Merritt proposes big church move

By John Pierce

SNELLVILLE, Ga. —James Merritt, pastor of the 10,000-member First Baptist Church of Snellville, Ga., is planning to start a new congregation in suburban northeast Atlanta on 70 acres of prime real estate that the former Southern Baptist Convention president said is a gift from God.

During a Sunday afternoon gathering Jan. 26 at the Gwinnett Civic Center near the proposed site, Merritt told approximately 4,000 persons of plans to ultimately erect a 6,000-seat sanctuary and a 125-foot steeple that would be visible throughout the bustling suburban area.

He described the Duluth, Ga. site as “one of the greatest locations for a church anywhere in this country,” according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and told listeners that efforts to purchase the property fell through three times. After visiting the site alone and praying, however, Merritt said the owners offered to give the property to the church.

The newspaper reported that the parcel of land had been on the market for $22 million as recently as two years ago.

Merritt encouraged current members to come with him, according to the report, but acknowledged that some will choose to stay in Snellville. The growth of First Baptist Snellville under Merritt’s 17 years of leadership has led to sprawling complex of buildings in what was once a small town but is now a busy Atlanta suburb.

However, Merritt’s focus is elsewhere.

“I know that’s where God wants my ministry,” said Merritt of the new location with abandoned office and warehouse space that would be converted for church use, the Journal-Constitution reported.

Approximately 15 miles separate the two locations with significant variations on travel times depending on routes and traffic volume.

Just how many will join their pastor in this new venture is uncertain. Some members expressed their opinions in an on-line forum regarding the proposed new church.

“What about our wonderful senior adults who are the backbone of this church?” asked a church member of 42 years.

Others expressed concern for the Snellville community and the large facilities that have been built.

Most, however, seemed eager to follow Merritt in his new venture.

“As a long-time member, I selfishly would like for the church to remain in Snellville,” another wrote. “But I can tell you I would drive any distance to be fed the word of God as I have been for the past 16 years.”

The church is scheduled to vote Feb. 9 on accepting the Duluth property and beginning a $15-million fund-raising campaign to convert the existing buildings.

Merritt said he plans to preach at both locations for two years and would support those who desire to stay at the Snellville site. “Ultimately, I will not be there,” he added according to the news report.

First Baptist Church has existed in Snellville since 1882.