Michael W. Smith Advises Caution When It Comes to Modern Worship: 'Careful It's Not Celebrity-Driven'
Singer Michael W. Smith recently addressed the state of the modern worship scene, offering words of caution and warning that we must ensure it does not become “celebrity-driven.”
Smith, 68, spoke with The Christian Post regarding his thoughts on the modern worship scene.
“I just think we have to be careful that this thing is not celebrity-driven,” the Christian singer-songwriter said. “We can all say, ‘Well, oh, we’re doing it all for Him.’ But, you know, you watch social media, and it’s just a little me-focused.”
He also believes that “maybe we lost the reverence” when it comes to modern worship.
Clarifying his warnings, Smith contended he was not “throwing anyone in particular under the bus” and that he shared his own experience in leading worship.”
“The Lord doesn’t share His glory with anybody,” Smith added as he recalled words Michael Olson, a friend and worship leader, said to him two or three years ago.
“I remember it just sort of took my breath away,” Smith said.
“And it was convicting, honestly, and he was right,” he added. “So, I just think that we have to really be careful that as we’re leading worship, we’re not supposed to be a celebrity. You know, we’re supposed to kind of disappear, honestly, and our goal is to change the atmosphere and allow God to meet people. That’s our job.”
Ultimately, Smith contended that the goal of leading worship is to change the atmosphere and allow God to meet people.
“That's our job. And I think it gets a little imbalanced. And that's just I'm not throwing anybody under the bus,” he continued. He admits he is not perfect either and has made his fair share of mistakes.
He also shared what he prays and how he prays every time he takes the stage to lead worship.
“But boy, every time I get up on stage to lead, my two prayers are: ‘God, may You be pleased with everything I say, do and sing,” he said. “’Let me be clothed in humility and let my motivation be pure.’ “So, maybe three things: motivation, humility. I mean, I just think those are beautiful combinations, and I think if you do that, I think marvelous and wonderful things can happen in a 30, 40-minute worship set.”
Although Smith shared some warnings on the modern worship scene, he was encouraged by younger worship artists, such as Forrest Frank, whose concert he recently attended.
“To see Forrest up there sharing the Gospel, and he’s not ashamed, it just was awesome,” Smith said, noting that artists like Frank are “young Joshuas” who are “stirring it up.”
When it comes to revival, Smith says, “I believe we are at least seeing the beginnings of it.”
“We might be in the middle of it, but I think it’s going to get much bigger.”
Photo Credit: ©Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Originally published August 14, 2026.
