Pastor Nelson Mercado has been serving in the KY-TN Conference since 2012. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and a Master of Ministry in Evangelism and Missions, both from Southern Adventist University. His first assignment was in the Murfreesboro/Tullahoma/Decherd Church district, where he served for six years.
Before becoming a pastor, he worked as a paramedic for the Philadelphia Fire Department for 11 years, serving in both paramedic and firefighter roles. He also spent four years working as a paramedic at Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga. Additionally, Pastor Mercado served in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman.
Pastor Mercado currently serves as a chaplain for the Metro Nashville Police Department and Skyline Medical Center. He is the author of two books: "The Present Truth and the Three Angels' Messages" and "The Present Truth and the LGBTQ+ Movement: Understanding the Dangers of Affirmation While Acting Redemptively." Since 1990, he has been married to his high school sweetheart, Lucy. They have two children: Jean Luc, who is 32 years old and a Theology student at Southwestern Adventist University, and Ariana, who is 25 and a Registered Dietitian with Vanderbilt.
Pastor Mercado is passionate about evangelism and building relationships within the community.