Meet Kelly James | Pastor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly James and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
I want to finish strong — in the same community where I began.
A life poured out for one place, one people, one mission. Through years of serving in the local church, I want my consistency, faithfulness, and love to stand as a quiet testimony to what it means to truly stay.

In a world where communities change and people move on, I want to be known as “The One Who Stayed.”
The one who saw the shifts, the needs, the heartbreak — and kept showing up anyway.
The one who listened, served, and kept pointing others to Jesus, again and again.

I pastor a church just a mile and a half from my elementary school. That proximity isn’t accidental — it’s a symbol of everything I hope to be: present, rooted, invested.
Because behind every face — young or old, rich or poor, any race or background — is a heart. A heart in need of hope, love, and a better way.

That’s what I want my legacy to be: not the size of the platform or the reach of my voice, but the quiet power of presence.
I want to be remembered as the one who stayed — and never stopped loving, never stopped serving, never stopped believing that Jesus can meet every need.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a young musician growing up in church, all I wanted to do was play music. Nothing else mattered — just the music. That passion, paired with my upbringing in a small, local Baptist church, stirred something deeper: the pursuit of a life in ministry.

Being self-taught, I found my way to Pathway Church in the early ’90s. I could sing and play, but I didn’t yet know how to lead people — or a congregation. Dropped into the heart of a multicultural church in the Pleasant Grove area of Dallas, I quickly learned that leading meant more than just music. It meant understanding and embracing the culture and people around me. It was my job to fit the culture and not expect it to fit me!

That began a journey — one that led to creating a sound that reflected both the congregation and the community. Alongside a group of talented musicians, singers, and an incredible choir, we developed what became known as Pathway Music. It was more than just worship — it was a reflection of culture. From traditional hymns to Black gospel and even Latin rhythms, our sound was a celebration of diversity, community and unity in Christ.

After decades of writing songs, releasing music, and watching our church worship with one voice, the next chapter came into view — stepping into the role of lead pastor. The same congregation that allowed me to find my musical voice gave me the grace to grow as their shepherd.

We’ve walked through joy and heartache, sang songs, preached sermons, prayed prayers, and remained faithful — together — in our community.

Now, we step into a new season as we build a new church home in the Mesquite/Sunnyvale area. And with that same heart, we will continue to grow, serve our neighbors, help the hurting, and love the lost — all while pointing people to Jesus.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A trip to downtown Dallas isn’t complete without visiting the JFK Museum — a must for history enthusiasts. While you’re downtown, be sure to experience the iconic Reunion Tower for views of the city.

On a beautiful day, head to Uptown for some shopping and exploring. It’s the perfect place to spend the afternoon.

If you’re in town during a game, check out the local sports scene! Whether it’s Cowboys football, Mavs basketball, Rangers baseball, or Stars hockey, Dallas has something exciting for every sports fan.

And, of course, great food!!! Be sure to grab Mexican food at El Fenix and Terry Black’s BBQ — two Dallas classics!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
– To my wife — your constant presence and quiet strength have been my anchor. You’ve always been there, and I’m forever grateful.

– To my daughters — thank you for making me a girl dad. What an honor. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

– To my sons-in-law — thank you for loving my girls so well. It means the world to me.

– To my granddaughter — becoming G-Pop has opened a whole new place in my heart. I thought I had no more love to give… until you.

– To my parents — your love and longevity shaped me. Thank you for showing me the way.

– To the beautiful family of Pathway Church — Sundays with you are the best part of my week. You are more than a church. You are home.

– And to Jesus — there aren’t enough words. Everything I am is because of You.

Website: https://polc.cc

Instagram: https://kelly.g.james

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/kelly-james-91423b307

Facebook: https://facebook.com/kellyjamesmusic