Jalisa Faye on Church, Covering, and Serving Where You Are

Is the local church still the right foundation for a creative calling?

In an interview on the God and Gigs Show, worship leader and recording artist Jalia Faye explained how her home church gave her the training and relationships that later opened the door to a career on the road. Her message to creatives is to stay connected, keep serving, and let character grow alongside platform.

Where did Jalisa's love for serving begin?

Jalisa grew up in a musical family. Her mother has been a worship leader since before Jalisa was born, and Jalisa watched her lead as a toddler. Before she sang in public, she danced in church. Her first solo came around age seven, during a Christmas program at her home church, Redeeming Word Christian Center International in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

She says serving never felt forced. "I am a church girl to the core," she explained, describing how much she loved choir rehearsal as a child and how she liked to sit and listen while the choir learned parts.

Her turning point came when the church's minister of music, Kathy McClary, asked her mother whether Jalisa might sing on a Sunday morning. The team put a robe on her and had her lead a song. That was the first time she realized she could lead worship.

Why does Jalisa call her local church her covering?

For Jalisa, a covering means staying rooted in a church family even when your calling takes you elsewhere. Her first major opportunity came from serving at home. In 2011, gospel artist Travis Green was a guest at a fashion show held at the church. He noticed her singing along to every song, and the next day he saw her lead worship. Years later, after he invited her to travel with him, she kept her connection to her home church.

She still returns when she can. She described flying in after a trip, taking a ride straight from the airport to Sunday service, and showing up because that is where her family is. Her point is simple: "Whenever I left and traveled, I was still covered because I'm connected."

Why does serving locally matter for artists?

Jalisa sees the local church as a training ground for the stage. She led youth services and midweek gatherings, and she learned that a room of young people at 8 a.m. can be a tough audience. She believes that anyone who can lead that room can stand in front of almost any crowd.

Serving under a steady stream of guest preachers also taught her to adapt. Those conferences required her to flow with whoever was leading the moment. She now sings background for different artists, and she says that skill lets her follow each artist's direction. She credits her church's leaders, including Kathy McClary and Bonita and Mark McClary, with shaping her.

Relationships built through church community, mentorship, and discipleship form people in ways that a platform alone cannot. Jalisa's story shows that formation at work.

How did relationships shape her path?

Jalisa's early traveling years came with losses. She stepped away from some friendships during a season of personal change, and she felt guilty about missing Sundays. Over time, she says, God replaced those relationships with new ones on the road. "For every friend that I lost, I gained like three other ones," she said.

Her later lessons focused on not taking things personally. Success in the industry brought hurtful moments from people at home and in the business. She learned that other people are on their own journeys, and she stopped holding grudges. In recent years she has reached out to people to make things right, and she says she now has no bad blood with anyone.

What does Jalisa tell someone still serving at a local church?

Her advice is direct. Commit your plans to the Lord, and ask him to align your dreams with his will. Ask him daily to purify your heart, especially in frustrating seasons on Sunday morning. Keep working toward your goals, because opportunities often pass by people who have not prepared. Serve where God has planted you. She said she gives her all at her church, which is why she can give her all on any stage. "I could be in a storefront church and still giving 110%," she said.

How did Jalisa take this approach to a new city?

Jalisa moved from South Florida to Durham, North Carolina, to join World Overcomers Christian Church. Before the move, she visited regularly for about a year. She built friendships with the worship pastor, the band, the music pastor, and several associate pastors. Those relationships gave her peace before she left everything familiar. "You're not meant to do life alone," she said.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jalisa Faye? Jalisa Faye is a worship leader and background vocalist who also works as a vocal coach. She holds a music degree with a concentration in vocal performance and runs Find Your Voice Coaching Services. Her album was released in January 2023.

Why does Jalisa say a local church matters for artists? She says a local church provides covering and training, along with mentorship and lasting relationships. Her first major opportunity came from serving at her home church.

Where can you connect with Jalisa? She is active on Instagram and Facebook as Jalisa Faye, and on TikTok as the real Jalisa Faye. For coaching, follow Find Your Voice Coaching Services on Facebook.

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