Rising Christian artist Tate Butts is pulling back the curtain on the deeply personal experiences that shaped his faith-and the testimony behind his rapidly growing music ministry.
In a heartfelt appearance on Fort Nash's The Testimony, the young singer reflected on everything from discovering his calling in church to navigating the devastating loss of his grandmother, revealing that surrendering his dreams to God completely transformed the direction of his life.
"I just gave it all to God and everything's starting to work out," Butts shared, explaining that what began as a simple hobby quickly became a calling he could no longer ignore.
The breakthrough moment came while leading worship at church.
"I knew it was something special," he recalled, describing the overwhelming sense of God's presence that confirmed music was more than a passion-it was his purpose.
But the road hasn't been without heartbreak.
Butts spoke candidly about losing his grandmother, a tragedy that inspired one of the most emotional songs on his upcoming EP, "Could, Would, Should Have." He admitted he initially struggled to process her death before grief overwhelmed him at her funeral.
"I remember praying that she'd come back," he said, recalling the pain his family experienced during that difficult season. Although time has brought healing, he admitted he still wonders how life might have been different had she lived.
Despite the loss, Butts says the experience only strengthened his desire to use music as a ministry.
"It's my platform to share the gospel... if you use social media in the right way, you can touch a lot of people," he explained, adding that some of his most meaningful moments with God happen alone in his room while listening to worship music and praying.
The young artist also revealed the worship leaders who have inspired him along the way, naming Brandon Lake, Forrest Frank, and Josiah Queen among the artists he regularly listens to.
Perhaps the most moving part of the interview came when Butts shared the message he hopes every listener hears.
"You can never be too far," he said. "You can always run back to Him."
The singer emphasized that Jesus welcomes people regardless of their failures, pain, or brokenness-a message that also forms the heart of several songs on his forthcoming project, including "Something to Believe In" and "When I Pray."
While many artists dream of awards or chart success, Butts says his legacy looks very different.
"I want to be remembered as a kid that was the voice of the youth and brought other people close to God," he said. "Even if it's only a couple people, I know I did my thing right on Earth."
As Tate Butts' audience continues to grow, it's clear the young worship artist hopes his testimony will resonate just as powerfully as his music.
