William Henry Murphy III (born August 2, 1973) is an American gospel recording artist, pastor, and bishop based in Atlanta, Georgia. He’s the founder and lead pastor of The dReam Center Church of Atlanta, and one of contemporary gospel’s most consistent hitmakers, known for anthems like “Praise Is What I Do,” “It’s Working,” and “Everlasting God.” A third-generation pastor from what’s affectionately called the Murphy Dynasty, he’s built a career that moves fluidly between the pulpit and the recording booth.
| Personal | |
|---|---|
| Full name | William Henry Murphy III |
| Born | August 2, 1973, Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Age | 53 (as of 2026) |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse | Pastor Danielle Murphy (m. 1999) |
| Children | Four: Keila, William IV, David, and Paul Murphy |
| Parents | Bishop William Murphy Jr. (father); Carolynne Phillips (mother) |
| Ministry | |
| Title | Bishop, Senior/Lead Pastor |
| Church | The dReam Center Church of Atlanta |
| Founded | January 15, 2006 |
| Denomination | Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship |
| Other role | Bishop of Worship, Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International |
| Career | |
| Years active | 2001–present (music); 2005–present (senior pastor) |
| Notable songs | “Praise Is What I Do,” “It’s Working,” “Everlasting God,” “Something God” |
| Estimated net worth | Estimates vary widely, from roughly $500,000 to $5 million (unverified) |
Early Life and Background
William Murphy III was born on August 2, 1973, in Detroit, Michigan, into a family with three generations of pastoral leadership. His grandfather, Dr. William H. Murphy Sr., pastored in Detroit for more than 50 years, and his father, Bishop William H. Murphy Jr., pastored in Pontiac, Michigan, for 20 years. Growing up around that lineage, Murphy felt the call to ministry early, acknowledging it as a senior in high school.
He attended Henry Ford High School in Detroit, where he sang in and later directed the gospel choir. He was ordained as an Elder under his father’s ministry at age 23, and during that season he served both his father’s and grandfather’s churches in nearly every capacity, from custodian and bus driver to Minister of Music and Executive Pastor. He played a key role in shifting both congregations away from traditional devotional openings toward what’s now widely known as Praise and Worship.
Music Career
Early Songwriting
Before launching his own recording career, Murphy wrote “Praise Is What I Do,” which Shekinah Glory Ministries recorded and released on their gold-selling 2002 album. The song became a modern gospel standard well before Murphy released his own version.
Solo Recording Career
[IMAGE: Bishop William Murphy III performing live]
Murphy released his debut solo album, All Day, on Epic Records in 2005, which charted on Billboard’s Gospel Albums list. His second album, The Sound, followed in 2007 on Central South and reached number 23 on the same chart. In 2011, he self-released We Are One, which appeared on both the Gospel Albums and Heatseekers Albums charts. His fourth album, God Chaser, released on Verity in 2013, reached number 90 on the Billboard 200 and number 3 on the Gospel Albums chart, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Album.
He went on to release Demonstrate (2016), Settle Here (2019), Worship & Justice (2022), which addressed social issues alongside spiritual reflection, and Payback (2025). Across his catalog, Murphy has earned multiple Stellar Award wins, Dove Award nominations, and an Atlanta Gospel Choice Award.
Ministry and Career
Move to Atlanta
In 2001, Murphy relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife, Danielle, and their two children to serve as worship minister at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, then led by Bishop Eddie Long. During this period, he continued to travel internationally, ministering in song and preaching the Gospel.
Founding The dReam Center Church of Atlanta
[IMAGE: The dReam Center Church of Atlanta exterior]
On September 13, 2005, Murphy and his wife answered the call to plant their own church. The dReam Center Church of Atlanta held its first service on January 15, 2006, drawing about 350 people. Gospel artist Tasha Cobbs-Leonard was among the church’s earliest members, later serving as an elder and worship minister there for 14 years before becoming a major recording artist in her own right. The church has since grown into one of Atlanta’s most attended ministries, with Murphy and Danielle serving as co-pastors.
Denominational and Civic Roles
Murphy serves as Bishop of Worship and a member of the Bishop’s Council for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International, and previously served as the fellowship’s Executive Secretary. Beyond the church, he’s a board member and chaplain for 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Faith Campaign Chair for UNCF Atlanta, and has served on the Recording Academy’s Board of Governors for the Atlanta Chapter.
Books and Publications
Murphy is a published author, best known for his “Praying Through It” book series, which offers guidance on prayer and worship for daily spiritual practice.
Personal Life
Marriage to Danielle Murphy
Murphy married Danielle Murphy in 1999. She serves as co-pastor of The dReam Center Church of Atlanta alongside him, and the two have led the ministry together since its founding. There’s no public record of Murphy having been married prior to Danielle.
Children
William and Danielle Murphy have four children together: Keila Murphy, William Murphy IV, David Murphy, and Paul Murphy.
November 2025 Altar Call Incident
In November 2025, a moment during a Sunday service at The dReam Center Church of Atlanta went viral after a congregant rushed the stage during an altar call. Security responded within seconds, restraining the man before he reached Murphy. Murphy was unharmed and addressed the moment with characteristic calm, telling his congregation the man “just wanted to give me a hug” before continuing the service. Reports suggested the individual may have recently lost his mother and could have been in emotional distress at the time, though those details were never officially confirmed. The clip drew wide attention online and sparked broader conversation about church security in an era of unpredictable public disruptions. Murphy typically has police presence at services, though it’s unclear whether officers were on-site during this specific incident.
Influence and Legacy
Murphy has spent more than two decades bridging gospel music and pastoral leadership, a dual career few artists sustain at his level. His songwriting, particularly “Praise Is What I Do,” has become embedded in modern worship culture well beyond his own congregation. As a mentor figure inside the dReam Center’s early years, he helped launch the career of Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, one of contemporary gospel’s most decorated artists. His continued leadership role within the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship also gives him influence across a wider network of Black church congregations nationally.
Criticism and Public Moments
Murphy has occasionally drawn criticism for blending secular cultural moments into worship services, notably facing pushback from Bishop J. Drew Sheard after playing the song “Swag Surfin'” during a New Year’s Eve service. Supporters have defended the choice as part of Murphy’s broader approach of meeting congregants where they are, both emotionally and culturally, rather than a departure from his ministry’s core message.
Net Worth and Financial Information
Estimates of Murphy’s net worth vary considerably across sources, ranging from around $500,000 to as high as $5 million. These figures come from third-party estimate sites rather than confirmed financial records, so they should be read as approximate. His income is generally understood to come from album sales and streaming, speaking and performance engagements, book sales, and his pastoral role at The dReam Center Church.
Interesting Facts
- Murphy wrote “Praise Is What I Do” for Shekinah Glory Ministries before ever recording it himself.
- He’s part of what’s called the “Murphy Dynasty,” a three-generation line of pastors starting with his grandfather in Detroit.
- Tasha Cobbs-Leonard got her start as a worship minister at his church.
- He was ordained an Elder at just 23 years old.
- He’s been nominated for a Grammy and has won multiple Stellar Awards.
Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1973 | Born August 2 in Detroit, Michigan |
| 1996 | Ordained as an Elder under his father’s ministry, age 23 |
| 1999 | Marries Danielle Murphy |
| 2001 | Moves to Atlanta to serve as worship minister at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church |
| 2002 | Writes “Praise Is What I Do,” recorded by Shekinah Glory Ministries |
| 2005 | Releases debut solo album, All Day, on Epic Records |
| 2006 | Founds The dReam Center Church of Atlanta |
| 2013 | God Chaser earns a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Album |
| 2022 | Releases Worship & Justice |
| November 2025 | Altar call security incident at The dReam Center Church goes viral |
| 2025 | Releases album Payback |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bishop William Murphy III?
He’s an American gospel recording artist, pastor, and bishop, best known as the founder of The dReam Center Church of Atlanta and the writer of “Praise Is What I Do.”
What is William Murphy known for?
He’s known for gospel hits like “Praise Is What I Do,” “It’s Working,” and “Everlasting God,” as well as for founding and leading The dReam Center Church of Atlanta.
Is William Murphy married?
Yes. He’s married to Pastor Danielle Murphy, whom he wed in 1999. She co-pastors The dReam Center Church alongside him.
Where does William Murphy pastor?
He’s the founder and lead pastor of The dReam Center Church of Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia.
What happened to William Murphy at church?
In November 2025, a congregant rushed the stage during an altar call. Security restrained the man within seconds, and Murphy was unharmed. He addressed the moment lightly from the pulpit and continued the service.
Who is Bishop William Murphy Jr.?
He’s William Murphy III’s father, a bishop who pastored in Pontiac, Michigan, for 20 years and is part of the same three-generation Murphy pastoral lineage.
How many children does Bishop William Murphy have?
He and his wife, Danielle, have four children: Keila, William IV, David, and Paul.
What is William Murphy’s net worth?
Estimates vary widely across sources, from around $500,000 to as high as $5 million. No confirmed figure has been publicly disclosed.
Did William Murphy have a first wife before Danielle?
There’s no public record of a marriage prior to Danielle Murphy, whom he wed in 1999.
Where is William Murphy from?
He was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, before relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, in 2001.
