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Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
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Dr. James Merritt, Senior Pastor
Dr. James Merritt is the Senior Pastor of Cross Pointe Church, a bestselling author, and the host of Touching Lives, a television and radio ministry that broadcasts weekly to all 50 states and 122 countries worldwide.
Born in Oakwood, Georgia, Dr. Merritt earned his Bachelor's degree from Stetson University and both his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Dr. Merritt served as President of the Southern Baptist Convention from 2000 to 2002, leading the nation's largest Protestant denomination. He has been featured on 60 Minutes, ABC World News Tonight, the New York Times, and Time Magazine.
A prolific author, his published works include Friends, Foes and Fools and How to Be a Winner and Influence Anybody. He also founded PastorsEdge.com, a mentoring resource for pastors across the country.
Dr. Merritt has been married to his wife Teresa for over 40 years, a testament to faith, love, and commitment. Together they have three sons and four grandchildren.
James & Teresa, early years
James & Teresa, still going strong
Legacy Ministries brings AI-powered pastoral wisdom to churches worldwide. Ask Doc lets you explore decades of Dr. Merritt's sermon teachings through natural conversation. Every answer is grounded in his actual sermons and Scripture, with source citations so you can go deeper into the original messages.
A living record of Dr. Merritt's life, ministry, and legacy: the first of many profiles preserved inside Legacy.
Answers are generated using AI and grounded in Dr. Merritt's recorded sermons. Always refer to Scripture and pastoral counsel for important decisions of faith.
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