Since an early age, Bishop J. Tim Merritt felt a strong desire to learn more about God. During his teenage years, amidst rebellion, Tim would not have been considered a Christian or a preacher. However, God guided him, leading him from singing in bars and clubs throughout Louisiana in the late 70s to working as a policeman in the 80s and early 90s. After years of seeking meaning and satisfaction in life, Bishop and wife (Sissy) started attending an Apostolic church and discovered the true essence of life. On April 16, 1989, Tim repented of his sins, was baptized in Jesus’ name, and received the wonderful gift of the Holy Ghost. Since then, God has worked remarkably in Tim’s life, delivering him from addiction and setting his life on the right path.

After Tim’s conversion, he was asked to assist his pastor, the late Rev. GaylnM. Allen. Following three years in this position, Tim and Sissy were led to New Beginnings of Tupelo, Mississippi, where they worked as field representatives for two years, placing children from Tupelo Children’s Mansion with Pentecostal families. Tim then spent the next eight years evangelizing across the United States and Canada, witnessing thousands of people receiving the Holy Ghost.

In November 2003, God led Tim to a new area of ministerial leadership, calling him to Pineville, Louisiana, where he serves as the Leader and Bishop of Truthway Church. Under the pastoral care of Bishop Merritt, the church has grown from 17 people with half a million dollars of debt to a thriving Apostolic congregation. Today, Truthway Church, Inc. has four campuses spread over four different parishes in Louisiana (Avoyelles, Grant, LaSalle, and Rapides).

Our Bishop has achieved a Graduate Ministry Certificate from the Apostolic School of Theology, an MA in Christian Leadership from Hope International University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Evangel University. Dr. Merritt is an adjunct professor and serves as the Academic Assembly Chair for Wilson University. He is the Director of the Center for Apostolic Pentecostal Studies (CAPS) and the author of the book “Redemptive Lift: The Road to Complete Human Wholeness.”