Honor
Celebrate and name the beauty of God-given ethnic and cultural identity so ministry and marketplace leaders are seen, affirmed, and free.
Renewed in the gospel Honoring our culture Sent on mission
Where Gospel truth and African American faithfulness shape leaders for ministry
Contact UsKinship exists to see gospel renewal in African American ministry and marketplace leaders, empowering them to live from Christ-centered identity and lead with greater impact.
Three Core Pillars
Renewal
Gospel-centered renewal that addresses both heart and culture — worship, honest conversation, reflection, and theological formation.
Mission
Leadership development and discipleship that mobilizes leaders in ways that create longevity and resiliency for ministry work at home and abroad.
A multifaceted gospel renewal initiative that encourages and equips African American ministry workers
For Seasoned Leaders
You’ve led through joy and pain. Kinship is a place to be replenished, where worship, theological reflection, and leadership training honors your story and calls you deeper into gospel formation for the world mission field.
For Developing Leaders
Looking for a formation path that reflects your culture and convictions? Kinship is a place to learn gospel rhythms, practical leadership skills, and a theology of mission from teachers who share your story and speak into your context.
For Churches & Partners
Partner with Kinship to bring gospel renewal into your congregation — culturally relevant curriculum, small-group resources, and conference experiences that both honor tradition and renew toward mission.
Gospel-Centered. Culture-Honoring. Mission-Sent.
Created and led by African American ministry leaders
Contact UsKinship equips and affirms African American ministry leaders by exploring the gospel of grace in settings shaped and led by African Americans—fostering renewal of gospel-rooted identity, cultural celebration, and mission.
Kinship Conferences
A gospel gathering for African American leaders. Led by African American teachers, each event blends worship, testimony, small-group conversation, and teaching — creating space for honest reflection, renewal, and a renewed call to mission.
Kinship Curriculum & Resources
A curriculum that speaks our story. Equips individuals, small groups, and whole churches with gospel-centered study guides, leader notes, and worship resources that reflect African American life and theological reflection, for personal reflection and missional action.
Leadership Development & Discipleship
Formed for gospel leadership. Sent for mission. Leadership cohorts, mentorship, and pathways prepare leaders for long-term service. Cohort training and discipleship pathways equip leaders for long-term service on the mission field and in multicultural contexts.
Our most frequently asked questions.
Is Kinship only for pastors?
No, Kinship is for seasoned and developing African American ministry leaders across church and parachurch contexts.
Who leads the teaching?
Kinship material and conferences are created and led by African American pastors and teachers – intentionally.
How is Kinship different from other renewal programs?
Kinship centers culture and gospel together: worship, reflection, and instruction shaped by Black experiences – with practical pathways toward mission and leadership.
Meet Kellie
Kellie Brown is the Program Leader for Kinship Initiatives on the Serge Renewal team. Originally from St. Louis, MO, she moved to the South to attend Valdosta State University, earning a BFA in Theater & Broadcasting in 1995. For over 25 years, Kellie has served in church ministry, including co-founding Christ Central Church in Charlotte, NC, where she held the roles of Worship & Arts Director and Women’s Shepherd.
She has worked with the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) as a Church Planting Assessor and Operations Director for African American Ministries (AAM). Kellie and her husband, Rev. Howard A. Brown, are now planting a church in Atlanta, GA. She consults on topics like women in leadership, multi-ethnic church planting, and music ministry. Kellie is a proud mom of two college-aged sons and enjoys music, sci-fi, theater, red wine, and cooking for friends and family.
You can reach her at kbrown@serge.org.
