NASHVILLE, Tenn.—For more than 25 years, Steven Curtis Chapman has been sharing songs and stories about God's redemption, grace, love and faithfulness with audiences around the world. Along the way, Chapman has garnered 56 Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association, five Grammy Awards and 46 No. 1 radio hits.
Through it all, he has remained dedicated to shining the spotlight on Christ.
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Steven Curtis Chapman
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"Realizing that God has entrusted me with a calling to lead people before his throne gives a greater meaning and purpose to performing concerts and writing songs," Chapman said.
"I love hearing stories about people accepting Christ during a concert or how a song on the radio inspired someone to follow the Lord. It is the greatest honor and privilege knowing that these songs are leading people to Christ.
"With all the songs that I've written through the years, my prayer has been: 'Lord, I want to know you more. As you make yourself known, I want to make you known to others through what I write, sing and the stories I tell.'"
In addition to his music, Chapman desires to create platforms to reach out and help those in need.
As strong advocates for adoption and orphan care, he and his wife, Mary Beth, have adopted three daughters from China. They also established a ministry, Show Hope , that has given more than 2,600 financial grants to adoptive families and has affected the lives of children from 45 countries.
In addition to financial aid, Show Hope empowers families, communities and churches with adoption and orphan care resources to assist them in advocating and caring for the millions of orphans around the world. Show Hope also provides for orphans with special needs through special care centers in China.
The Christian Alliance for Orphans presented the Chapmans with the Defender of the Fatherless Award at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif.
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In 2008, the Chapman family was devastated by the death of their adopted daughter, Maria Sue. However, they found comfort and strength through God's faithfulness and unfailing love.
Now, with an even greater passion and purpose for sharing the gospel through songs, Chapman hopes his music will help provide comfort for people dealing with the loss of a loved one.
"After Maria went to heaven, I was crying out to God in the midst of grief, darkness and despair," Chapman said.
"I kept saying, 'God, I trust you … even though I don't understand.' When I started doing concerts again, I found there was a new meaning, purpose and passion in the song lyrics.
"Just as my family had walked through more valleys than we ever had before, I was singing about trusting God, his sovereignty and faithfulness. I found myself singing many of the lyrics with a new understanding and new desperation for the truth of the gospel.
"Even to this day, God is still leading us out of those dark places. We still wake up and face a heavy reality. In the midst of our sadness, we are reminded that Jesus is leading us on this journey, and we are going to make it through. God will never leave or forsake his children.
"I certainly don't have all the answers, but I know that as my family has walked through the deepest, darkest places in our lives that God has been right there with us every step of the way—sustaining us and giving us strength.
"After all these years and after everything that my family has been through, we can still declare that God is good and that he is faithful.
"I want to encourage others not to lose heart or grow weary, because for those who have a relationship with Christ, this journey will take us home. That is the greatest promise and where we find our hope."
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