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Church has place in helping society, says new baptist pastor
"There is only one answer for sin, and that is Jesus….(When it comes to domestic violence or drug addiction), I'm not a professional counselor….I'm not going to treat their symptoms, I'm going to treat the problem, which is sin." Through a study of the scripture over time, people "will be transformed inwardly. The church has a place in helping society in that way." Born in Lucedale, Miss., he attended George County High School. He received a B.A. degree in religion from William Carry College in Hattiesburg, Miss. and a Masters in theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in North Carolina. He came to Grove Hill after serving as pastor at Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church in Roseboro, N.C. Merck has only been in his new position for about a week. "When I come into a place, the first things I want to do is establish my preaching ministry and my visitation ministry," Merck said. "Those are the two things that are primary to me. "…I'll be in the community a lot….A pastor needs to know his people. Relationships are vital, and communication is very important to get the Lord's work done. he said. "The main priority of the church is to see people saved, see people come into the family of God," the pastor said. "…I like to preach sermons that meet people's needs." Merck said the message of the Bible relates to people. "I like to give the spiritual instruction that is needed to help people live their lives. "…As a Christian church we look for our answers solely in the scripture. That doesn't mean we are divorced from what is going on in the world," but Merck feels teachings of the Bible relate to the present day "in a tremendous way." Grove Hill Baptist Church was founded in 1861 and has a long established congregation. Merck said he preached to over 200 people at his first worship service, and there was approximately 165 people attending Sunday School. "Our goal is to reach as many people as we can," he said. "…We want to be a part of meeting the needs of our community." The church also supports overseas missions. There is a current goal of $6,700 for the Lottie Moon mission. Brother Randy Boone is the church's music and youth minister. "He is doing a fantastic job," the new pastor said. Merck considers the youth and children's ministries as priorities. Merck and his wife Christie have four daughters, Maggie, 11; Caroline, 9, Colleen, 6 and Abigail, 2. The children are all home schooled, he said.
He has little time for hobbies, but he enjoys hunting, fishing and playing golf when time allows.
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