“Human” question and answers
In this Q&A, Jordan Merritt discusses his new single “Human,” his journey in music and ministry, and his vision for bridging cultural divides through unity and honest conversation within the Church.
Q: Please introduce yourself to our readers.
A: Hey! I’m Jordan Merritt! I’m a husband, father to 4 beautifully wild kids, an artist, songwriter, and producer! I was born and raised in a small town outside of Knoxville, TN, where I currently live. I love The Church, college football (GO VOLS), BBQ, and spending time with my people!
Q: Tell us about your life and journey to becoming an artist.
A: I started playing drums around 2 years old, so I’ve been told. My parents traveled and sang Southern gospel. Music was always a huge part of our family. Christmas parties were full of singing around a piano with everything from banjos to saxophones—it was beautiful! By 15, I was playing guitar, leading worship, and writing songs. Those early years in student ministry, at camps and retreats, deeply shaped me. I have devoted my life to serving Jesus, the Church, and anyone in front of me. I spent 14 years as a worship leader, pastor, and songwriter in churches across several states.
Q: How did you make the jump into the professional world as a touring artist?
A: About 3 years ago I was offered a record deal. I had been singing others’ songs and writing for others, but someone believed in me, and God made it clear to my wife and me that it was time for me to sing my own songs. Long story short, here I am, thrilled to be sharing what God has given me!
Q: Tell us about your latest single, “Human.”
A: My newest single, "Human," is honestly one of the most important songs I’ve ever been a part of. The first line of the chorus says, “Can we be human? I just want to have a conversation.” I had dialog with someone I love very much about politics, theology, and other weighty topics - and that became the inspiration. We disagreed on several things, but the respect, honor, and love we had for each other was beautiful! Open, honest conversation is the foundation of true relationships. This song is an invitation to have real and deep relationships that no longer avoid difficult or painful conversations. That’s one of the unique things that makes us human.
Q: What scriptures lay the foundation for “Human”?
A: John 17 has become the lens through which I see the world as Jesus prays for believers to be one, just as He and the Father are one, so that the world may know Him. How can we be one if we can’t even have open dialogue?
Q: How does this song speak to the current cultural climate within the Church?
A: The Church was made to exist in the world and influence it. We are at a crucial moment in time. We have the opportunity to model true unity, love, and reconciliation for our devastatingly hurting world, just as Jesus prayed in John 17. When we engage in conversation with grace, love, and truth, God will meet us there, and the world will see Jesus in us. He is the only cure for all the pain, and He uses us as His hands, feet, and voice. (Jn 13:34-35)
Q: The opening line of the song asks, “Can we be human?” Can you define what exactly you mean?
A: I’m hoping to call us to live in the fullness of who God created us to be. We were made in the image of God, with the ability to reason, love, and communicate in ways that make us unique. We aren’t animals and even angels are not our equals. We were made to have fellowship with each other and with God. This song calls us to engage one another, not with anger or animalistic instinct but with Holy Spirit inspiration, in the image of God.
Q: How do we “agree to disagree” without compromising the truth of God’s Word?
A: I’m going to answer this two ways.
To the Church: We have to stop being so defensive and stop behaving like divisive infants who are incapable of strong Truth. It’s time to learn how to genuinely love and converse with those in which we disagree in the family of God. If we cannot have non-vitriolic, respectful, transparent conversations about issues like cessationism, predestination, or women in ministry, how can we expect to have harder conversations with the lost about topics like abortion and homosexuality?
Now for the world: Number 1, I agree with God and His word. Period. Number 2, I understand that God gave us the gift of free will, and it is our choice and responsibility to handle it wisely. As long as choices aren’t hurting oneself or another individual, we are obliged to honor the gift God gave and agree to disagree. But as soon as one begins to hurt oneself or another, it is our responsibility, as the hands and feet of Jesus, to lovingly step in and restrain.
Q: You have a real desire to be a peace-maker. What is it that makes you angry?
A: I hate sin. I hate death. I hate the lie. But I get angry at self-righteous Pharisees because they bear the mark of Jesus without having the heart that made Jesus so deeply safe to be around. Because of this, sin is given fertile ground. So, yes, I’ll take a stand, but I’m not going to poison the water with my tone. Many in the church have lost the opportunity to have hard conversations with the world because of their lack of love (like a noisy gong - 1 Corinthians 13:1), and that makes it harder for those of us who still have the world's ear. I’m a new voice with a new opportunity to speak, and I don’t want it stolen by those who have all but forfeited theirs. I’m not the judge. I don’t get to make the call on who is or isn’t a Pharisee, I’m just deeply determined not to be one.
Q: What does love look like?
A: Well. 1 Corinthians 13 is pretty clear about what love is. Patient, kind, not envious or boastful, not arrogant or rude, not insistent on its way, not irritable, or resentful; It doesn’t rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. We are so quick to define love as we see it rather than how God sees it. Some define love as applauding other’s choices, as long as it makes them happy (Romans 1:32). But God’s word tells us “Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.” Others believe that the most loving thing we can do is arrogantly shout the truth at anything that moves. This is also so far from God’s way. We are called to be carriers of the truth of God AND conduits for His love. This is the beautiful tension in which we live
Q: What other projects are you currently working on?
A: I recently released Part II of my full-length album. Part I was released in March, and I’m finishing up the last few tracks to release the final installment. I’m part of The Band Table, and we’re on tour right now, so there’s a lot of writing, producing, and sharing songs happening.
Q: Anything else you’d like to say to our readers?
A: Yes! I’m so grateful for everyone who listens, prays, shares, sings, and worships through the music we put out! We do this for God, but also so others can share in the perspectives, stories, and prayers we, as artists, have. It’s one of the most beautiful things to see how songs God gives me encourage people around the world. I’m so thankful for each of you!