Kim Walker-Smith, also known as Kimberlee Dawn Walker, is a renowned American singer, songwriter, worship leader, and recording artist. She embarked on her solo music journey with the release of her debut album, “Here Is My Song,” in February 2008, under the Jesus Culture record label. Kim Walker-Smith is celebrated for her role as the lead worship leader for the Jesus Culture Band and their transformative events, in addition to her position as a worship pastor at Bethel Church in Redding.
One of her remarkable achievements is her rendition of John Mark McMillan’s “How He Loves,” a rendition that has garnered over 22 million views on YouTube. Equally impressive is her interpretation of Brian Johnson and Jon Mohr’s “Where You Go I Go,” which has amassed over 9 million views on YouTube.
Personal Background:
Kim Walker was born in Albany, Oregon, and spent her early years in a quaint farming town called Klamath Falls, Oregon. Her life took an early turn when her parents separated when she was just four years old. This family upheaval led to frequent relocations, making her perpetually “the new kid” and instilling in her a natural shyness and reserve. However, music ran deep in her family, and her musical journey began early. Kim’s mother put her on stage at the tender age of three, and she grew up deeply immersed in musical theater.
Kim Walker’s spiritual journey unfolded when she committed her life to God at the age of eighteen. Her transformative encounter with God occurred during a challenging phase while she was attending Bethel Church. In that moment, she received a profound vision that revealed God’s boundless love for her, marking a turning point in her life.
During her early adulthood, Kim Walker relocated to Redding, California, to pursue her education at a Christian college. However, she grappled with her grades and felt unsatisfied with her university experience. One fateful night, she cried out to the Lord, leading her to stumble upon a 24-hour prayer house established by Bethel Church. Intrigued, she ventured inside and subsequently attended their church service the following Sunday. Within a year, she made the life-altering decision to leave her university studies behind and enroll in the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM). After successfully completing the two-year program, she continued her journey, eventually joining the church as a worship pastor. Kim Walker passionately expresses that her deepest desire is to witness the manifestation of God’s kingdom and power, liberating, healing, and radically transforming people as they encounter God through worship.
In a noteworthy accomplishment, Kim Walker’s “powerful voice earned her the grand prize of $25,000 in a talent competition reminiscent of American Idol, titled ‘So You Want to Be a Star.’ This competition was televised on Chico’s KRVU television station. She is widely recognized as a pioneer in a distinctive genre of worship known as prophetic worship.” Kim acknowledges Misty Edwards of the International House of Prayer and Suzy Yaraei of Morning Star Ministries, both influential worship leaders in the evangelical community, as her greatest musical inspirations.
