Who is RedNeck Preacher Bill?

 

RedNeck Preacher Bill, otherwise known as Billy Merritt  surrendered to preach in 2003. He was licensed and ordained as a minister in 2004, and began his pastorate at Curtis Chapel Baptist Church in Billings, Missouri.  His first year as a camp counselor at Baptist Hill in Mt. Vernon, Missouri, a young boy really took a like'n to Billy.  Because Billy did not look like the other counselors at camp, the young boy told him that he was just a "redneck preacher".  The other kids quickly began calling him that too, and the name has stuck with him ever since. 

 

Shortly after he began preaching, RedNeck ministries  was established.  Inspired by Luke 14:23.  

And the lord said unto the servant, "Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled".  Luke 10:2 states that the harvest is plenty but the laborers are few.  The small country churches were not thriving like they were in the past, therefore many of the people in the "hedges" were not being reached.  Some were not reached because they were in inconvenient places to travel....too far, not easy roads to travel, etc.  Others were not being reached due to not being very approachable.  Let's face it, a lot of those that live down these old country roads do not take kindly to a man in a suit getting out of a fancy car and knocking on their door. That is, if they actually made it that far. These country folk, rednecks and hillbillies were his people.  He talked like them, dressed liked them and loved the things they loved.  The motto of RedNeck Ministries was "Rednecks need Jesus too."  Billy saw that and he had a passion to carry that out. 

 

Fast forward to June 2013..

RedNeck Preacher Bill is no longer pastoring a church.  God has called him from that and put him in evangelism.  He married his wonderful wife Natalie in May of 2011 and they have 5 sons together.  He has grown a lot in his love for God and The Word, and when he shares these things, he ain't one for sugar coatin'. He is what they call a "tell it like it is"  kinda preacher. You may not like what he has to say, but you can bet yer huntin' dog that it is going to be the solid, true word of God.

Each year he hosts a "Man-cation" campout for local men. It is a great leisure time for men to camp, fish, and fellowship.  Most of all it is an opportunity to eat BBQ, and grow in the Lord. 

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If you are looking for a suit and tie kind of guy, he ain't that.  He is a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy.  He cleans up real well in a button up shirt and a pair of jeans.  He loves God, his wife, and his sons.  In his free time he enjoys fishin', huntin', campin', laughing and BBQ.  He is very serious about his walk with God and his calling, but in a manner that is not stiff collared and boring.  He is also very serious about his BBQ. :-)

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Just like the rest of us, he has been through many trials and struggles.  As a child he was sexually abused and also bullied in school.  In his younger adult years he overcame a battle with alcoholism.   A few years later he was injured and was unable to work for a long period of time.  God has helped him to make it through these times as well.  Times of hurt and deep depression. He has overcame many other things such as lust, pride, and selfishness.  He struggles with anger, and is not ashamed to admit that.  He leans on God to guide him through his adversities and rejoices in the glory of God when he overcomes them. 

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RedNeck Preacher Bill would love to share his testimony with you or your church or community.  He is also available for pulpit supply, revival preaching, men's retreats and anything outdoors.  He does not charge anything for these services, however, some good BBQ would be nice.  

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