The Heart of Worship: Kim walker-Smith on Encounter, participation, and Finding God in the Storm
Kim Walker-Smith, a leading voice in contemporary Christian music, doesn’t simply lead worship; she embodies it. Her music, a powerful blend of contemporary Christian and gospel influences, has become a catalyst for hope, healing, and spiritual breakthrough in churches and communities worldwide.Songs like “Spirit Break Out,” “Protector,” and “Throne Room” aren’t just popular tunes – they’re anthems of a growing movement focused on authentic encounter with God. but for Walker-Smith, worship isn’t about the music itself, but about the reciprocal outpouring of love between humanity and its Creator. “Worship is very simply God pouring out His love on us, and we respond to that love by pouring ours on Him,” she explains.
This article delves into Walker-Smith’s viewpoint on worship, exploring her journey, her observations on the evolution of worship culture, and her profound insights into the importance of participatory worship – a concept central to her ministry and a vital element frequently enough missing in modern church life. We’ll examine how her personal experiences, particularly the influence of a steadfast stepfather, shaped her understanding of worship as a lifestyle, not just a sunday morning event.
From Spectator to Participant: Reclaiming the True Nature of worship
Walker-Smith observes a significant shift in worship culture over the past few decades. Initially,the influence of the secular music industry on the church led to a focus on production value – elaborate stages,refined lighting,and polished bands. While not inherently negative, this emphasis inadvertently fostered a culture of spectatorship.
“In the process, it kind of generated more spectators than participants,” Walker-Smith notes. “We are not here to be spectators.We are the church – the Bride of Christ – and each one of us is called to be a participant; we’re designed for worship.” This distinction is crucial. True worship isn’t about watching someone else worship; it’s about actively engaging with God, offering a heartfelt response to His love and grace. It’s a call to move beyond passive observation and embrace a dynamic, personal relationship with the divine.
A Transformative Encounter: Finding Love in the darkness
Walker-Smith’s own journey to this understanding began at age 11 during a church camp. Initially dismissing the experience as “weird,” she and her sister secretly attempted to leave, feeling disconnected from the fervent worship happening around them. However, a stirring within their hearts led them back to the service, driven by a longing for the same connection others seemed to possess.
Her poignant recollection of that moment is powerful: “Out of my mouth comes, ‘I don’t know what those kids have, but I want it too. My little sister does too.'” What followed was a profound, unexpected experience – both girls were overcome by the Holy Spirit and began speaking in tongues.
This wasn’t just a religious experience; it was a life-altering encounter with love.Walker-Smith had endured a arduous childhood marked by divorce and abuse,and in that moment,she experienced a love she had never known before. ”I’m convinced that we would never forget our first love if we were constantly carrying testimonies of the precious things God did when we were still in darkness,” she reflects. This foundational experience solidified her belief in the transformative power of God’s love and the importance of remembering the moment He first breaks through.
The Unsung Hero: George and the Everyday Worship
Walker-Smith’s spiritual growth continued after her mother married a Christian man named George. While many point to charismatic leaders and dynamic preachers as pivotal influences, Walker-Smith credits George with profoundly shaping her understanding of worship. Remarkably, he wasn’t a musician or a public figure; his worship unfolded in the quiet intimacy of his home.
Every morning before sunrise, George would play worship music and pray aloud, frequently enough weeping before the Lord. As a struggling teenager, Walker-Smith initially resisted his devotion, feeling hurt and angry. “I’d yell, ‘I’m not your girl, stop praying for me!’ I was so bitter… I didn’t want another stepdad.” Yet, George’s relentless love and unwavering prayer demonstrated the true essence of worship – a constant, heartfelt connection with God, even in the midst of personal pain.
His devotion didn’t waver even when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Unable to raise his hands, he would simply turn his wrists in worship. When his voice failed, he mumbled words through
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