Jack is a graduate of Vanderbilt University, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. Before coming to Church on the Drive, Jack served churches in Kentucky, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Virginia. The last two churches he served were in the university settings of James Madison University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill respectively. He has served in various leadership roles including the National Coordinating Council of CBF and Moderator of CBF Virginia. Jack also served as a content editor for the preaching section in The Christian Library of Worship edited by the late Robert E. Webber.

Nothing gives Jack more joy than helping churches experience spiritual and organizational renewal and raising up the “next generation” of Christian leaders. During his ministry over twenty men and women have gone on to serve in full-time Christian ministry. Jack and his wife, Sandy, lead a Bible study for young adults in their home on Thursday nights.

Jack is married to Sandy Mercer who is an Exceptional Student Education teacher at Lake Silver Elementary School in College Park. Sandy is involved in the church’s prayer, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and children’s ministries. Jack and Sandy’s older daughter, her husband, and two children live in St. Augustine, Florida. Their younger daughter lives and works in New York City.