JUNE ALUMNI FEATURE
When God’s Faithfulness Looks Different
Colby Crenshaw
Palm Valley Church, Mission, TX
Posted on June 1, 2026
Colby Crenshaw never imagined his calling would lead him to South Texas. What began as a one-year internship opportunity after graduating from Highlands College became the place where God would expand his understanding of ministry, leadership, and faithfulness in ways he never expected.
Now serving on the Worship and Production team at Palm Valley Church in Mission, Texas, Colby oversees the onboarding process for worship team members across all three campuses. Every system he creates, every team he equips, and every service he helps prepare strengthen the local church and build on the foundation formed in him at Highlands College.
When Colby arrived at Palm Valley in early 2022, the Church was emerging from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many churches, Palm Valley was rebuilding in-person attendance and restoring rhythms of community. Weekly discipleship classes and small groups were creating space for connection, and momentum was beginning to return.
Since opening the third campus in Edinburg nearly two years ago, Palm Valley Church has experienced rapid growth, tripling its weekly attendance and adding services to accommodate its growing congregation.
With the Church’s expansion came new leadership opportunities for Colby. He took on greater responsibility by training current and future Dream Team members and leading scheduling, service flow, and communication for the worship team, including helping launch Development and Vocal Classroom Sessions.
“Within a worship team, there is no separation between those leading a song and singing background vocals,” Colby said. “On paper, there are song leaders, but we are all there to do the same thing: spread the love of God through song. Our culture is one of working together. There is no ‘I’ in team.”
As his role continued to evolve, Colby began to recognize that God was expanding his understanding of ministry beyond what he had originally imagined.
“I thought that I was only meant to be a Worship Leader, but I have been put into positions that forced me out of my comfort zone. Even though I thought my life would look one way, it doesn’t mean that the Lord can’t shift it to work better for His good.”
Palm Valley’s growth also reflected a deeper commitment to being a place where people from all backgrounds belong. In the predominantly Hispanic Rio Grande Valley, Colby recognized that his presence as an African American worship leader was uncommon. But serving in a multicultural, multiracial church reinforced the leadership principles he developed at Highlands College to share in Kingdom purpose and build the local church. Through Palm Valley’s partnerships and mission opportunities, Colby has seen how the Gospel is advancing in different contexts around the world.
This perspective shapes not only how Colby leads, but also how he encourages others to step into ministry. His advice reflects both humility and confidence in God’s process.
“I chose ministry because I fully believe that it is the call of my life, and I know that I am where the Lord wants me to be,” Colby said. “Learn at any opportunity, even if you don’t like it or aren’t interested. You never know what will come out of it. Learn how not to quit and trust that the Lord will give you the strength to go on.”
As he and his wife prepare to welcome their first child, Colby continues trusting the same God who has led him through every season. He encourages others in ministry to do the same.
“Take in the experience. Trust that the Lord will direct your path and see you through,” he said. “Don’t forget who all the work is for: the Lord. Invite Him into everything, no matter how small you think it is, and He will guide you.”
It is a simple statement, but one that reflects the deeper truth of Colby’s story. Even when the path looks different from what was expected, God’s faithfulness remains the same.