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: Memphis Tigers Football Wins AAC Team Academic Excellence Award for Second Straight Year : Media Days Next

Dr. Layne McDonald
Jul 19
4 min read

Direct Answer: The Memphis Tigers football program has officially been named the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Team Academic Excellence Award winner for the 2025-2026 academic year, marking the second consecutive year the program has led the league in team GPA.

Summary: Under the leadership of Coach Charles Huff, the Tigers are demonstrating that academic rigor and athletic preparation are equally vital components of a winning culture. This announcement comes just days before the team heads to Arlington, Texas, for the AAC Media Days, where players Maarten Woudsma and Mike Montgomery will represent the "Bluff City" on the national stage.

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

Stewardship in the Classroom: A Second Consecutive Win

For the second straight year, the University of Memphis football team has proven that their commitment to excellence extends far beyond the turf of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. The AAC Team Academic Excellence Award is given annually to the program in each sport with the highest collective grade-point average (GPA) among conference members.

This back-to-back achievement is no small feat in the high-pressure world of Division I athletics. It serves as a testament to the "student" half of the student-athlete equation. In our city, where we often focus on the scoreboard, this "win" in the classroom highlights the discipline and character being forged in these young men. Just as we recently saw the Memphis Grizzlies fight for excellence in the Summer League championship, the Tigers are fighting for their futures through education.

Representing the 901: Media Days in Texas

As the academic accolades settle, the focus shifts to the upcoming AAC Media Days on July 23-24 at Loews Arlington Hotel in Texas. Representing the Tigers will be offensive lineman Maarten Woudsma and linebacker Mike Montgomery.

Both Woudsma and Montgomery are seen as pillars of the "all-in" culture Coach Huff is cultivating. Their selection to represent Memphis at Media Days is a nod to their leadership on the field and their embodiment of the program’s values. As they speak to the national media, they carry the weight of a city that expects a return to the top of the conference standings.

Building Character Off the Field

At Memphis News with a Purpose, we believe that excellence is different than mere performance. Excellence is a heart posture; it is doing the small things right when the stadium lights are off. By leading the AAC in GPA, these players are practicing a form of leadership that will serve them long after their football careers end.

The Road Ahead: 2026 Schedule and Stadium Upgrades

Tiger Nation has plenty to look forward to this fall. The Tigers are preparing for their season opener on August 29 at UNLV, a high-stakes road test to start the year. However, the most anticipation surrounds the home opener on September 5 against Arkansas State.

This will be the first chance for fans to experience the newly renovated Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Following a record-breaking fundraising year for Memphis Athletics, the stadium upgrades are a visible sign of the community’s investment in this program.

Key Dates to Remember:

July 23-24: AAC Media Days in Arlington, TX.
August 8: Fan Fest at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium (First look at renovations).
August 29: Season Opener at UNLV.
September 5: Home Opener vs. Arkansas State.

Christian Takeaway

Colossians 3:23 reminds us: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

It is easy to compartmentalize our lives: to think that God cares about our "church life" but perhaps not our "study life" or "gym life." The Tigers’ academic success is a beautiful example of integrated faith and work. When a student-athlete studies late into the night after a grueling practice, they are practicing stewardship of the mind God gave them. They are working with "all their heart," honoring the opportunity they have been blessed with.

How to Pray/Engage

Pray for the Players: Pray for the health and safety of Maarten Woudsma, Mike Montgomery, and the entire roster as they enter the heat of fall camp. Pray that their academic discipline carries over into wise decision-making off the field.
Pray for the Coaching Staff: Pray for Coach Charles Huff and his assistants as they mentor these young men, that they would lead with integrity and grace.
Engage: Consider attending the Fan Fest on August 8. It’s a great way to support the local youth and show the team that the city is behind them, not just for their scores, but for their commitment to our community.

Peacemaker's Perspective

In a world that is often divided by sports rivalries and "win-at-all-costs" mentalities, the Tigers’ academic win offers a point of unity. It reminds us that these athletes are neighbors, students, and future leaders of Memphis. A "Christian Peacemaker" approach to sports means celebrating the development of the whole person. When our local team excels in the classroom, it benefits the entire city’s reputation and future. Let’s be the fans who cheer just as loudly for a 4.0 GPA as we do for a 40-yard touchdown.

❓ FAQ

What is the AAC Team Academic Excellence Award? It is an annual honor given by the American Athletic Conference to the team in each sport that finishes the academic year with the highest cumulative GPA.

Who will represent Memphis at the 2026 AAC Media Days? Offensive lineman Maarten Woudsma and linebacker Mike Montgomery.

When is the first home game for the Tigers? The home opener is September 5 against Arkansas State at the newly renovated Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.

Where can I buy tickets for the 2026 season? Single-game and season tickets are available at gotigersgo.com.

Who is the current head coach of the Memphis Tigers? Coach Charles Huff is the head coach leading the program.

CTA: Get your tickets today at gotigersgo.com and join us at the Fan Fest on August 8! What part of the new stadium renovations are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments!

Dr. Layne McDonald

Finding your true calling.