A 21st century prophet, Dr. James Merritt pastors Cross Pointe, The Church at Gwinnett Center near Atlanta, Georgia and hosts the television broadcast ministry "Touching Lives." Sharing God's powerful message through a powerful medium, Dr. Merritt's purpose remains to bring lost souls to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.

In June of 2000, Dr. Merritt was elected as President of the Southern Baptist Convention which currently hosts a membership of well over 15.8 million individuals and over 40,000 churches across the United States. Dr. Merritt previously served on numerous committees for the Southern Baptist Convention including Chairman of the Executive Committee and the President of the Southern Baptist Convention's Pastors Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Merritt, his wife Teresa and their three sons: James, Jonathan and Joshua reside in the Metro Atlanta area.