EducationBachelor of Business Administration, University of Georgia
Master of Divinity, Mid-America Theological Seminary, Memphis, TN, and a Doctorate in Biblical Studies

Ministry ExperienceStudent Pastor Intern, Broadway Baptist Church, Memphis, TN
Associate Pastor, Flint River Baptist Church, Huntsville, AL
Student Pastor, Windsor Park Baptist Church , Fort Smith , AK
Student Pastor, Gardendale’s First Baptist Church, Gardendale, AL
Student/Missions Pastor, Northstar Church, Kennesaw, GA

FamilyMarried Jamie in 1975. Three daughters: Haley, Katie, and Emily

Pat Merchant began his ministry in Mobile, Alabama. He attended Mobile College (now known as the University of Mobile). Pat has served at three churches before coming to Flint River in February 2001 – Cypress Shores Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Jackson, Alabama, and First Baptist Church of Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Pat is married to Kim Merchant and they have three daughters and one granddaughter. Pat serves as the Worship Pastor and Business Administrator.

My home is Memphis, Tennessee: home of Elvis, real barbecue, and an excellent zoo. I was raised in a godly home with amazing parents, and trusted Jesus as my Savior in 1967. I married Debbie in 1976 when we both graduated from the University of Memphis (go Tigers!). We have three grown children. Reagan is a pastor, Timmy is a Christian businessman, and Denise is a pastor’s wife. They have blessed us with the three greatest grandchildren in the world! I was a children’s pastor for forty-one years before coming to Flint River. Let me know how I can serve you!

Kim was born in Jacksonville, Florida. She grew up in a military family and spent most of my childhood in Virginia. She graduated with a Diploma in Nursing from Sentara Norfolk General School of Nursing in Norfolk, Virginia. She also has a Bachelors of Science degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. She is married to Jason Barnes and has three beautiful children; Brittney, Kayleigh, and Ethen. She is so excited and blessed to be the Preschool Director at Flint River and looks forward to teaching and sharing the word of God with your children.