James Merritt is a highly respected American pastor, evangelist, author, and Christian leader widely recognized for his passionate preaching, biblical teaching, and dedication to global evangelism. As the founding pastor of Cross Pointe Church in Georgia, Merritt has influenced countless believers through his ministry, conferences, and writings. He is also known for his leadership within the Southern Baptist Convention, serving as its president from 2000 to 2002, further solidifying his role as a key figure in contemporary evangelical Christianity.
Merritt’s ministry is characterized by his commitment to Scripture, practical teaching, and engaging communication style. He is passionate about equipping believers to grow spiritually, live faithfully, and impact their communities and the world for Christ.
Quick Facts about James Merritt
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Merritt |
| Date of Birth | December 22, 1952 |
| Age (2025) | 73 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Pastor, Evangelist, Author, Speaker |
| Church/Ministry | Cross Pointe Church, Georgia |
| Spouse | Married (Name not publicly disclosed) |
| Children | Not publicly disclosed |
| Known For | Preaching, global evangelism, leadership in the Southern Baptist Convention |
Early Life and Background
James Merritt was born on December 22, 1952, in Atlanta, Georgia. Raised in a Christian home, he embraced faith at an early age and felt called to ministry during his teenage years. Merritt’s early spiritual development was nurtured by church involvement, youth ministry, and mentorship from experienced pastors.
He has often shared that the influence of his parents and spiritual mentors instilled in him a love for Scripture and a passion for sharing the gospel. These early formative experiences paved the way for a lifetime of pastoral leadership and global ministry.
Education
Merritt pursued formal education to equip himself for ministry. He graduated from Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, and later earned a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His education provided a strong foundation in biblical studies, theology, and pastoral leadership, enabling him to lead churches effectively and teach Scripture with authority and clarity.
Career and Ministry
Pastoral Leadership at Cross Pointe Church
James Merritt is the founding pastor of Cross Pointe Church in Georgia, where he has served for several decades. Under his leadership, the church has grown significantly in size, influence, and spiritual depth. Merritt’s preaching style is clear, compelling, and practical, enabling congregants to apply biblical principles to everyday life.
He emphasizes discipleship, evangelism, and spiritual growth, inspiring believers to live faithfully and impact their communities. Merritt’s pastoral approach balances biblical rigor with pastoral care, creating a ministry culture rooted in love, truth, and service.
Global Evangelism and Conferences
Merritt’s influence extends beyond his local church. He is a prominent evangelist, speaking at conferences, crusades, and leadership events worldwide. Through televised sermons, online broadcasts, and live events, he reaches audiences across the globe.
He is particularly recognized for his work in evangelistic crusades, leadership seminars, and youth outreach programs. These initiatives have inspired thousands of believers to commit their lives to Christ and grow in their faith.
Leadership in the Southern Baptist Convention
James Merritt served as the President of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) from 2000 to 2002. In this role, he provided leadership to one of the largest evangelical denominations in the United States, advocating for biblical faithfulness, church planting, and global missions. His tenure in the SBC further amplified his influence within the wider evangelical community.
Author and Speaker
In addition to his pastoral and evangelistic work, Merritt is a respected author. His books focus on spiritual growth, Christian living, and practical guidance for believers. His publications are widely used in Bible studies, church programs, and individual discipleship.
Merritt is also a sought-after speaker at conferences and retreats, where he combines humor, personal experience, and biblical truth to deliver engaging and transformative messages.
Family and Personal Life
James Merritt is married and has two children. While he maintains a level of privacy regarding his family, he frequently emphasizes the importance of marriage, parenting, and family in Christian life. Merritt models integrity, humility, and faithfulness in both personal and professional spheres, setting an example for church leaders and congregants alike.
Books and Publications
Some of James Merritt’s notable books include:
- “From This Day Forward: Making Your Marriage the Best It Can Be” – a practical guide to building strong marriages rooted in Christ.
- “Building Your Faith” – a book focused on strengthening spiritual maturity and personal relationship with God.
- “Living the Word” – practical insights on applying Scripture to everyday life.
His writings are celebrated for clarity, practicality, and encouragement, providing believers with tools to deepen their faith and live biblically grounded lives.
Net Worth
As of 2025, James Merritt’s estimated net worth is between $1 million and $3 million. His income derives from pastoral leadership, speaking engagements, books, and ministry initiatives. Despite his financial stability, Merritt remains focused on ministry impact, evangelism, and discipleship rather than personal wealth accumulation.
Achievements and Influence
James Merritt’s ministry and leadership accomplishments include:
- Founding and leading Cross Pointe Church, a thriving ministry with significant local and global impact
- Serving as President of the Southern Baptist Convention, guiding one of America’s largest evangelical denominations
- Speaking at global conferences, crusades, and leadership events, inspiring thousands
- Authoring influential books on Christian living, marriage, and discipleship
- Leading initiatives in evangelism, church growth, and youth outreach
His work has left a lasting impact on the evangelical church, shaping leaders, equipping believers, and advancing the gospel worldwide.
FAQs
In this section, I will provide you with some FAQs and answers about James Merritt. Keep on reading, friend!
1. Who is James Merritt?
James Merritt is an American pastor, evangelist, author, and former President of the Southern Baptist Convention, known for his preaching and global ministry.
2. How old is James Merritt?
He is 73 years old in 2025.
3. Is James Merritt married?
Yes, he is married and has two children.
4. What is James Merritt known for?
He is known for founding Cross Pointe Church, global evangelism, leadership in the Southern Baptist Convention, and Christian authorship.
5. What is James Merritt’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is between $1 million and $3 million as of 2025.
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