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For over 40 years, Michael W. Smith has been making waves in Christian music, and now he's sharing all the good and bad he's encountered along the way.
In his professional CCM career, Smith has many accolades to his name, including 45 Dove Awards, three Grammys and more than 18 million albums sold.
However, in a recent interview, Smith is opening up about the dangers he has faced in the Christian music industry.
"My identity is not being Michael W. Smith the artist," said Smith. "The things that are near and dear and more important to me are, first and foremost, my relationship with Lord. Then my family, my wife, my kids, my grandkids, my friends that I walk through life with."
He included the fact that, "Your craft can't be your identity. If it is, it will consume you, and not in a good way."
Staying Current Yet True to the Faith
Smith is still writing and releasing songs and albums, with his latest single called "Your Love is a Flood," which was released on July 25, 2025.
"This song is about the overwhelming grace of God. And how, even in hard times, I wake up every day knowing I’m loved. It’s a worship song, but with a pop edge. I don’t really care about labels. It’s just honest."
The song has Euro pop vibes sprinkled throughout, which is fitting as Smith continues to tour around Europe.
"We debuted ‘Flood’ during the spring leg of the tour, and people were shocked, in a good way," says Smith. "We played it in the Netherlands with a 400-voice choir and 15,000 people. It was electric. I don’t like being away from home as much anymore. But I still feel called. When I see people’s lives being changed, especially in places like Europe, where there’s so much hunger for God, that’s what keeps me going."
Reflecting on His Success
The 67-year-old father and grandfather also took time to reflect on his early success in the 80s.
"In the ’80s, I dealt with a lot of guilt. If I messed up, I’d beat myself up. I got legalistic. That’s immaturity. But as you walk with the Lord longer, you grow. You start to really understand grace. You read Scripture and realize He’s for you. He’s not looking to crush you. That changes everything."
While Smith won many awards and has been recognized for his talents by the world, he shares that he is committed to stay grounded in his faith and life.
"Back in the day, it was about how many records we sold, what awards we won. I was young, kind of immature. I got caught up in it. I wish I could go back and talk to that younger version of myself. You start to believe the press, you start to think it’s about you. But it’s not. Now, every night before I go on stage, I pray: Let my posture be pure. Let me walk out in humility."
Scandals and Fame in Christian Music
Smith also opened up about the current state of CCM music, and how for some artists, it can chew them up and spit them out.
"The spotlight can be dangerous. So I do everything I can to deflect the glory, to keep it on Him. There’s a lot of great stuff happening, but I also see this surge of fame, and I worry about that. If you’re not grounded, it can consume you."
One of the top artists in CCM that is actually making waves on secular music charts as well is Forrest Frank.
"I pray for Forrest," Smith said. "He’s filling arenas and boldly pointing people to Jesus. That’s amazing. But I hope he stays grounded. I hope he’s got good people around him."
While Smith didn't comment specifically on everything that happened recently with Michael Tait and the Newsboys, he did talk about the need for artists to be humble.
"I think there is a purging going on, and God's looking for people who are passionate and hungry for the things of God. That's what He's looking for."
Smith will continue touring throughout the fall across the U.S.A.