Ordained at the age of eighteen, The Reverend Dr. Jim Merritt has been in Christian ministry for 30 years. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from Stetson University. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Episcopal Divinity School (EDS) and was awarded the Alison B. Cheek Prize in Feminist Liberation Theology in 2008. He received his Doctor of Ministry degree from EDS and was the recipient of the J. Normal Hall Prize for Peace and Justice Work in 2011. He is a nationally known civil rights activist currently serving as Marriage Equality Director for Metropolitan Community Church’s Global Justice Institute and Public Policy Team. Dr. Merritt is a frequent guest speaker/preacher for churches, civic organizations, weddings and other events around the world. 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. Dr. Merritt was elected Senior Pastor of Trinity MCC on April 11, 2010. He was Man of the Year for Gainesville's 2012 Pride Celebration.

 Dr. Merritt resides in Gainesville with his partner of more than 18 years, Albert Knight Leach.

This is an ex-offico board position

Active Deacons are Barbara Grimes, Tim Hill, Albert Leach and Marge Syth.