You’ve probably heard the voice. It’s that grit-meets-glory roar that turned "Praise Is What I Do" into a global anthem before most of us even knew the name behind the song. But if you’re looking for William Murphy’s church in Atlanta, you aren’t just looking for a concert. You’re looking for The dReam Center Church of Atlanta.
It’s a place that feels less like a quiet sanctuary and more like a spiritual laboratory. Honestly, if you walk in expecting a stiff, traditional pew experience, you’re in for a massive shock. Located in the Panthersville area, specifically at 2600 H.F. Shepherd Drive, this ministry has basically rewritten the rulebook on what a "modern" Black church looks like in the South.
What is the dReam Center exactly?
The "dR" in dReam isn't a typo. It’s intentional. It stands for "divine revelation." Bishop William Murphy III, a Detroit native who moved to Atlanta in 2001, didn't just wake up one day and decide to start a church. He comes from the "Murphy Dynasty"—a lineage of heavy-hitter preachers. His grandfather, Dr. William H. Murphy, Sr., and his father, Bishop William H. Murphy, Jr., are legends in the game.
William and his wife, Pastor Danielle Murphy, launched the dReam Center in January 2006.
Get this: they expected a decent turnout for that first service. Instead, only one person actually joined that day. That person? A then-unknown singer named Tasha Cobbs. Yeah, that Tasha Cobbs Leonard. She stayed for 14 years, serving as the worship minister while her own career exploded. It’s that kind of place—a literal greenhouse for massive spiritual talent.
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Why people drive for hours to get there
People are obsessed with the "sound."
The dReam Center doesn’t just sing songs; they "produce a sound" through their worship ministry, aptly named Contagious. It’s loud. It’s visceral. It’s the kind of environment where the line between a gospel recording session and a Sunday morning service completely disappears.
The Swag Surf Controversy (And why it mattered)
You might remember the viral video from a few years back where the whole congregation was "Swag Surfin'" during a New Year’s Eve service. The internet went into a tailspin. Some old-school critics called it "worldly."
Murphy’s response? He basically said the church needs to meet people where they are. He used the movement as a prophetic metaphor for "riding the wave" of what God is doing. It’s this specific brand of "unapologetic relevance" that makes the dReam Center a magnet for people who feel alienated by traditional, "shush-heavy" church environments.
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The 2025 "Altar Call" Incident
Real talk: ministry isn't always polished. In late 2025, a video went viral showing a young man rushing the stage during one of Murphy’s emotional altar calls. Security had to step in fast.
Later, it came out that the man was grieving his mother and was just... overwhelmed. Murphy handled it with a mix of humor and grace, reminding everyone that people carry massive, heavy trauma into the room. It highlighted a side of the church most people don't see—the raw, sometimes messy intersection of mental health and faith.
More than just music: Wealth and Justice
If you think it’s all about the high notes, you’re missing the point. The dReam Center is surprisingly focused on what they call "Wealth Development." They literally have a ministry dedicated to teaching biblical and secular financial principles.
They also lean hard into social action.
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- Worship & Justice: Their 2022 album wasn't just music; it was a response to the Black Lives Matter movement.
- Community Outreach: They partner with the UNCF and the 100 Black Men of Atlanta.
- Education: Murphy himself recently finished his Master of Divinity at Virginia Union University (2024), proving he practices the "never stop learning" vibe he preaches.
Is it the right fit for you?
Look, let’s be real. It’s a megachurch vibe.
If you hate crowds, loud music, or a "production" feel, you might find it overwhelming. Some visitors complain about the parking situation (it’s Atlanta, what do you expect?) or the fact that the service schedule can sometimes feel a bit inconsistent if you aren't following their socials closely.
But if you want a place where you can wear sneakers, hear a sermon that actually relates to your bank account, and experience some of the best live gospel music on the planet, this is the spot.
Quick Facts to Know:
- Service Times: Usually Sundays at 10:00 AM (though they’ve done 12:00 PM slots too—always check their IG first).
- Location: Decatur/Panthersville area of Metro Atlanta.
- Leadership: Led by Bishop William Murphy III and Executive Pastor Danielle Murphy.
- Recent Moves: Murphy recently joined the Omega Psi Phi fraternity in 2025, further embedding himself in Atlanta’s Greek and civic culture.
The dReam Center Church of Atlanta isn't trying to be a museum of how church used to be. It’s trying to be a workshop for how life can be. Whether he's dropping a new album like Payback: The Retribution Record (released July 2025) or just preaching on a random Tuesday night, Murphy has built something that actually feels alive.
If you’re planning a visit, your best bet is to arrive at least 30 minutes early. The parking lot fills up faster than you’d think, and you want to be in your seat before the first chord drops. Trust me, you don’t want to walk in halfway through the worship set—that’s where the real "revelation" usually happens.
Check their official website or follow Bishop Murphy on Instagram for the most current service updates before you make the trek.