Lenawee Christian Ministries Announces Tricia (Merillat) McGuire as President, Continuing the Legacy of the Merillat Family
Adrian, MI — Lenawee Christian Ministries (LCM) is honored to announce the appointment of Tricia (Merillat) McGuire as the new President of Lenawee Christian Ministries, marking a significant moment in the ongoing story of a ministry built on faith, generosity, and a family’s unwavering commitment to Christian education and community impact.
As the youngest daughter of Richard and Lynette Merillat, Tricia represents a new generation of leadership deeply rooted in the founding vision of LCM. Her parents, alongside her grandparents, Orville and Ruth Merillat, played a central role in shaping the ministries that today include Lenawee Christian School and The Christian Family Centre. What began as a family’s response to God’s calling has grown into a multi-faceted ministry serving thousands of students, families, and community members each year.
For more than four decades, the Merillat family has invested prayer, leadership, and resources to ensure that Christ-centered education and biblically grounded family programs remain accessible in Lenawee County. Tricia’s appointment reflects not only a continuation of that heritage, but also a renewed commitment to stewarding the mission faithfully in the years ahead.
“Tricia has a profound understanding of the heart behind these ministries,” shared Dr. Robert Pepper, Chair of the LCM Board of Directors. “Her lifelong connection to the mission, coupled with her discerning leadership and spiritual maturity, uniquely position her to guide LCM with clarity and purpose. The Board is confident in her ability to build on the foundation her family helped establish and to lead us into the future with wisdom and grace.”
In her role as President, Tricia will continue serving as a voting member of the LCM Board of Directors while overseeing strategic alignment across LCS and The Centre. Her guidance will help unify the ministries under one cohesive vision, fostering stronger collaboration and consistency in mission and culture. She will work in close partnership with Dr. Taylor, the Executive Director, who will report to her as they coordinate organizational priorities and strengthen day-to-day leadership across all areas of the ministry.
Tricia has been actively engaged with LCM’s work for many years, offering support, guidance, and prayerful leadership across multiple seasons of ministry change and growth. Her love for the community, and for the people who serve within it, has made her a steady and trusted voice among staff, families, and partners.
Reflecting on this new chapter, Tricia shared:
“LCM has been woven into my family’s story for decades, and I am continually humbled by the way God has used this ministry to change lives. As I step into this new role, my heart is to honor the foundation laid before me while embracing the opportunities God is opening for our future. I look forward to walking alongside our staff, families, and community as we pursue the mission He has entrusted to us. My prayer is that this ministry continues to be a beacon of Christ-centered hope and excellence in Lenawee County for generations to come.”
As LCM moves into this new era of leadership, the organization remains grounded in the founding values that have shaped it from the beginning: a commitment to Christ, a passion for excellence, and a desire to serve families with compassion and integrity.
With Tricia’s appointment as President, the ministry looks ahead with anticipation, honoring the legacy of the past while preparing faithfully for the opportunities God is placing ahead.