Pastor

Pastor Nelson Mercado

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.

Something for Nothing

Nelson Mercado

Aug 16, 2025

59.1 MB

The Sabbath Keeping Conundrum

Nelson Mercado

Jul 26, 2025

While the Sabbath is a day for joy and celebration, there are guidelines on how to keep it holy. How do we determine what is appropriate for our Sabbath observance?

73.6 MB

Prepare to Celebrate

Nelson Mercado

Jul 19, 2025

Part of the "Sabbath Challenge" for many Adventists is that they are lacking something with regards to the Sabbath. What is it that is lacking and what will this do for a positive Sabbath experience?

50.6 MB

Made for You

Nelson Mercado

Jul 12, 2025

Is it possible that we, as Seventh-day Adventists, while emphasizing the importance of the seventh-day Sabbath, have lost sight of what the Sabbath should represent and turned it into a day of do's and don'ts?

38.1 MB

Almost is Not Good Enough

Nelson Mercado

Jun 28, 2025

Have you "almost" done something? Perhaps you "almost" graduated, or you "almost" got married. Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior, or are you "almost" there? Is there such a thing as an "almost" Christian?

42.0 MB

Unapologetically Unorthodox

Nelson Mercado

Jun 7, 2025

Many Christians consider the Seventh-day Adventist Church a cult. Is this perspective justified, or is it a matter of how people define a cult??

59.1 MB

There is Something About . . . MOM!

Nelson Mercado

May 10, 2025

28.6 MB

"A Bad TRANSaction" Part V - How to deal with LGBTQ+ members in the church

Nelson Mercado

Apr 5, 2025

While this may seem humorous, many have different opinions as to how church leaders should handle a situation where a church member comes out as a member of the LGBTQ+ movement. What should we do? How can we properly reflect Jesus in this situation?

47.2 MB

"The Process of TRANSformation" Part IV

Nelson Mercado

Mar 8, 2025

While transformation is at the heart of the Gospel, a reality even for those in the LGBTQ+ community, what does that transformation look like? And is it immediate?

42.8 MB

"A Bad TRANSaction" Part III

Nelson Mercado

Mar 1, 2025

In LGBTQ+ circles, the term "transformation" is often viewed negatively. However, transformation is central to the gospel, and it is possible for everyone struggling with sin, including those within the LGBTQ+ community, if we can just reverse our thinking.

43.7 MB

"A Bad TRANSaction" Part II

Nelson Mercado

Feb 22, 2025

Join us for a discussion on the principles that can help us understand the complexities of the LGBTQ+ movement and its impact on families and the church. This message is based on the book "The Present Truth and the LGBTQ+ Movement: Understanding the Dangers of Affirmation while Acting Redemptively."

51.4 MB

"A Bad TRANSaction" Part I

Nelson Mercado

Feb 8, 2025

Satan has been actively spreading a false narrative about how God created humanity. There is a saying that goes, "Repeat a lie often enough, and it becomes the truth." What is this lie, and how does it relate to the "Present Truth" Message?

62.1 MB

Our Greatest Priority

Nelson Mercado

Jan 4, 2025

Many of us become anxious about different things in our lives, and this anxiety can often be crippling. Jesus, however, presents the solution to this anxiety, which has to do with making priorities. Our study will focus on Matthew 6:33.

42.2 MB

Causing Thanksgiving

Nelson Mercado

Nov 30, 2024

While it is common to question why God permits suffering, such events offer us a chance to embody the compassion of Jesus, leading to a spirit of Thanksgiving. Let us explore this as we delve into 2 Corinthians 9:10-12.

47.3 MB

Don't Turn Back

Nelson Mercado

Nov 16, 2024

The Apostle Paul cautions the Galatian church against reverting to the observance of the Sabbath; or, does He? What does Paul actually say, and what principles can we learn about his counsel?

47.0 MB

The Puppet Master Part 2

Nelson Mercado

Nov 2, 2024

The media and the powers that be are manipulating our society and many in our church. This is especially true during this election season. How are we being manipulated? And, what should we be focusing on in these last days?

66.6 MB

The Puppet Master Part 1

Nelson Mercado

Oct 26, 2024

Many individuals within the church are aligning themselves politically based on what they hear from the media as compared to interpretations of end-time prophecies. However, this raises the question of whether there is manipulation at play.

48.1 MB

IF you remain in Me . . . THEN

Nelson Mercado

Sep 28, 2024

Following Jesus often leads to experiencing rejection and persecution. This is a tactic Satan uses in the hope that we will abandon Jesus and break our connection with Him. Nevertheless, Jesus assures us of the rewards that come from persevering and maintaining our connection with Him.

48.3 MB

IF the World Hates You, THEN . . .

Nelson Mercado

Sep 14, 2024

Experts indicate that Christianity is the most persecuted religion globally. While persecution is undesirable, the question arises whether it should be viewed as an unexpected adversity or as an inherent consequence of following Jesus' teachings.

44.7 MB

IF you love me THEN . . .

Nelson Mercado

Aug 31, 2024

Love is a difficult concept to define because, at least in the English language, we use the word love for just about everything. But how does Jesus define love, and how does He expect it to be shown?