Who is Dr. Layne McDonald?

Dr. Layne McDonald is a Christian pastor, creative director, musician, filmmaker, and author based in Memphis, Tennessee. He leads Boundless Online Church and serves at First Assembly Memphis. He is the creator of over 2,000 original songs and multiple faith-based books, with all royalties supporting families in need and anti-human-trafficking ministries.

How many songs has Dr. Layne McDonald recorded?

Dr. Layne McDonald has recorded and released over 2,000 original songs across genres including Christian worship, gospel, country, instrumental focus music, and wedding music. His catalog is available on Spotify, Apple Music, iHeartRadio, and other streaming platforms.

Where can I stream Layne McDonald's music?

You can stream Layne McDonald's music on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/artist/0pTfrIRTGXVXMtwtYAIPJH), Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/layne-mcdonald/), YouTube (@laynemcdonald), iHeartRadio, and other major streaming platforms. Every stream generates royalties that fund families in need and anti-trafficking missions.

What is Boundless Online Church?

Boundless Online Church is a digital ministry led by Dr. Layne McDonald's team, connected with First Assembly Memphis in Cordova, Tennessee. It provides virtual worship services, group Bible studies, digital prayer meetings, and online small groups for people seeking spiritual community from anywhere in the world. Visit boundlessonlinechurch.org to learn more.

How do royalties from Layne McDonald's music help families?

Every time one of Dr. Layne McDonald's songs is streamed, purchased, or played on Spotify, Apple Music, or other platforms, it generates royalties. These royalties are used to support families who have lost children and to fund organizations that rescue women and children from human trafficking. Every click, stream, and ad view on laynemcdonald.com contributes directly to this mission.

What books has Dr. Layne McDonald written?

Dr. Layne McDonald has authored several faith-based books including 'Blue Oceans,' 'United in Faith,' 'Healing and Forgiveness Through Christ,' 'From Pulpit to Premiere,' 'Faithful Leadership,' 'Authentic Christian Pastoral Leadership,' and 'Faith Unbound.' His books are available in print, ebook, and free PDF format at laynemcdonald.com/books.

Is Dr. Layne McDonald's music free to listen to?

Yes. Dr. Layne McDonald's music is free to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and iHeartRadio. You can also listen directly on laynemcdonald.com/music. While listening is free, every stream generates royalty revenue that is donated to families in need and anti-trafficking causes.

What genres does Layne McDonald make music in?

Layne McDonald creates music across many genres including Christian worship, gospel, country and Americana, instrumental focus and study music, wedding and romantic music, and deep thinking/meditation music. His 2,000+ song catalog covers a wide range of moods and purposes.

How can I support the anti-trafficking mission?

You can support Dr. Layne McDonald's anti-trafficking mission for free by streaming his music on Spotify or Apple Music, reading his blog posts, watching his videos on YouTube, and clicking through content on laynemcdonald.com. You can also make a direct donation, shop the store at laynemcdonald.com/category/all-products, or purchase one of his books.

Does Dr. Layne McDonald offer coaching or consulting?

Yes. Dr. Layne McDonald offers Christian leadership coaching, pastoral consulting, and creative mentoring. You can learn more and book a session at laynemcdonald.com/consulting.

Memphis News: 10th Annual Ed Murphey Classic Brings 60+ Olympians to Memphis

Dr. Layne McDonald
Jul 10
4 min read

Direct Answer: The 10th annual Ed Murphey Classic officially launched this Friday, July 10, 2026, at the University of Memphis, transforming the Bluff City into a global hub for track and field by hosting more than 60 Olympians and world-class competitors.

Summary: This prestigious USA Track & Field Continental Tour Silver event features a high-stakes program at the Billy J. Murphy Athletic Complex on Friday, followed by a free, fan-favorite "street meet" on Beale Street this Saturday. Headlined by three-time Olympic gold medalist Ryan Crouser, the event brings elite international talent to Memphis while supporting local youth sports initiatives through the UofM Murphey Track Club.

By Dr. Layne McDonald, Founder of Memphis News with a Purpose

A Decade of Excellence in the Bluff City

What began as a localized tribute to legendary University of Memphis track coach Ed Murphey has blossomed into a premier destination on the global track and field circuit. Now in its 10th year, the Ed Murphey Classic has become a staple for athletes seeking elite competition in a high-energy environment.

The Friday program at the Billy J. Murphy Athletic Complex is the "engine room" of the event, featuring intense sprints, hurdles, and distance races. The atmosphere is electric as fans witness the raw speed and discipline of athletes who have spent years honing their God-given talents. For many Memphians, this is a rare opportunity to see the world's fastest humans competing in our own backyard.

A powerful mural of a shot put athlete on Beale Street with neon lights

The Beale Street Takeover: Elite Sports Meets Memphis Culture

Saturday’s portion of the Classic offers a unique "peacemaker" moment for the city, moving the competition from the stadium to the heart of downtown. The World Shot Put Series and the Buck Ewing Beale Street Pole Vault are held directly on Beale Street, removing the barriers between the athletes and the public.

These events are free to attend, embodying the spirit of community accessibility. Watching a world-record holder like Ryan Crouser launch a 16-pound shot put against the backdrop of neon signs and blues music is an experience unique to Memphis. It bridges the gap between elite professional achievement and the daily life of our city, proving that excellence belongs to everyone.

Local Heroes and Global Stars

Memphis native and U.S. Olympian Harrison Williams continues to be a focal point for local pride. His journey from Memphis athlete to the professional world stage serves as a powerful testament to perseverance. Additionally, the return of young stars who have previously broken records at this meet, such as those inspired by Quincy Wilson’s legendary runs, reminds us that the seeds planted today in our youth will bear fruit for years to come.

The proceeds from the ticketed events on Friday go directly toward supporting the University of Memphis Murphey Track Club and local youth sports. This ensures that the legacy of Coach Ed Murphey: developing character through competition: continues to impact Memphis children.

Mural of a pole vaulter soaring high over a Memphis crowd

Christian Takeaway

The discipline required to compete at this level is a profound reflection of the Christian walk. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, the Apostle Paul writes, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training."

These athletes do not reach the Ed Murphey Classic by accident; they reach it through daily, often painful, submission to a higher goal. As believers, we are called to that same level of "strict training" in our spiritual lives: disciplining our hearts, our words, and our actions to reflect the glory of God.

Peacemaker's Perspective

In a city that often faces storms of division or news of conflict, the Ed Murphey Classic acts as a "Green Light" event. It brings people from all zip codes, backgrounds, and denominations together to celebrate human potential. When we stand together on Beale Street to cheer for a stranger or a local hero, we are practicing the art of being a peacemaker. We are finding common ground in the appreciation of hard work and excellence. This event is a reminder that sports can be a powerful tool for civic unity and peace.

How to Pray and Engage

Pray for Safety: Pray for the physical safety of all athletes competing and for the fans gathering in large crowds downtown.
Pray for the Youth: Ask God to use the funds raised to provide mentorship and opportunities for Memphis children who need a safe place to grow and compete.
Engage with the City: Attend the free events on Beale Street Saturday. Bring your family and use it as an opportunity to meet your neighbors and celebrate the positive things happening in our community.

Infographic mural showing 60+ Olympians and 10th Anniversary

❓ FAQ

When and where is the Ed Murphey Classic taking place? The event runs Friday, July 10, 2026, at the University of Memphis (Billy J. Murphy Athletic Complex) and Saturday, July 11, 2026, on Beale Street.

Is the Ed Murphey Classic free to the public? The events on Friday at the University of Memphis require a ticket, with proceeds benefiting youth sports. However, the Saturday events on Beale Street: including the shot put and pole vault: are free for everyone to attend.

Who are the headline athletes this year? The event features over 60 Olympians, including three-time Olympic gold medalist and world-record holder Ryan Crouser. Local favorite Harrison Williams is also a major highlight of the pro program.

What is the "Christian Takeaway" from this event? The meet serves as a living illustration of 1 Corinthians 9:24, reminding us that life is a race that requires spiritual discipline and perseverance to win the ultimate prize.

How can I watch if I can't attend in person? The main program is typically broadcast or streamed live on platforms like USATF.tv, allowing fans from across the country to see the elite competition in Memphis.

CTA: Support our local athletes and youth by attending the final day of competition on Beale Street this Saturday at 5:15 PM. For more stories on how faith and community intersect in the Bluff City, visit our Faith and Peace blog.

Dr. Layne McDonald

Creativity with purpose.