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Is it possible to sing on big stages with legendary artists like The Clark Sisters - yet have equal respect for the work that very few people will see?
Worship leader, minister, vocalist and author Kelli Kinney Brownlee would say the answer is yes - and she has proven it by navigating her roles as a background vocalist and a leader in ministry with equal passion and dedication.
Starting from her early days growing up in a small town in West Virginia, the priority of ministry and authentic worship was ingrained in Kelli through her experiences as a young vocalist and worship leader, but she didn’t see the full potential of her gift until a stop in Detroit altered the course of her life.
Having spent years as a professional background vocalist with Dorinda Clark-Cole, Deitrick Haddon, Shana Wilson, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and countless other artists in the gospel music circle, she has seen what it takes to remain a trusted and respected part of an industry-leading musical team that demands excellence.
However, her heart for ministry was not crowded out by her inclusion in these tight-knit communities of Grammy and Stellar winning artists - instead, she finds just as much fulfillment and joy using her gifts to equip and encourage those she was called to serve at the local level.
In this heart-felt and eye-opening interview, Kelli reveals:
- The foundational characteristics of ministry she learned from her small-town beginnings
- How her original plan to move to LA was redirected and led her to meeting and working with Dorinda Clark-Cole
- Her experiences with singing with the Clark Sisters and how the relationship between artist and background vocalist develops.
- The importance of knowing your role as a support for the artist - especially in practicing discretion and exercising professionalism
- Why being on stage can’t be the only place where your gifts in ministry are used.
- How she intentionally prioritizes her family and ministry responsibilities
- How being a background singer can sometimes become a crutch under which you can hide your other gifts.
Quotables from Kelli
I never want to lead from my gifts. I want to lead from my relationship with God.
From our being, comes our doing. Not the other way around.
He didn’t give me a gift because he loves me. He loves me, and the gifts just come naturally.
It doesn’t make any sense to be leading other people well and not leading well in my own home.
Links:
Follow Kelli on Facebook
Follow Kelli on Instagram
More About the God and Gigs Show
Welcome to The God and Gigs Show, the podcast for Christian creators who want to build a creator lifestyle that honors God and gives you the joy and satisfaction you've always wanted.
This isn't a show about hustle culture or chasing the next algorithm trick. We go beyond surface-level tips to talk about what it actually looks like to create from a place of faith — practical strategies for podcasting, content creation, and growing a creative business that lasts. You'll hear conversations about staying consistent without burning out. We also dig into finding your creative voice along the way, even when ministry, family, and work are all pulling at the same hours.
Whether you're just exploring your creative gifts, or you've been creating professionally for years, this show gives Christian creators practical tools and spiritual encouragement to fully embrace God's creative calling - at any level of skill or vocational ability. The goal is to help you create consistently and embrace God's will for your creative life without sacrificing your calling.
Your host and founder is Allen C. Paul — podcaster, musician, author, and speaker based in South Florida. We started this show to help creators thrive in faith, business, and creativity through simple, practical solutions.
We'll cover questions like:
- How do I work in secular arts and entertainment without losing my faith focus?
- What does it actually look like to build a creative business as a Christian?
- How can I stay consistent with content creation without burning out?
- What's the difference between hustle culture and sustainable creative work?
- How do I find my voice as a faith-driven or creator?
- How can I balance ministry, family, and creative work?
- What are practical first steps to working as a Christian creator?
If you've been searching for honest conversations about faith and creativity, keeping your family and relationships as your first priority, or how to build a business that honors your calling, you're in the right place. Join us every week as we help you become the creator you were created to be.
Connect with us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/godandgigs and learn more about the God and Gigs 360 community at https://godandgigs.com/membership.
Have more questions? Check out our FAQ page on The God and Gigs Show