A Force for Positive Social Change
The Rev. Dr. Cecil Murray (1929-2024) was exemplary for his compelling preaching and his leadership within and beyond the four walls of his church.
His commitment to civic engagement and community development continues to inspire the work of the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture.
We invite you to learn from him.
A Life of Faith and Service
Rev. Murray served as pastor of First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Los Angeles (FAME) for 27 years (1977-2004).
His captivating preaching and service to the wider community helped him transform FAME from a congregation of 250 members into an 18,000-person church. Rev. Murray played an instrumental role in healing a fractured metropolis after Los Angeles’ 1992 civil unrest. FAME brought jobs, housing and corporate investment into South Los Angeles neighborhoods.
In addition to leading major initiatives to address the social and economic inequities, Rev. Murray was known for his pastoral care for individuals and his mentoring.
At USC, Rev. Murray trained more than 1,000 faith leaders in community development and civic engagement. Today, the 5 M’s of the “Murray Method” of church leadership remain applicable to congregations and faith organizations with the desire to thrive and serve others. He taught leaders to pay attention to their organization’s mission, membership, money, maintenance and morale.
Watch a video profile of Rev. Dr. Cecil L. Murray:
Learn more about Rev. Murray’s life and impact
With the participation of First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME), the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture and the USC Digital Library has created a digital archive of the Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray’s sermons and interviews in order to capture how Rev. Murray has been a force for positive social change in Los Angeles for more than four decades.
More than 450 pieces are available through the USC Digital Library. Select sermons, including sermons from notable historical events and ordinary Sundays, are available on YouTube and in a sermon workbook.
Sermons by Rev. Murray
Watch sermons by the Rev. Cecil L. Murray at First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Los Angeles.
May 3, 1992: “Making You an Offer You Can’t Refuse”
Rev. Dr. Cecil L. Murray On the 1992 Civil Unrest“We set some of those fire, but we didn’t start any of those fires. Those fires were started when some men of influence decided that this nation can indeed exist half slave and half free.”
September 16, 2001: “Above the Madness”
Rev. Dr. Cecil L. Murray On the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks“You’re caught up in madness–don’t let the madness be caught up in you. You’re caught up in poison–don’t let the poison be caught up in you.”
October 1, 1995: “Healing First, Hugging Second”
Rev. Dr. Cecil L. Murray On Social Inequities and the OJ Simpson TrialJoy Comes in the Morning: The Prophetic Social Witness of Rev. Dr. Cecil L. Murray
This workbook compiles 14 sermons from historic events and ordinary Sundays by the Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, pastor of First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) in Los Angeles from 1977-2004.
The sermons characterize Rev. Murray’s distinctive combination of moral remonstrance, social critique and comfort for the afflicted.
Reflection questions inspire readers to apply sacred truths to contemporary contexts.
Twice Tested By Fire: A Memoir of Faith and Service
Twice Tested By Fire is Rev. Murray’s chronicle of the inspiration as well as the challenges that shaped a ministry widely credited with helping to heal a fractured metropolis.
His insights into the legacy of the Civil Rights era, faith-based community organizing and socially engaged Christianity provide timely instruction to a new generation rising to the task of ensuring that the American dream of equality and justice for all is not forgotten.
Contact the Center for Religion and Civic Culture to request a copy of the book.
