A Conversation with Rev. R. Janae Pitts-Murdock hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas

The African American Legacy Preaching Series of Christian Theological Seminary presents “A Conversation with Rev. R. Janae Pitts-Murdock hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas.” Reverend R. Janae Pitts-Murdock is a native of Detroit, Michigan, and was ordained into the gospel ministry at New Bethel Baptist Church under Rev. Robert Smith, Jr. Rev. Janae is a graduate of the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies, Carnegie Mellon University with a Master of Science degree in Public Policy & Management, United Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree, and University of Memphis with a Master of Business Administration. She is currently pursuing the Doctor of Philosophy in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric at Christian Theological Seminary. Pastor Janae was a civilian employed by the U.S. Department of the Army as a U.S. Presidential Management Intern and later as a Logistics Management Specialist. She was employed at The Pentagon during the September 11, 2001 attacks. She served as Lead Pastor at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Memphis, Tennessee under Pastor Frank A. Thomas. Pastor Janae also served as Connections Pastor at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Rogers, Arkansas where she created systems to connect members to serving opportunities and improve ministry administration. Rev. R. Janae Pitts-Murdock is pastor of Light of the World Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indianapolis, Indiana. She is the sixth Senior Pastor and first female Senior Pastor in the church’s 154-year history. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and serves as the Sorority’s National Chaplain. Pastor Janae is married to Jeffrey Allen Murdock, PhD, who is Professor of Choral Music Education and Director of Choral Studies at the University of Arkansas, the Founding Director of the Arkansas Center for Black Music, and the 2021 GRAMMY Music Educator of the Year. Together they parent two sons, Jeffrey III and John Patrick.