"I just want people to be inspired," says Jeff Murdock simply. And to "know that there are college students working hard to spread good news and inspiration."
Murdock, associate director of choral activities and assistant professor of music education at the University of Arkansas, is taking his show on the road Sunday -- but only as far as his home away from home. Murdock's Inspirational Chorale will perform at the 9:30 a.m. service at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Rogers, where he is also music minister.
UA Inspirational Chorale
When: 9:30 a.m. service Sunday
Where: First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Rogers, 905 S. 13th St.
Cost: There is no cost to attend
Information: 636-2230, fcrogers.org
"For the Chorale, one of our goals is to 'inspire, in song and deed, everywhere we go,'" says Murdock, who earned a Ph.D. at the University of Memphis, Tenn. "As such, this opportunity allows the greater Northwest Arkansas community to experience the diverse music offerings at the University of Arkansas.
"We perform at many churches -- and civic programs -- in hopes of giving voice to those writers, composers and genres who, but for the music we sing, would be forgotten," he explains. "It is our responsibility to keep the black sacred music tradition alive at all cost, and to help the greater public know and understand why it is important to do so.
"For the church, it is important for those in our music ministry and congregation to experience groups like the Inspirational Chorale, to broaden musical perspectives and knowledge," he goes on. "The church very generously provides scholarships for the Inspirational Chorale as a result of this collaboration, as well."
Murdock came to the University of Arkansas in 2015, after applying for many jobs and being offered several in higher education.
"When I saw the [UA] job description, I knew it was for me," he enthuses. "The job brought everything I'm passionate about -- traditional choral music, music education, research, and gospel music -- all together into one job! I was like 'this is it'! I applied, I interviewed, and here I am!"
Of course, Murdock needed to find a church home, too.
"I was a member and staff person at a large Disciples of Christ congregation in Memphis -- Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, one of the largest African-American congregations in the denomination," he says. "The denomination is very well connected, so I was told to reach out to the pastor of this church in Rogers, and that I would love the pastor and love the church. I came to First Christian Church, fell in love with the place, and I've been here ever since."
"Our church was seeking to intentionally diversify our staff, in order to share leadership and continue growing toward being a community that truly welcomes and values all people and experiences," says Shawn Wallace, senior pastor at First Christian. "When Dr. Murdock came and visited First Christian Church, it was a perfect match, all-around!
"Dr. Murdock leads incredibly inspiring music every Sunday," Wallace continues. "He is passionate about weaving various styles and traditions together in worship, which does nothing short of carrying the congregation into the very presence of God. He brings a joyful presence to First Christian Church."
"In an age where church choirs are becoming defunct, falling prey to the ever growing 'praise band' movement, we endeavor to create quality musical experiences each week for those who enter our doors," Murdock says of his work at First Christian. "Our church is welcoming to all, in keeping with the motto of 'Living Christ, Leading Change, and Loving All.' Our choir mirrors the vision of the church in its programming of diverse repertoire, from high church anthems to gospel music, and welcoming all believers with a voice to sing with us."
Murdock says there is no particular theme to Sunday's performance.
"Pastor Wallace has started a sermon series called 'I Give Myself Away,'" he explains. "In the series, he will discuss ways that people can give themselves to bettering the communities, feeding the poor, championing the marginalized, and the like, using the Bible as an interpretive lens for what those actions should look like. We will perform a number or two that relate to the sermon series."
NAN Religion on 09/21/2019