Granger Smith's pursuit of a ministry career resulted in a "massive ego hit."

In 2023, Granger Smith's ego was most affected when he decided to leave country music.

Last year, after his "Like A River" tour ended, Smith decided to leave his 24-year country music career to focus on ministry, devoting his time to his church in Austin, Texas.

Although Smith is content with his career change, he acknowledges that his ego suffered as a result.

"Smith exclusively told Planet Chronicle Digital that going on stage in front of thousands of people and hearing them roar and the lights come on, and it's all about you is a massive ego hit."

He continued, "I raised my hands, and they raised their hands, and I played loud songs, and they got intense. Leaving that rush is healthy because none of us are made for that. None of us are made to be worshiped in that way, and it's difficult because it's addicting and fun to have the spotlight on you like that."

Smith's final tour was named "Like a River" in memory of his 3-year-old son, River, who tragically drowned in their Texas swimming pool in 2019. Smith and his wife, Amber Bartlett, are parents to three other children: London, Lincoln, and Maverick.

Granger Smith's pursuit of a ministry career resulted in a "massive ego hit" as a country star.

The musician shared the "real reason" behind his departure from the music industry during his final show in August, which he captured in a "keepsake" photo.

""On Saturday, I took a keepsake photo from my last show as a touring musician and shared it on Instagram with a caption expressing my gratitude for the privilege of holding that job title for so long," he wrote."

He clarified, stating that his decision was not due to retirement, exhaustion, illness, heartbreak, or grief. Instead, he explained that he felt more at peace and free than ever before.

He explained the "true purpose" of joining the ministry by quoting Matthew 13:44.

The kingdom of heaven is concealed like a treasure in a field, which a man discovered and concealed again. Overjoyed, he sold everything he owned and purchased that field.

He revealed the "true reason" for leaving country music, stating that "discovering Jesus" and sharing His message with others is the "greatest treasure" in his life. He hopes you will experience this treasure as well.

Granger Smith's children assisted him in escaping a "very dark place" following the demise of his son River.

The singer stated that he did not desire a career built on fame and recognition, which would hinder his ministry work, regardless of his popularity or success.

Smith stated, "This is the most important song, album, and concert I have ever written, released, and performed, respectively."

He stated that he does not desire his name to be recognized, but instead, he wants to declare the name of Christ, the one who has cleansed him, freed him from shame and guilt, and given him a new heart. He wants Christ to be known and for him to know Him more deeply. As a result, he is leaving music touring.

Smith stated, "I hope to see you all soon on a new stage."

Smith has written a new book, "Up Toward the Light," which recounts his family's tragic loss after their son, River, drowned accidentally and how he found peace and healing through his faith.

Granger Smith hopes that his new book can offer guidance to those going through grief.

Granger's new children's book explores a "significant" skill he discovered in therapy, which involved communicating with a tree - an unbiased listener that could only provide a listening ear.

He said, "This is weird, but as I settled in, it was very therapeutic, which is exactly what I thought of."

"I thought, what if there was a book that mirrored my situation as a kid who lost his grandpa and wanted to talk to a tree about him? The tree would have the wisdom that he couldn't find elsewhere. That's exactly what happened to me, and it inspired me to write the book."

The release date for "Up Toward the Light" is April 2, 2024.

Planet Chronicle Digital's Tracy Wright and Brie Stimson contributed to this report.