Kelly worked with youth from 1996-2005, at which point he headed to Virginia to attend Liberty Theological Seminary. After graduating with his Masters of Divinity in 2008, Kelly spent two years serving in Fargo ND, before making his way to Hope Community in 2010 as an associate pastor of small groups and discipleship, becoming head pastor shortly thereafter. Pastor Kelly met his wife, Cheryl, at college, they were married in 1999 and have 3 sons and 1 daughter.