Is Rebecca St. James Related to For King and Country? The Surprising Family Connection Behind These Christian Music Stars

If you are a fan of Christian music, you have probably heard of Rebecca St. James and For King and Country. But did you know that they are actually siblings? That’s right, Rebecca St. James is the older sister of Joel and Luke Smallbone, who make up the duo For King and Country. In this article, we will explore the fascinating family story behind these talented artists, and how their faith and music have shaped their lives.

From Australia to America: The Smallbone Family’s Journey of Faith

Rebecca St. James, Joel and Luke Smallbone were born in Sydney, Australia, to David and Helen Smallbone, who were both involved in Christian ministry. David was a music promoter and manager, while Helen was a pastor’s daughter and a singer. They had seven children in total, and music was always a big part of their family life.

According to The Christian Post, the Smallbones faced a series of financial and professional challenges in Australia, which led them to move to the United States in 1991, when Rebecca was 13, Joel was 7, and Luke was 5. They arrived with nothing but their suitcases, their love of music, and their faith in God.

They settled in Nashville, Tennessee, where they started from scratch. David worked as a janitor and a taxi driver, while Helen homeschooled the kids and took care of the household. They lived in a small house with no furniture, no heating, and no air conditioning. They relied on God’s provision and the generosity of their church community.

Rebecca St. James: The Trailblazing Sister Who Paved the Way for Her Brothers

Rebecca St. James was the first one to pursue a career in music. She started singing in church when she was eight years old, and recorded her first album when she was 12. She signed with ForeFront Records when she was 14, and changed her last name to St. James, after her grandfather.

She released her self-titled debut album in 1994, which featured the hit song “God”. She quickly became one of the most popular and influential Christian artists of the 1990s and 2000s, winning a Grammy Award in 1999 for her album Pray, and nine Dove Awards throughout her career. She also wrote several books on topics such as purity, faith, worship, and identity.

Rebecca St. James was not only a successful singer, but also a supportive sister. She invited her brothers to join her on tour as part of her band and crew. Joel and Luke learned the ropes of the music industry from their sister, who mentored them and encouraged them to pursue their own dreams.

For King and Country: The Brother Duo Who Followed in Their Sister’s Footsteps

Joel and Luke Smallbone had always loved music, but they did not plan to become musicians themselves. They had other interests and aspirations, such as sports, acting, and filmmaking. However, they realized that music was their calling when they started writing songs together in their teens.

They formed a band called Austoville in 2007, which later changed its name to For King and Country in 2009. They signed with Warner Music Group in 2011, and released their debut album Crave in 2012, which featured the hit song “Busted Heart (Hold On To Me)”. They quickly rose to fame as one of the most popular and acclaimed Christian bands of the 2010s and 2020s, winning four Grammy Awards so far for their albums Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong., Burn The Ships, and A Drummer Boy Christmas.

For King and Country are known for their energetic live shows, their anthemic songs, their heartfelt lyrics, and their message of hope and love. They have collaborated with other artists such as Dolly Parton, Timbaland, Tori Kelly, Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Echosmith, Needtobreathe, Zach Williams, Skillet, Hillsong Worship, Casting Crowns, and more.

The Family That Sings Together: The Collaboration Between Rebecca St. James and For King and Country

Rebecca St. James took a hiatus from music in 2011 to focus on her marriage and motherhood. She married Jacob Fink in 2011, and they have three children: Gemma Elena (born in 2014), Imogen Watson (born in 2018), and River Jack (born in 2020). She returned to music in 2020 with her first album in nine years, Dawn.

One of the songs on Dawn is “Kingdom Come”, which features her brothers For King and Country. The song is a powerful prayer for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. It is also a testament to the bond that the siblings share, not only as musicians, but as family and friends.

According to GodTube, Rebecca St. James said about the song: “I love this song so much. It was such a joy to write and record with my brothers. I think it captures our heart for God and for each other. It’s a song of surrender, of longing for God’s kingdom to come in our lives and in our world.”

For King and Country also expressed their gratitude for their sister on Instagra^m: “We owe so much of our musical journey to our big sister. She’s not only blazed a trail, but she’s also been a friend, a confidant, and a mentor along the way. So, to be able to sing with her on this song is a tremendous honor.”

Conclusion: The Inspiring Family Legacy of Rebecca St. James and For King and Country

Rebecca St. James and For King and Country are more than just Christian music stars. They are siblings who have overcome many challenges and obstacles with their faith and their family. They are examples of how God can use music to touch lives and transform hearts. They are also reminders of how important it is to support and celebrate each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.

If you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends and family. And if you want to learn more about Rebecca St. James and For King and Country, you can check out their websites, social media accounts, podcasts, books, and music. You can also watch their upcoming movie Unsung Hero, which tells the story of their mother Helen Smallbone, who was the driving force behind their musical careers. The movie is set to release in 2024 by Lionsgate.