Senior Pastor, Cascade UMC

Dr. Kevin R. Murriel

Reverend Doctor Kevin R. Murriel serves as the 22nd senior pastor of Cascade United Methodist Church, overseeing a congregation across campuses in midtown and southwest Atlanta, Georgia. A native of Mississippi, Dr. Murriel graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Jackson State University in 2008, earning recognition as the 2008 “Student of the Year” for the College of Business. He furthered his education with a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology and attained a Doctor of Ministry degree from Duke University, becoming the youngest and first African American to be named Degree Marshal of the 2014 Doctoral Cohort.

Known for his dynamic preaching, scholarly insights, and activism, Dr. Murriel's research centers on translating Civil Rights Movement strategies into modern-day approaches for social justice and racial reconciliation. His dissertation, "Unveiling Racism: Racial Reconciliation and a Heterogeneous Model for American Christian Life," draws from the Mississippi Church Visit Campaign of 1964, offering strategies for anti-racism, racial reconciliation, and progress.

An accomplished author with three published books, including "Breaking the Color Barrier: A Vision for Church Growth through Racial Reconciliation," Dr. Murriel emphasizes the importance of modeling reconciliation in today's racially divided society. His influence extends to academia, where he serves as Assistant Professor in the Practice of Practical Theology and Director of the Black Methodist Seminarians Program at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology.

Beyond his pastoral duties, Dr. Murriel actively serves on various boards, including the Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA, Murphy-Harpst Children’s Centers, The Foundation for Wesley Woods, and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce Racial Equity Steering Committee. His leadership and commitment to social justice have garnered recognition, such as being named the 2016 Emerging Prophetic Leader by Gammon Theological Seminary and induction into the 2021 Class of the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame. Notably, he was honored by the Atlanta Business League as a 2021 Man of Influence, acknowledged as one of Atlanta’s 40 under 40 Movers and Shakers by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, and recognized by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Women, Inc. with the Luminary Award for Social justice. 

Committed to educational advancement, Dr. Murriel actively supports Emory University’s Southeast Region Campaign Leadership Council and co-chairs ALL (Atlanta Leaders for 100% Literacy), dedicated to eradicating illiteracy in Atlanta Public Schools. He also serves on the Board of the Jackson State University Development Foundation.

Recognized for his relevant ministry, Dr. Murriel was inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. College of Ministers and Laity Board of Preachers through Morehouse College in April 2021. He remains an impactful speaker at national events and was recently inducted into the Atlanta Rotary Club in December 2023.

Dr. Murriel is a proud life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated and the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2019. He and his wife, Dr. Ashleigh Murriel, an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), are the proud parents of Scarlett Grace and Anderson Blake. Together, they spearhead The Murriel Foundation, Inc., a 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to empowering minority youth as effective leaders.

Throughout his journey, Dr. Murriel's guiding motto has been, "Live God, Love God, Follow God; and in all things, stay the course!"