Ministry Team

Meet our pastors and lay leaders.

At Merritt’s Chapel, we believe that ministry is a shared calling, carried out by dedicated individuals who serve with heart and humility. From our pastor to our volunteers, each person plays a meaningful role in creating a welcoming space where people can grow, connect, and experience the love of Christ.

Dr. Benji Kelley

Interim Pastor, Merritt’s Chapel

Pastor Benji Kelley has been serving as the interim pastor for Merritt’s Chapel church since November 2024. He is from Sumter, South Carolina and graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1994 with an Associates Degree in Religion and a Bachelors in Science and Interdisciplinary Studies. He then studied at Duke University’s Divinity School where he received two Masters Degrees in Divinity and The Theology and Practice of Christian Preaching. The Kelley family then traveled to Kentucky where Pastor Benji received his Doctoral Degree in Christian Leadership and Preaching from the prestigious Beeson Pastor Program at Asbury Theological Seminary. Upon graduation, Pastor Benji returned to North Carolina and started NewHope Church in Durham, NC in 2002!

Pastor Benji has authored two books, Preaching to Connect Truth to Life. (Copyright 2012) and Wrecked and Redeemed – A Story of How God Unleashes His Church! (Copyright 2018)

Pastor Benji lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina with his wife, Jess, and together they have ten amazing children! Together, they enjoy serving in ministry, spending time with their children, long walks, sunset views, motorcycle rides on the Harley, and anytime they can get away to the lake or the beach!

Pastor Benji’s sermons can be experienced at www.benjikelley.com.

Contact Pastor by emailing pastor@merrittschapel.org

Read a word of welcome from Pastor Benji…

Meet Our Ministry Team

  • Teaching Pastor

    David Yarborough

  • Lay Leader

    Cindy D.

  • Music Leader

    Stephen F.

Administrative Council Chair – Denise J.

Staff Parish Relations Team Chair – Annette A.

Finance Committee Chair – Lori H.

Head of Trustees – Jeff B.

Thursday Night Dinner Leader - Carla R.

Adult “JOY” Group Leader - Pat C.

Youth Group Leaders – Rebecca F., Stephen F., Angie B. & Elizabeth B.

VBS Leader – Sheila L.

Children’s Sunday School Leader – Kate D.

Pianist – April G.

Lead Greeter – Betsy S.

Lead Usher – Steve H.

Lead Nursery Attendant - Sara Kate M.

Sound System Technicians - Jim T. & Angie B.

Our volunteer team faithfully shares their time and talents.

In addition to our pastors, dedicated volunteer leaders are the backbone of our ministries at Merritt’s Chapel.

We thank all of the additional church leaders and volunteers (beyond those listed here) who help to make Merritt’s Chapel a vibrant and growing church where God remains at the center. We appreciate everyone who helps prepare meals, serve as greeters and technicians, mentor our youth, sing in the choir, serve on committees and teams, and make countless additional contributions large and small!

Your talents are needed too! We’re always grateful for helping hands and open hearts. Volunteering at church is a meaningful way to build community, use your gifts, and grow in purpose, and we believe everyone has something valuable to offer. If you’re curious about opportunities to serve, please reach out.

We are looking forward to seeing you in-person soon!

Build connections within our congregation through our areas of Ministry.