Life & Work with Ellie DelTurco of Pittsburgh, PA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellie DelTurco.

Hi Ellie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was raised just outside of Denver in a town called Littleton, and I can honestly say that my journey began in the sanctuary of our local church, Orchard Road Christian Center. The ministry of Wallace and Marilyn Hickey, along with the kids and youth programs there, deeply shaped my faith and planted the earliest seeds of my calling. I spent ten foundational years in that community, and it was there that I first discovered a love for worship, a sensitivity to the Spirit, and the power of music to move hearts.

I started leading worship as a teenager, and though I was still finding my voice (literally and spiritually), something came alive in me when I helped others encounter God through song. That early passion led me to pursue worship ministry more seriously, and over the years I’ve worn a lot of hats—worship leader, vocal coach, songwriter, creative director, and mentor.

Today, I serve as the Worship Director at Hill City Church in Pittsburgh, PA. I also coach emerging worship leaders, write and release original music, and run a small portfolio of short-term rentals with my husband in Monaca, PA. In all of it—music, ministry, hospitality—I’m driven by the same purpose I discovered back in Littleton: to create spaces where people can experience truth, beauty, and the presence of God.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—but I’ve found that the bumps and detours have shaped me just as much as the victories. One of the biggest challenges has been navigating seasons of hiddenness and disappointment, especially when it felt like my calling was on pause or my progress had stalled. There have been moments where I wrestled with doubt—wondering if I was still on the right path, or if what I carried even mattered.

In 2018, I walked through one of the hardest years of my life, both physically and spiritually. It was a season of forced rest, and it felt like everything I had worked so hard to build was being buried. But during that time, God gave me a picture of a seed—how it must go into the ground before it can bloom. What looks like death is often preparation. That revelation became the heart behind my latest original release, a song titled “Bloom”, and it continues to shape the way I move through slow seasons now.

I’ve also had to learn how to lead while healing, how to stay faithful when I feel unseen, and how to trust God’s timing more than my own plans. Those struggles have deepened my character and refined my “why”—and I’m grateful for them, even when they didn’t make sense in the moment.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As an artist and creative, I live at the intersection of worship, storytelling, and mentorship. I specialize in helping people connect with God through music that’s both reverent and relatable—songs that are rooted in Scripture but honest about real life. I’ve been leading worship for over 15 years and have had the privilege of guiding teams, coaching vocalists, and curating worship experiences that prioritize presence over performance.

In addition to leading at Hill City Church, I coach emerging worship leaders—teaching pop-based vocal technique, leadership skills, and the heart behind worship. I absolutely love watching someone go from unsure and hidden to confident, equipped, and bold in their calling. That transformation never gets old.

As a songwriter, I write from lived experience—often pulling from seasons of waiting, wilderness, or wonder. My recent project Bloom is one I’m especially proud of, because it came from a place of deep surrender. I’m currently working on a new four-song EP inspired by the gaits of a horse—walk, trot, canter, and gallop. I’ve been a lifelong equestrian and foxhunter, a love that was actually sparked during my childhood in Colorado while riding at a place called The Village Club. This project is the epitome of a collection of songs that only I could write—blending themes of faith, surrender, and pursuit with the rhythm and movement of the saddle.

What sets me apart is probably the hybrid nature of my calling—I’m not just a vocalist or just a songwriter or just a coach. I carry all three roles with equal passion, and I think that gives me a unique perspective when I’m building a setlist, writing a lyric, or walking someone through their next step in ministry. I’m proud of the spaces I’ve helped create—whether it’s a song, a service, or a home—where people can breathe deep, feel known, and encounter God in a meaningful way.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think risk and faith often walk hand in hand—especially when you’re building something creative, spiritual, or deeply personal. I wouldn’t describe myself as naturally fearless, but I’ve learned that obedience almost always requires risk. Whether it’s launching something new, stepping into leadership, or writing a song that feels too raw, I’ve found that the best outcomes usually live on the other side of discomfort.

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was walking away from a comfortable, familiar ministry role to pursue something new and uncertain. It meant leaving behind stability, relationships, and a rhythm I knew well, all because I sensed God calling me into a different season. That leap eventually led me to a new church that was still in its early days—set-up/tear-down, figuring things out, and building from the ground up. It also opened the door to launch my vocal coaching work and gave me deeper clarity around my voice as a songwriter and creative mentor. At the time, I couldn’t see how it would all work out—but I knew that staying safe would mean staying stuck.

Now, I view risk less as recklessness and more as a willingness to move before all the details make sense. If you’re listening, discerning, and rooted in God’s voice, taking a step of faith isn’t irresponsible—it’s the most aligned thing you can do. Risk has stretched my trust, refined my vision, and unlocked doors I never would’ve had the courage to knock on without it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://elliedelturco.com
• Instagram: @elliedelturco
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaTD9EetgnLbF1KYtMFCiKA
• Other: https://wingsmusic.lnk.to/Bloom

Image Credits
Mark Cunzolo, Celestial Photography