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Dr. Thomas L. Murray 'Im Saying Goodbye to Lodebar'

3,269 views · Published 24 July 2011 · 8:56 · Indexed 1 November 2026

Channel: BrothaRollins · 2011 · People & Blogs

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In October 1999, Pastor Thomas L. Murray called together a Core Group of twelve people to his home to share his initial vision for the ministry. At that time, they had no money, members, complete plans, organizational structure or place to worship. From October to December 1999, the Core Group met each Saturday at different Core Group members' homes where they eventually gave birth, by the Grace and Spirit of God, to a name for this ministry—Anointed Temple of Praise Outreach Ministries (ATOP). During that time, the Core Group identified different options for setting up the ministry, developed a form of financial accountability, set up a bank account and targeted appropriate outreach ministries that could be provided to the community. This dedicated group produced and implemented marketing strategies, made site visits to prospective worship locations, and evangelized various communities. It was determined from these meetings that we would target the least, lost, disenfranchised and marginalized among our city, county, state, and nation.
On January 2, 2000, the first formal worship service was held at the Marriott Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. This was a high time of praise as we celebrated a "New Ministry for a New Millennium". The service concluded with over 200 in attendance and thirty-six new members. During the tenure at the Marriott Hotel, our outreach activities and programs included services for students and faculty at LeMoyne-Owen College and the University of Memphis. Other services were held at the Paramount Ballroom and at Overton Park. Monthly worship services were conducted by the Men of ATOP at the Memphis Union Mission, a homeless shelter for men. The Women of ATOP provided a monthly worship service at Seek for the Old Path, a homeless shelter for women, children, and families.
In October 2000, the Lord blessed us with a stable location, and we moved from the Marriott Hotel and leased space from Koinonia Baptist Church where our services were held in their Family Life Center at 4283 Millbranch Road. Additional outreach ministries took shape. They included: Mini Health and Wellness Library, 12-Step Program for Alcohol and Cocaine Addictions, HIV Counseling Program, Praise Team Ministry, Intercessory Prayer, Usher Ministry, Encouragement Ministry, Bible Study, Sunday School, Children and Youth Ministry, Women's Fellowship, Tape/Media Ministry, annual Family Fun Month, entrepreneur showcase, and various annual programs.

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