Country music star Granger Smith commemorated his final performance with a “keepsake” photo and told his fans he is only changing job titles as he leaves the music industry for full-time Christian ministry.
In thinking back about his final show last weekend, Smith, 43, took to Instagram to “be clear” about his reasons for the change.
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"I took this pic on Saturday- a keepsake from my last show as a touring musician," Smith wrote on Instagram. "It’s been such a privilege to claim that job title for so many years!"
"Let’s be clear. This is not retirement. That would mean I’m quitting work altogether. It’s also not because I’m burned out or unwell or sick or heartbroken or grieving,” he continued. “I am more at peace and more free than any other time of my life. It’s not for any of those reasons."
Smith shared that the “real reason” for pursuing Christian ministry comes from the biblical parable found in Matthew 13:44, which says: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”
The singer said he does not want “a career based upon building a name for myself.” Instead, he said he wants to “proclaim the name of Christ! The one that has washed me clean, the one that has freed me from my shame and my guilt. The one that gave me a new heart. I want Him to be known! And I want to know Him more. That is the real reason I’m leaving music touring.”
Smith told his fans that he hoped to see them again soon “on a new kind of stage.”
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In April, Smith announced his summer tour would be his last. Since then, he had also been working on his book, Like a River, which was released on Aug. 1.
The book details a spiritual encounter that Smith had with God following the drowning death of his son in 2019. It is described as "a triumphant story of new life birthed out of tragedy, [teaching] readers how to face their failures, confront their pain, and connect with God — the true source of life."