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 Liaison for Metropolitan Community Church’s Global Justice Institute and Public Policy Team. Dr. 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. Dr. Merritt was elected Senior Pastor of Trinity MCC on April 11, 2010.

Active Deacons are John Andrade, Terry Anthoney, Tim Hill, Albert Leach, Linda Powell.