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.

 Derek was born in Hopkinsville, KY and later moved to the Tennessee Valley for his middle school and high school years.  Derek gave his life to Christ at 17 years old and surrendered to God’s call to full time ministry one year later.  He earned a business administration degree from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 2004, and recently received a master of divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.  Derek has been leading our student ministry since August of 2002. Derek is happily married to Chrystal and they have two children, a daughter Reaghan and a son Dawson.