James Merritt is the host of Touching Lives and one of the most dynamic, Gospel-centered preachers on air today. Dr. Merritt strives each week to deliver God's truths in a clear and concise manner. His pure passion is to reach lost people all over the world with the life-changing and life-saving Gospel of Jesus Christ.

His formal education includes an undergraduate degree from Stetson University and Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. His pastoral service includes pastoral positions with churches in Kentucky, Mississippi, and Georgia. He regularly preaches outside his home church as he is frequently called to preach, lead pastor training courses, and minister directly to people all over the world.

From 2000 to 2002, Dr. Merritt served as President of the Southern Baptist Convention, which is the world's largest Protestant denomination, and he has appeared on numerous television programs including Hannity and Colmes, Scarborough Country, and 60 Minutes.

Dr. Merritt has been married to his wife Teresa for nearly 40 years and have three sons, a daughter-in-law, and four grandchildren.