The RenewaNation Review 2020 The Collingsworth Family Special Edition | Page 29

By Dr. Kimberly Pennington
talking after that,” Courtney recalled. She realized Michael
was God’s choice for her based on their similar backgrounds
and her family’s love for him. “His good looks didn’t hurt
anything either, but his desire to follow God was very attrac-
tive to me,” she said. Eventually, Michael realized that he
did not want to live without Courtney, and the two became
husband and wife in 2011, six years after they met.
During their first year of marriage, Michael was complet-
ing his undergraduate degree in biomedical science to
become a physician’s assistant. God began to change his
career goals and opened doors for him to travel more with
The Collingsworth Family. He joined the ministry full time
in 2014.
Today, the couple serves the family ministry in a variety
of capacities. Courtney’s most visible role is on stage as the
group’s alto singer and violinist who, along with sister Brook-
lyn, inspires audiences with instrumental duets. “Watching
a song connect with an audience and hearing stories of how
our songs encourage someone is my favorite part of this
ministry. Nothing is more fulfilling to me,” she said. She has
also been struck by her family’s unity in a world filled with
fractured families. “When it comes to the family ministry,
my parents have a certain standard for how we interact with
each other.”
Michael is not far behind his wife in terms of public
visibility. “As The Collingsworth Family product manag-
er, I am usually the first to meet many of the fans as they
arrive for the concert. As a result, I have learned to become
much more outgoing. Phil and Kim want hospitality to be
a high priority,” he explained. “I love interacting with so
many people, and I’m very conscious that the way I treat
them reflects on this ministry. We do our best to make every
concert attendee have a positive, encouraging, and Christ-
filled evening.” Michael also serves as the ministry’s media
director controlling the lyrics, graphics, and camera shots
audiences see on-screen during concerts.
Because her parents wanted their children to have skills
in areas other than music, Courtney pursued photography
and completed a correspondence course through the New
York Institute of Photography. That landed her the role
of art director for the family’s first music video, filmed in
2019. “I chose the outfits and helped with the decorations,
backdrops, and overall look of the video,” she said. She also
ministers to female fans. “I love to chat with other ladies
and connect with them via social media. I am active on my
Instagram page, posting a lot of stories about our everyday
life and behind the scenes on the road. In turn, I receive a
lot of messages about everyday stuff to more serious topics.”
Off the road at home, Courtney can be found photograph-
ing weddings, advertising for clothing companies on social
media (particularly modest feminine clothing), and keeping
up with household chores. Michael spends his time working
on house flipping and other home projects, woodworking,
and videography. He especially enjoys drone videography.
“We love to work together,” Courtney said. “Whether it
be brainstorming for new concert or merchandise ideas or
remodeling a house, we thrive together. We bounce ideas off
each other constantly. Michael is more of a practical thinker,
and I am more of a dreamer, so it gives us different perspec-
tives. We are definitely better together.” ■
“OUR MOST IMPORTANT
GOAL IS TO GROW TOGETHER
SPIRITUALLY AND TO SEEK
GOD’S WILL IN OUR LIVES.”