Return to the Clay Crosse home page
Return to the Christian Music Lighthouse home page


Artists evolve. It’s a given. They start out somewhere and over the course of time they usually change and become something much different than when they first started out. Sometimes this change is tough for diehard fans to swallow. Other times though, the change is a welcome sight and the "new artist" is better than the original version.

"I know that I have changed over the years. Whatever it is that I have become, I just hope that my fans know that I have been following the Lord all the way to this place where He has brought me." says Clay Crosse.

 The "place the Lord has brought him," is a ministry that has grown new arms over the past few years. "Lately, God has been telling me to expand my ministry in different ways. One way has been to no longer call it ‘my ministry.’ It’s OUR ministry." says Crosse.

The "our" Clay speaks of refers to the new ministry that includes his wife, Renee. She now joins Clay at many of his live appearances. Together, Clay and Renee tell the intimate and personal testimony of how God turned their marriage around in 1998.

The teaming of Clay and Renee has been a powerful combination that has inspired and challenged audiences nationwide. "We pray that God continues to equip us and send us to people who need this message. God did such a dramatic re-modeling in our marriage and we want others to know that He wants to do the same for them." said Renee.

Clay and Renee have also written a book on this testimony titled, "We Need To Talk." "The book tells an honest and real story of how God shook us up and loved us back to him." says Clay.

Their passion on this topic has further inspired Clay and Renee to organize HolyHomes Ministry, a non-profit ministry fully devoted to the goal of purifying Christian homes. "God calls us to have holy homes." said Renee, "It’s not a gentle request. He commands it. He desires that Christian homes stand out and be separate from other homes. Much of this comes down to what we are allowing in via the television, internet and other media outlets. We need to put our foot down and declare, "Not in this home. This is a holy home!"

The newfound ministry with Renee along with his normal solo concerts and recording might cause one to think that Clay enjoys putting his feet up and relaxing while at home. "Well……..not exactly." says Clay. "God has also shown me that I need to plug in here locally at my home church. My ministry used to consist of one thing…me going out and doing shows on the road." Clay says. "Then I’d come home and consider myself done with the work."

That has all changed for the 3-time Dove Award winner. Crosse now serves as full-time worship leader at his home church in Memphis Tennessee, (TLC community church). "Now, I really don’t look at being home as being "off work." Crosse says. "I feel a deep calling to be all that I can be for the ministry of TLC."

TLC is a church plant from Germantown Baptist Church and is pastored by Dana Key, (formerly of the group, DeGarmo & Key). "Having Clay as our worship leader is another confirmation that God has big plans for this church." states Key. "His heart for true and free worship is becoming a signature of our services."

Clay’s wife, Renee is also serving there in the role of leader of women’s activities. "Clay and I are so blessed to have been given the opportunity to serve here. TLC is such a special place and we believe that God is going to draw many people to Himself through the ministry here!"

 "It’s been amazing to look at the path that God has laid out for me.", says Clay. "Back in 1994, He launched me on to the Christian music scene and sent me around the world to sing. Now, along with that, He has called me to serve at my home church too. I never would have thought it possible, but God continues to amaze me with open doors."

As Clay continues to evolve in his service for Christ, he openly admits where he gains his energy and drive. "Sometimes I feel unworthy. Unqualified. Unable. That’s when God covers me with a peace. With that peace, He is telling me that all these tasks He is putting in front of me have ALREADY been planned out by HIM! Talk about a confidence builder! That’s where I find the capability to do all these different jobs, through His strength and leading."
Click here to read the biography for "Christmas"