Staff

The Reverend Dr. Eleazar Merriweather is a native of Demopolis, Alabama, and a graduate of John Essex High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Tuskegee University (1981), a Master of Arts in New Testament Studies and Expository Preaching from Johnson Bible College in Knoxville, Tennessee (1997), and the Doctor of Divinity degree from Livingstone College (2011).

Throughout his ministry, Dr. Merriweather has distinguished himself as a faithful servant, visionary leader, and dedicated administrator within The A.M.E. Zion Church. His extensive leadership experience includes serving as Administrative Assistant to Presiding Bishops, Dean of the Rochester-Brown School of Ministry for the Malawi and Mozambique Conferences, Chairperson of the Mid-West Episcopal District Leadership Institute, Conference Secretary of the Michigan Annual Conference for eighteen years, Chair of Conference Studies for seven years, and Chair of the Mid-West Budget Committee for nine years.

Dr. Merriweather's pastoral ministry spans more than three decades of faithful service. He served as Pastor of Lomax Temple A.M.E. Zion Church in Knoxville, Tennessee (1990–2000), where he provided visionary leadership in the construction of a new church facility. He subsequently served St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan (2000–2009), followed by St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church in Detroit, Michigan (2009–2021). In November 2024, he was appointed Pastor of Sills Creek A.M.E. Zion Church in Mooresville, North Carolina. Under his leadership, each congregation has experienced significant seasons of spiritual renewal, congregational growth, and ministry development, reflecting his unwavering commitment to Christ-centered, Spirit-led ministry.

In addition to his pastoral assignments, Dr. Merriweather served ten years as a Presiding Elder. He first led the Western Michigan District (2008–2009) and later served the Trinidad District of the Trinidad and Tobago Conference (2012–2021), where he provided strategic leadership, strengthened local churches, and fostered clergy development.

Before entering full-time pastoral ministry, Dr. Merriweather enjoyed a distinguished twenty-year career with Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, Inc., in Oak Ridge, Tennessee (1981–2001). During his tenure, he held numerous technical and management positions, including Systems Manager for the Emergency Power System, Site Energy Conservation Manager, Acting Division Training Manager, Group Leader, and Field Maintenance Engineer.

On July 31, 2021, Dr. Merriweather was elected a General Officer of The A.M.E. Zion Church and currently serves as Executive Director of the Department of Church Growth and Development. In this capacity, he has provided visionary leadership in equipping congregations for effective ministry in the twenty-first century. Among his accomplishments are the development of comprehensive curricula in Evangelism Training, Small Group Discipleship (the Class Meeting System), Church Revitalization, and Church and Community Development. He is also the author of the denomination's Church Planting Guide and successfully secured MissionInsite, a geographic information system (GIS) platform that equips A.M.E. Zion congregations with community demographic and ministry planning data to strengthen outreach and mission effectiveness.

Dr. Merriweather is married to the former Reverend Wanda Waiters Merriweather. Together they are the proud parents of two daughters, Laquitta and Alesia, and the grateful grandparents of three beloved grandchildren.