Kristene DiMarco is pulling back the curtain on her deeply personal faith journey - and fans are getting a rare glimpse into the worship leader's heart.
Appearing on Bethel Music's popular "Ask Me About Jesus" podcast, the beloved worship artist opened up about everything from her early days leading worship as a teenager to navigating one of the most painful seasons of her life.
Known for powerful worship anthems and her unmistakable voice, DiMarco revealed that her path to becoming one of Christian music's most respected songwriters wasn't fueled by dreams of fame or packed arenas. Instead, she spent years immersed in intense prayer movements, often leading worship for small groups of people while wrestling with questions about faith, identity and God's presence.
In one of the episode's most emotional moments, DiMarco admitted that a difficult season in her early twenties forced her to move beyond what she described as simply living off her parents' faith.
"That's where God became real to me," she shared, recalling a painful period in San Francisco that ultimately transformed her relationship with God.
The conversation also sheds light on how DiMarco unexpectedly found herself connected to what would become a life-changing opportunity. After leading worship at a small gathering, she was approached by Jesus Culture leader Banning Liebscher, who invited her to record music - a moment that would help launch her ministry on a much larger platform.
But perhaps the most moving part of the interview comes when DiMarco discusses a recent season of grief and weariness. Speaking candidly about the challenges of staying faithful through hardship, she compared spiritual growth to a massive boulder being slowly shaped by the rushing waters of a river.
Rather than seeking quick answers or easy solutions, DiMarco said she's learning what it means to simply "stay in the river" and allow God to smooth away the rough edges over time.
The worship leader also offered a fascinating glimpse into her songwriting process, explaining that many of her song ideas arrive during ordinary moments of life - while homeschooling her children, washing dishes or completing everyday tasks. She encouraged aspiring songwriters to listen carefully for what she described as heaven-inspired ideas rather than simply adding more noise to an already crowded music landscape.
Family remains a major priority for the singer, who revealed that life is currently slower than it's been in years after decades of travel and ministry. These days, much of her time is devoted to homeschooling her children and investing in family life - something she now describes as some of the best years she's ever experienced.
The episode arrives as DiMarco prepares new music and continues to inspire worshippers around the world through her honesty, vulnerability and unwavering commitment to following God's call.
For longtime fans, it's a refreshing reminder that behind the songs and conference stages is someone still navigating grief, surrender and faith one day at a time.
