Granger Smith is retiring from touring, forever. The 43-year-old announced the surprising news in a video shared on social media, revealing that his summer Like a River Tour will be his last, after 24 years on the road.
“This summer will be my last tour,” Smith captioned the video. “I am so encouraged and hopeful and excited and joyful about the next chapter, but to a large extent, I have no idea what it will look like. I just want to glorify God the best way that I can. I want to learn and grow and serve my local church and allow my pastors to equip and affirm those next steps. Lord willing, I want to be used to help people find their purpose.
Smith began the video by admitting it was hard to share the news with his fans.
“I’ve been so nervous to make this video, but I’m making this post to announce that this summer is my last ever tour,” Smith said. “I have felt a strong desire to pursue ministry. This doesn’t mean I’m going to start a church or a crusade or a revival. This means me and my family are going to serve our local church. We’re going to pour into that church as members, and have my pastors and elders pour into me and disciple me and teach me, as I sit under their wise teaching.
“And then, Lord willing, one day they can affirm me into the next steps of what that might look like to glorify God best from my platform,” he adds.
This message is so difficult to post. The words for this caption are so hard to find. Not because I don’t believe in the truth of them, but because this marks the end of the longest era in my life! Touring…24 years of it.
This summer will be my last tour. I am so encouraged and hopeful and excited and joyful about the next chapter, but to a large extent, I have no idea what it will look like. I just want to glorify God the best way that I can. I want to learn and grow and serve my local church and allow my pastors to equip and affirm those next steps. Lord willing, I want to be used to help people find their purpose.
Posted by Granger Smith on Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Smith went on to reveal that he has been attending Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, pursuing his master’s. He has also been working on his memoir, Like a River: Finding the Faith and Strength to Move Forward After Loss and Heartache, which will be out on August 1.
While the step to retire forever from touring is a big one, it’s one that the father of three feels is necessary, to pursue what he believes is his true calling in life.
“I’m so hopeful about this future, and about what it holds for me and my family,” Smith said. “Amber and I have been totally united on this. She’s my best friend. She’s my first counsel. We’ve been praying over this video right here that I’m making. I know there are going to be a lot of questions and I’m going to try to stay engaged, and try to answer questions. I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to be here.”
Smith’s Like a River farewell tour kicks off on April 13, and will run through August 26. Updates can be found at GrangerSmith.com.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of NPG PR / Anthony Lay