Ordained at the age of eighteen, The Reverend Jim Merritt has been in Christian ministry for 29 years.  He received his Bachelor of Music degree from Stetson University, and his Master of Divinity degree from Episcopal Divinity School and is currently a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry degree at Episcopal Divinity School.  Rev. Merritt was awarded the Alison B. Cheek Prize in Feminist Liberation Theology in 2008.  He is a nationally known civil rights activist currently serving as Marriage Equality Coordinator for Metropolitan Community Church’s Global Justice Team and as Marriage Equality and Adoptions Coordinator for the church’s Public Policy team.  Rev. Merritt is a frequent guest speaker/preacher for churches, civic organizations and events around the country.  He previously served Metropolitan Community Churches in Sarasota, Florida, Orlando, Florida, Boston, Massachusetts and Jacksonville, Florida.  He is an avid reader and writer and enjoys vegetarian cooking. Rev. Merritt was elected Senior Pastor of Trinity MCC on April 11, 2010.