Our Senior Pastor
Senior Pastor
Pastor John Murdock
Pastor John Murdock’s Motto:
Reaching the Lost and Growing the Church through Biblical Education, and Inspiring Ministries that Clearly share God’s Plan for Salvation.
– Reverend Dr. John Murdock, M.B.A., J.D.
Pastor John Murdock’s Biography:
Dr. John B. Murdock was born in Los Angeles, California, and moved to Phoenix with his family prior to the start of his senior year of high school. He lives by the words of Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Pastor Murdock is a committed servant of the Lord that is submissive to God’s plan for his life. Pastor Murdock has served in the ministry for over 20 years. He is the proud husband of Sharon Murdock. They have 3 adult daughters (Sonserea, Danielle, and Sierra), along with two granddaughters (Sydnei and Genae). Pastor Murdock enjoys spending time with family.
Along with his work for the Lord, Pastor Murdock served as president and chief executive officer of Murdock Empire Group, Inc., a provider of “quick service foods” featuring Subway restaurants. Prior to founding Murdock Empire Group and becoming a Subway franchisee, he served as general manager of Arrow Truck Sales, Inc., a division of the Volvo Group of Companies. He was the first African American general manager in the 65-year history of Arrow Truck Sales and set numerous records for sales and profitability.
He is a graduate of East Phoenix High School. After high school, he attended Arizona State University receiving a B.S. in Sociology and Business Administration. Pastor Murdock received an M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix, and a Doctorate of Juris Prudence from Pacific West College of Law. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity where he served as President of the Riverside Alumni Chapter. Pastor Murdock was awarded the “Passing the Torch” award from A-MAN, Inc. (African Male Achievers Network) for mentoring work with male youth, and a Certificate of Recognition from the State Senate of California for “Distinguished Spiritual Service to the Church and Community” while serving as Associate Pastor of Temple Missionary Baptist Church.
Pastor Murdock returned to the Los Angeles area in the late 90s. From 2001 through 2014, he served as Associate Pastor at Temple Missionary Baptist Church in San Bernardino, CA, under the leadership of Dr. Raymond W. Turner. In 2014, he was again led to Phoenix where he served as Associate Pastor at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Robert L. Johnson. At Mt. Sinai, Pastor Murdock served as the primary teacher and preacher in the absence of Pastor Johnson. Pastor Murdock could not be more excited about his call to serve as Pastor of South Mountain Baptist Church.