Perspective: A Fresh Look at The Bowling Family

By Melissa Joy Wright

Google defines the word per-spec-tive “perspective” as a particular attitude toward, or way of regarding something; a point of view. Google defines the word fresh “fresh”as recently created or experienced, and not faded or impaired. Let’s take a look at The Bowling Family with fresh perspective. This family group has deep roots in Southern Gospel music, and The Bowlings combine a beautiful bridge from a solid past to a youthful future.

Youth is the perfect word to describe the newest full time member of this mixed quartet. Hope is the 14-year-old daughter of Mike and Kelly Bowling. This sweet little face is becoming a vocal dynamo! She sings with a big voice that commands the audience’s attention.   “Hope brings a fresh outlook and youthful zeal to our group,” says Troy Peach. Both Mike and Kelly agree with Troy.   “She has a young perspective that is rare in our music,” Kelly mentions. Mike agrees that Hope’s young talent is an attribute to the group’s ministry. Hope shares, “I’m an avid reader. I like reading the Bible and fiction.” She has a humble spirit and shared her desire to be a Godly woman who also has a funny side!

Speaking of humor, Troy Peach is this group’s funny guy. He always has a smile on his face, and as Hope relays, “Troy is a people-person, who likes to interact with everyone.” Troy started his gospel career playing drums for his family group when he was just five years old. This is a man who wears many hats, and does it successfully. He helps manage the group, is an audio expert who runs sound flawlessly, and sings well. His voice and style convey a passion for the truth of the lyric he is singing.

Troy believes in the true faithfulness of God. He says, “The Bible tells us God was tempted in all points, so He understands us, no matter what we get ourselves into.” Troy is married to the beautiful Katy Peach and the two share twin boys Clayton and Shelton. Last summer at vacation bible school, both boys accepted Christ as their personal savior at the age of seven years old, and Troy says it is the highlight of parenting, watching his children maturing spiritually. Mike and Kelly both agree that Troy is a very hard worker, who never quits and has an excellent work ethic. Troy strives to be the ‘Real Deal’ that is the same guy once, twice, and every time you see him.

Kelly conveys the same thought. She wants to be the ‘Real Deal’: genuine. Everyone who knows her confirms that she definitely is. Kelly grew up singing with her brothers and sister as a member of the Singing Crabb Family, and now with her husband and three daughters, she is carrying on a legacy of ministry.

Speaking affectionately of his wife, Mike says, “Kelly has a heart for God and ministry. She loves the Lord and is a great wife and mother.” Kelly’s desire is that all people know that Jesus loves them, and God has a plan for them no matter who they are or what they’ve done. Hope says, “My Mom is the one who will go pray with someone, even if it stops the concert set.”

Kelly is a sensitive woman who cries every time she hears the song, “Wind Beneath my Wings”, and her fans find her down-to-earth personality sweet, and very easy to talk to. Troy speaks jointly of this couple saying, “Mike and Kelly have a very special anointing on their life since the bus crash in July of 2010. God has touched them, and they don’t take this anointing for granted.”

Mike Bowling has had the touch of God on his life since he was very young. In fact, while he was in the 10th grade, his parents allowed him to leave public school and go on the road full time with the LeFevres, singing gospel music, while accomplishing home schooling. He’s been singing and sharing the love of God for 33 years.

Hope says of her dad, “He’s the face of our group, the one everyone knows.” Mike has a soulful voice that allows the message in a song to penetrate the heart of the listener. “He brings wisdom and experience to our ministry, and as a man, he is even-tempered and loyal,” says wife Kelly. Mike has a tremendous love for his God, family and friends, and wants people to know how much our faithful Lord loves and cares for them. He is proud of all three of his daughters, watching them grow in the Lord.

The two youngest Bowling girls, Katelanne and Gracie, join their older sister Hope on stage and sing as The Bowling Sisters. Their harmony is perfect and their sweet little spirits are uplifting to the listener’s soul. Kelly beams and says of her daughters’ singing for the Lord, “It is the most rewarding experience in my life, and my cheeks hurt from smiling so much just watching them.”

“It is my goal in life for my kids to know Jesus and have that personal relationship with Him,” says Mike. “All three of the girls have accepted Christ as their personal Savior, and my desire is they will always serve him.” Hope loves singing with her little sisters, citing Gracie as the little star that makes everyone laugh and Katelanne as the sweet one that always brings a smile.

Not to be forgotten is the quiet demeanor of John Jeffrey. John helps run sound and plays the piano for the group, while doing the bus driving duties as well. He has a kind, smiling face, and is always quick with a warm greeting for fans. He doesn’t miss a beat changing the set list in the middle of a concert to accommodate a request, or the leading of the Holy Spirit in a different direction.

The Bowlings are not just an anointed southern gospel group, but they are a well-practiced team. They have a beautiful sound, great songs, wonderful stage presence, and an attitude of ministry and worship that is both genuine and humble.

We hope you will attend a Bowlings concert at a venue near you. For more information, visit http://www.bowlingsonline.com/ /

Written by Melissa Joy Wright

First Published by SGN Scoops digital magazine in August 2014

For current issues of SGN Scoops, visit http://www.sgnscoops.com/