Bishop Merritt attributes the growth and favor of the Straight Gate International Church to the prayers and spiritual fortitude of his wife,  Viveca. She has helped to develop many aspects of the ministry and provides spiritual leadership, teaching, and guidance to the Women’s Ministry. Her ministry to the women of the church, among other teachings, focus on teaching the lifestyle of a virtuous woman, thus inspiring her to write her first book, God Needs More Annas, which was first released in November 1991.  She has since authored two titles,  God Needs More Annas Devotional and Family Matters. 

Pastor Vickey’s warm heart and giving spirit are immeasurable and truly treasured within Straight Gate.

In addition to the work of the ministry, she has raised four children: Rachelle, Laura (Marc), Jonathan (Tatianna) and David. She also has eight grandchildren: Mariah, Lorne II, Aaron Andrew, Ryan, Lillian, Josiah, Cristina, Andrew II, and Alexandria. She is a woman of virtue and great faith; her household calls her blessed; the church congregation calls her blessed. She continues to teach her children, grandchildren, the women of Straight Gate and loving members every time she comes before the congregation. As her anointed prayers go forth and the power of God is revealed, it is evident that she has an intimate personal relationship with God.

Affectionately referred to by the Straight Gate congregation as “Pastor Vickey”, Viveca Merritt has served as Co-Pastor of the Straight Gate International Church with her husband, Bishop Andrew Merritt, since her ordination on October 9, 1987. After her ordination, she preached her first sermon on Mother’s Day in 1988.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Pastor Vickey grew up at the Northwest Church of God in Christ, where she was very active in the ministry. She was educated in the Detroit Public School system and graduated from Mumford High School in 1968. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Education (1972) and a Masters of Arts in Child Development (1978), both from Wayne State University.

Viveca met Rev. Andrew Merritt when he ministered at her church in June of 1978. They married on November 4, 1978. She taught in the Detroit Public School system from 1972 to 1984, at which time she left teaching to devote her time to her husband, her family, and the ministry.