In this episode of Local Theologians, Travis Montgomery is joined by Dean, founding and lead pastor of City Church in Tallahassee, Florida, to discuss the influence of longtime pastor and evangelist Dr. James Merritt. As part of a season focused on Christian character and faithful examples, Dean reflects on a mentoring relationship that began when he was nineteen years old and has continued throughout his ministry. He highlights two qualities that especially define Merritt’s example: a serious commitment to finishing the Christian life well and an extraordinary passion for personal evangelism.

Their conversation explores mentorship, hospitality, preaching, discipleship, spiritual disciplines, marriage, accountability, and the importance of keeping evangelistic zeal at the heart of Christian formation. Dean shares how Merritt’s public ministry has been matched by personal investment in younger leaders and a consistent desire to introduce people to Christ. Travis and Dean also encourage listeners not only to seek mentors but to become mentors themselves, and to pursue a form of discipleship that produces faithful missionaries rather than merely more knowledgeable Christians.

About the Podcast

Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.

Keywords

James Merritt, Christian character, evangelism, mentorship, discipleship, finishing well, pastoral ministry, preaching, spiritual formation, personal evangelism, Christian leadership, accountability, marriage, faithfulness, Luke 10:2, Luke 15, Touching Lives, City Church Tallahassee

Takeaways

• Christian character still matters, especially the lifelong pursuit of finishing well.

• Personal evangelism should remain central to ministry regardless of platform, experience, or theological education.

• Mentorship often begins with simple hospitality, availability, and a willingness to give someone your time.

• Public ministry is strengthened when it is matched by faithful personal relationships and private devotion to Christ.

• Long-term faithfulness requires intentional spiritual disciplines, accountability, and a growing love for Christ.

• Faithfulness in marriage and family life is an essential part of finishing ministry well.

• Christians should not only look for mentors but also intentionally invest in and mentor others.

• Discipleship should deepen biblical knowledge while also increasing zeal to reach people with the gospel.

• Evangelism can take different forms and personalities, but every Christian is called to care about the lost and enter the harvest.

• Growth in preaching, evangelism, discipleship, and character requires both prayer and intentional practice.