Christian artist Michael W. Smith is urging us to keep worship from becoming “celebrity-driven.”
“I just think we have to be careful that this thing is not celebrity-driven,” he told The Christian Post. “We can all say, ‘Well, oh, we’re doing it all for Him.’ But you watch social media, and it’s just a little me-focused.”
Smith made it clear he’s not “throwing anyone in particular under the bus” but said modern worshippers might have “lost the reverence” they once had.
“As we’re leading worship, we’re not supposed to be a celebrity. We’re supposed to kind of disappear, honestly, and our goal is to change the atmosphere and allow God to meet people,” he concluded. “That’s our job.”
Michael W. Smith warns worship leaders: ‘The Lord doesn’t share His glory with anybody’ https://t.co/kbEtH4tWT0
— The Christian Post (@ChristianPost) August 12, 2026
Related: Grammy Award Winner Michael W. Smith on the Impact of Worship Music
Smith recently shared his testimony with Pastor Greg Laurie, saying he came to faith at age 10.
“It was an epiphany,” he said. “I was with my buddies on the back pew. Heard the message over and over…And all of a sudden, the lightbulb went off. And I remember going, ‘Oh my gosh, He really is who He said He was.’”
However, Smith has been open about his stumbles, particularly his descent into drug and alcohol abuse.
“I hit rock bottom,” he said of his overdose. “I felt beyond a shadow of a doubt that [God] was laying on the floor with me, with His arm around me saying, “It’s gonna be okay.” And I haven’t been the same since that day.”
In addition to sharing his faith through his music, Smith recently signed on to produce upcoming biblical epic DANIEL AND THE FIERY FURNACE.
“The story of Daniel is a powerful reminder that God is faithful, even in the fire. This is a story that needed to be told, and I’m grateful that the Kooman Brothers stepped up to the challenge,” he said in a statement about the movie. “Their vision to tell Daniel’s story with authenticity is something that hasn’t been done on this scale, and it’s an honor to be a part. My hope is that this film encourages audiences to stand firm in their faith and trust God’s presence through every season.”
Smith’s recent comments are a reminder that God should always be at the forefront of our worship.
Read Next: Michael W. Smith Is ‘Grateful’ For Worldwide ‘Resurgence Of Faith’
Questions or comments? Please write to us here.
