I Am Wilshire – Katie Murray.
Hometown: Austin
Education: Bachelor of Music Education, Master of Divinity, Master of Social Work, all at Baylor University
Profession: Stay-at-home parent
Tell us about your family:
Steven and I met at Baylor, have been married for over 12 years and have three children: Drew, 5 ½, Annie, 4, and James, 1. Steven works in finance, and I had several jobs in ministry before transitioning to staying at home with our kids. I’m a lifelong Texan, have three younger siblings who make me laugh and keep me honest, and wonderful parents who have always been my biggest supporters.
What are your favorite hobbies?
I love to read and play tennis.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
The Hill Country. Austin feels so different from the town I grew up in, but there is something about the abundance of live oaks, cedar trees, hills and limestone in the area that still feels like home to me.
What brought you to Wilshire and when?
I was a social work intern at Wilshire in 2011. Having grown up in a liturgical, moderate/progressive Baptist church (First Baptist, Austin), I immediately felt at home here, and we chose to join the congregation. Steven’s job moved us to Houston for two years, but upon our return to Dallas we jumped right back into Wilshire, where I served on staff for 3.5 years as the Christian advocacy specialist, creating a model for congregational advocacy with our partner denomination, CBF. I feel very fortunate to have experienced this church as an intern, staff member and layperson.
Where are you engaged at Wilshire?
I am a member of Labyrinth Sunday School Class, serve on the Home Visitation Ministry Team with my kids, am a member of the Children’s Education Committee and chair the Pastor Search Committee.
What do you think God is up to in your life right now?
Like many people, the past two years gave me the opportunity to name what is important in my life and in the life of my family. I have felt God helping me prioritize my life better and be okay saying “no” to opportunities so that I can say “yes” to the ones that I feel align best with my unique giftings and bring me joy.
What’s something interesting most people wouldn’t know about you?
I’m a musician (percussionist) and majored in music education at Baylor. Before my call to ministry, I wanted to be a middle school band director.
- If you’d like to be featured in “I Am Wilshire,” email Carolyn Murray at cmurray@wilshirebc.org.