By Bryson Foster | July 22, 2026
Charlotte Hornets Chaplain Colin Pinkney gives back to the community in many ways, driven since childhood by God’s calling on his life.
“I am a kingdom-minded servant leader,” said Pinkney.
Outside of the Hornets, Pinkney serves as CEO of The Harvest Center of Charlotte, a grassroots ministry founded over 40 years ago to offer long-term support and resources to neighbors in need.
Pinkney has served at the Harvest Center for 13 years, overseeing operations and long-term strategy. The Harvest Center is currently building a clubhouse with a 20,000-square-foot gymnasium for those affected by homelessness and poverty.
These roles have enabled Pinkney to showcase his God-given talents.
“God has blessed me with a reserve of experiences, learnings and opportunities that I don't want to leave in the grave when I die,” said Pinkney. “I want to pass those things on and make sure that I get outside my soul the things that have helped me be what people might say is successful.”
Beginnings
Pinkney, originally from Fayetteville, N.C., was one of nine siblings. His parents' separation in 1975 created financial hardship as his mother tried to raise them. When things seemed dire, his oldest brother, Reggie, was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 1976 NFL Draft.
Pinkney gave his life to Christ at the age of 11. His first experience with God came during kids' church at the local chapel.
“That night, the Bible study teacher read John 3:16 and asked the question that has been the foundation of my life. The question was, ‘Does anybody want to be loved like that?’,” said Pinkney. “I was a broken-hearted little boy, longing for his earthly father to come back into his life after the separation, but instead fell in love with his heavenly father that night and gave my life to the Lord.”
Pinkney did not begin receiving mentorship in his spiritual walk until he attended North Carolina State University to study engineering in 1983. He got involved with the United Student Fellowship, leading him down a path of service ministry.
Work-life balance
During college, Pinkney learned the value of serving people well and operating with excellence while working at McDonald’s. He rose through the ranks and began working with the McDonald’s Community Team.
Pinkney made the jump to general manager at Marriott International in 1992. The community ambassador program allowed him to continue to give back.
“Those career paths shaped my heart for the community,” said Pinkney. “Then, in my spiritual walk, I was learning at the same time how Jesus wanted to walk with me in those spaces. Over time, I learned to integrate my giftedness and business work with my spiritual gifts to impact the community for the kingdom of God.”
In the following years, he served as general manager at Sree Hotels from 2000 to 2003 and then began working in the non-profit sector as executive director at Urban Restoration in 2005.
Pinkney was moving toward a full-time ministry position when one event changed his outlook on life.
“On Oct. 3, 2004, I had a full-on heart attack,” said Pinkney. “That's when I understood that God has given all of us an appointed time here on earth, and He's called us to fulfill our mission and purpose. Having that hard episode really opened my eyes.”
Stepping into chaplaincy
Pinkney made a full recovery from his heart attack and became more determined than ever. At a local Charlotte church, Pinkney was serving as a Sunday school leader when a connection with Charlotte Hornets legend Dell Curry led him to chaplaincy work.
“Oftentimes, Dell [Curry] would come by. He was a member of that church, and that's when he was still playing, and I got to know him,” said Pinkney. “When the Charlotte Bobcats came in 2004, Dell tagged Perry Tuttle and me to be chaplains. We got called up, and we've been doing it ever since. That came out of a church relationship from years prior with Dell.”
Pinkney has worked for the Hornets for over 20 years. Amid the chaos of the NBA, he said helping players understand their greater purpose is critical to their spiritual journeys.
“Sitting with young athletes and coaches and daring to tell them that their calling in life has to be greater than basketball,” said Pinkney. “That can't be your God. The most important thing for me in this work is helping these young men grapple with that because for some it's the first time they've heard the notion that they're not the GOAT, but there is a GOAT and his name is Jesus.”
Working with athletes has led Pinkney to take deeper steps in his own faith walk.
“Being a chaplain makes me more intentional about studying the Word of God and bringing it to these young men in a relevant, truthful way, even as everything in the world tries to get their attention,” said Pinkney.
During his journey as a chaplain, Pinkney has received crucial support from CEDE SPORTS.
“For me, CEDE SPORTS has been more than just an organization. It's been a real friend,” said Pinkney. “I think of those friendships as the foundation of my own chaplaincy. CEDE SPORTS is lifting others up in relationships. That's what every chaplain needs. If he's going to finish his race well, chaplains need good friends and relationships.”
Pinkney is thankful for his friendship with CEDE SPORTS Founder and CEO Bob Dyar, who has been a mentor to him.
“When I think of CEDE SPORTS, Bob Dyar comes to mind,” said Pinkney. “Bob [Dyar] has been a present mentor and role model for me, allowing me to come into the spaces over at Joe Gibbs Racing to see the impact of the work and the opportunity for chaplaincy.”
Life philosophy
As Pinkney navigates his own spiritual journey, one Biblical truth stands out to him.
“There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” said Pinkney. “I've found that even when I thought I wasn't worthy, God was still there. The greatest truth I hold on to is that I really believe Jesus loves the little children. And I'm one of His children.”
Pinkney is a father of six and has been married for over 30 years. His family’s support has pushed him to go further.
“The number one lesson I have learned as a father is to be a better listener,” said Pinkney. “My family has been gracious to me, allowing me to find my way, even though it wasn't easy. It hasn't always been fun. They've seen me at my lowest points. They've seen the shrapnel that comes from being in ministry.”
Looking forward, Pinkney is excited for his next chapter.
“The next stage for me is finding ways to disciple backward by sharing wisdom with the younger generation, whether it's in books, speaking or moving more broadly around the country and even the world to share what I know to be the good news of the gospel,” said Pinkney.
To learn more about Pinkney and support his ministry, visit https://theharvestcenter.org.