as serving in other key denominational positions. 

He has also been featured on numerous television programs including Hannity and Colmes, Scarborough Country and 60 Minutes. 

He and his wife, Teresa, have been married for over 32 years and have three sons – James Jr., Jonathan, and Joshua, one daughter-in-love, Natalie, and one spoiled grandson, Harper. 

Best known for his uncompromising commitment to preaching the word of God, and a preaching style characterized by a clear, concise explanation of scripture with a down-to-earth delivery, Dr. Merritt is one of the most recognized and popular preachers/teachers of the 21st century.