Rebecca St. James is an Australian-American contemporary Christian singer, songwriter, and actress. She began her musical journey in Australia during the late 1980s. Her talent and dedication to her faith have shaped both her career and her impact on followers around the world.
Rebecca St. James has established a respectable net worth of around $3 million as of 2025, through her decades-long music career, book publications, acting roles, and speaking engagements, all while maintaining her commitment to Christian values. Her musical comeback was complete in 2022 with the release of “Kingdom Come,” her first full-length record in 11 years, demonstrating her enduring appeal and artistic resilience.
St. James comes from a family deeply connected to Christian music. She is the sister of Joel and Luke Smallbone from the popular band For King & Country, with their parents David and Helen Smallbone playing significant roles in creating this family legacy in Christian music. Beyond her professional achievements, Rebecca has shared that while she enjoyed fame and success, becoming a mother was her biggest dream, showing how her personal values align with her public persona.
Bio
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Rebecca Jean Smallbone |
Stage Name | Rebecca St. James |
Date of Birth | July 26, 1977 |
Birthplace | Sydney, Australia |
Nationality | Australian |
Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Author, Actress |
Genres | Contemporary Christian, Christian Rock |
Years Active | 1990 – present |
Major Awards | Grammy Award (1999), multiple Dove Awards |
Notable Albums | God, Pray, Transform, Kingdom Come |
Number of Albums Sold | Nearly 2 million |
Books Authored | Over 12 Christian-themed books |
Family | Sister to Joel and Luke Smallbone (For KING & COUNTRY) |
Net Worth (Est. 2025) | $3 million |
Official Website | rebeccastjames.com |
Early Life and Background
Rebecca St. James, born Rebecca Jean Smallbone on July 26, 1977, in Sydney, Australia, developed her musical talents and strong faith foundations during her formative years. Her childhood experiences significantly shaped her future career in Christian music.
Family and Upbringing
Rebecca grew up in a deeply religious household as the oldest of seven children to parents David and Helen Smallbone. Her father worked as a concert promoter and eventually became her manager, providing early industry exposure. Two of her younger brothers, Joel and Luke Smallbone, later formed the Christian music duo For King & Country.
The Smallbone family faced financial challenges that tested their faith. When Rebecca was 14, her family made a life-changing decision to relocate from Australia to the United States, settling in Nashville, Tennessee—the heart of the music industry.
This move required tremendous trust and faith, themes that would later feature prominently in Rebecca’s music and ministry.
Education and Values
Rebecca’s education was deeply intertwined with her spiritual development. The Smallbone family prioritized Christian education, whether through formal schooling or homeschooling during their transition period.
Her parents instilled core values of integrity, faith, and service that became central to her identity as an artist. David and Helen emphasized spiritual growth alongside academic achievement, creating a foundation for Rebecca’s future ministry.
The family regularly participated in church activities, Bible studies, and community service. These experiences shaped Rebecca’s worldview and commitment to living out her faith publicly through music.
Her education extended beyond traditional academics to include practical training in music, performance, and public speaking.
Initial Steps in Music
Rebecca began performing at a remarkably young age in Australia during the late 1980s. Her distinctive voice and genuine faith expression quickly gained attention in Christian circles.
By age 13, she was already opening for prominent Christian artists visiting Australia, where her father worked as a concert promoter. These early performances helped develop her stage presence and musical identity.
After moving to Nashville, Rebecca secured her first record deal at age 16, signing with Forefront Records. This pivotal moment launched her professional career in Christian music.
Her self-titled American debut album was released in 1994, showcasing her mature vocals and faith-centered lyrics that resonated with young audiences. The album established her unique voice in the Christian music industry and set the stage for her future success.
Music Career and Achievements
Rebecca St. James has established herself as a prominent figure in Contemporary Christian Music through her powerful vocals and faith-driven lyrics. Her artistic journey spans decades of meaningful contributions to Christian music, numerous awards, and influential collaborations.

Rise in Contemporary Christian Music
Rebecca St. James began her musical career in 1990 at age 13, opening shows for established Christian artist Carman. By her late teens, she had signed with ForeFront Records and released her self-titled album in 1994.
Her breakthrough came with the 1996 album “God,” which earned her a Grammy Award for Best Rock Gospel Album in 1999. This achievement solidified her position in the Christian music industry.
St. James became known for her powerful vocals and unwavering commitment to faith-based messages. Her albums “Pray,” “Transform,” and “If I Had One Chance to Tell You Something” further cemented her status as a leading voice in Christian pop.
Throughout her career, she has received multiple Dove Awards and maintained a consistent presence on Christian radio charts with hits like “Wait for Me” and “Reborn.”
Collaborations and Influence
St. James has collaborated with numerous prominent Christian artists, including Michael W. Smith, tobyMac, and the Newsboys. These partnerships expanded her musical reach and influence within the contemporary Christian music community.
Her work extends beyond recording studios. Rebecca has performed in worship events worldwide, sharing stages with influential Christian musicians and worship leaders. These collaborations helped shape modern worship music trends.
As a songwriter, she has penned lyrics for other Christian artists, contributing to the broader musical landscape. Her distinctive Australian-American perspective brought fresh elements to the primarily American-dominated Christian music industry.
St. James’ willingness to address challenging topics through music has inspired a generation of female Christian artists who followed her path.
Impact on Arts and Culture
Beyond music, Rebecca St. James has made significant contributions to Christian arts and culture. She expanded into acting, appearing in faith-based films that aligned with her ministry values.
Her books on purity, faith, and Christian living have reached wide audiences, complementing the messages in her music. This multi-platform approach allowed her to address important cultural topics from a Christian perspective.
St. James has been a powerful voice in contemporary Christian music, captivating audiences with heartfelt lyrics and inspiring faith. Her advocacy for abstinence and traditional values resonated with many young Christians, establishing her as a cultural influencer.
Despite taking time away from music to focus on motherhood, her legacy continues to influence Christian arts and media, demonstrating how faith can be meaningfully expressed through various creative channels.
Rebecca St. James’s Net Worth
Rebecca St. James has built significant wealth through her multi-faceted career in the Christian music industry. While exact figures vary by source, her financial success stems primarily from her music sales, performances, and expanded entertainment ventures.
Year | Estimated Net Worth | Source Type |
---|---|---|
2024 | $2.5 million (est.) | Online celebrity databases |
2025 | $3 million (est.) | Aggregated online sources |
Major Income Sources
Rebecca St. James has accumulated her wealth mainly through album sales, with multiple gold-certified releases throughout her career. Her extensive touring schedule across the United States and internationally has also contributed substantially to her income.
Beyond music, St. James has diversified her revenue streams through book publishing. She has authored several successful books on faith and relationships that have bolstered her financial portfolio.
The Christian rock singer has also earned income through her acting career, appearing in Christian films and voice acting projects. Additionally, her work as a songwriter has created royalty streams that continue to generate passive income.
Her speaking engagements at churches, conferences, and events focused on faith and values provide another significant revenue source, complementing her artistic endeavors.
See Also: Jasmine Roth Net Worth
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Beyond her music career, Rebecca St. James has built a life centered on family values and giving back to others. Her personal journey reflects her commitment to living out the faith she sings about through meaningful relationships and humanitarian efforts.
Marriage and Motherhood
Rebecca St. James fulfilled her long-held dream of motherhood after marrying Jacob “Cubbie” Fink in April 2011. The couple’s wedding came after St. James had spent years being open about her commitment to purity before marriage, a stance that influenced many young fans.
Their family expanded with the birth of their first daughter, Gemma Elena, in February 2014. St. James has since welcomed two more children, making her dream of being a mother a reality three times over.
In interviews, she has spoken candidly about balancing motherhood with her career, noting that becoming a parent represented her “biggest dream” despite her successful music and authorship career.
The transition to motherhood temporarily paused her music endeavors as she prioritized family life, showing her commitment to being present for her children’s formative years.
Community Engagement and Advocacy
St. James has consistently used her platform to advocate for causes aligned with her values. She has been particularly vocal about sexual purity, speaking at youth conferences and events across the country to encourage young people in their faith journeys.
Her advocacy extends to pro-life initiatives, where she has participated in events and spoken about the value of human life at all stages. This commitment reflects her deep-rooted Christian beliefs and desire to promote traditional family values.
St. James has engaged with numerous faith-based organizations to support youth ministry efforts. Her work often focuses on empowering young women to make positive life choices and develop strong spiritual foundations.
Through speaking engagements and special appearances, she maintains consistent communication with communities that share her values while respectfully engaging with those who may hold different perspectives.
Philanthropic Efforts
Rebecca’s philanthropic work includes significant involvement with compassion-focused organizations. She has partnered with Compassion International, helping to secure sponsorships for children in developing countries through her concert tours.
She has supported humanitarian efforts addressing poverty and disaster relief, often mobilizing her fan base to contribute to pressing needs around the world. During her concerts, St. James frequently highlights opportunities for fans to make charitable contributions to various causes.
Her philanthropic approach emphasizes both immediate aid and sustainable development, reflecting a holistic view of responsibility toward those in need. Rather than simply donating funds, St. James often takes a personal approach by visiting projects and sharing stories of transformation.
The artist has also contributed to arts-based charities that provide creative outlets and education for underprivileged youth, demonstrating her belief in the power of music and creativity to change lives.
Legacy and Influence
Rebecca St. James has built a lasting legacy through her faith-centered work and influence. Her impact extends far beyond music into various aspects of Christian ministry and culture.
Faithful Stewardship
Rebecca St. James demonstrated exceptional stewardship of her platform throughout her career. She consistently used her influence to promote biblical values and encourage spiritual growth among her followers. This commitment earned her recognition within the Christian community.
In 2019, she received a Legacy Award alongside her parents for their contributions to the Christian music industry. This honor highlighted her long-term commitment to creating faith-centered content.
St. James’s unwavering dedication to integrating her faith into her work has inspired many Christian artists who followed her. Her authenticity in expressing her beliefs through music established a benchmark for integrity in the industry.
Beyond Music: Entrepreneur and Speaker
St. James successfully expanded her influence beyond recording studios.
She became an accomplished author and speaker, addressing topics like purity, faith, and personal growth.
Her books reached thousands of young Christians seeking guidance.
As an entrepreneur, she developed multiple revenue streams through:
- Speaking engagements
- Book publishing
- Faith-based projects
- Ministry initiatives
Her business acumen allowed her to maintain financial stability while staying true to her calling.
St. James frequently speaks on mental health issues from a Christian perspective, filling a crucial gap in faith communities.
Her podcast reaches believers worldwide.
It offers practical advice on navigating life’s challenges through biblical principles.
Continued Relevance and Adaptation
Despite industry changes, St. James has maintained her relevance by adapting to new platforms.
She effectively utilizes social media to connect with younger generations while preserving her core message.
Her transition to motherhood opened new avenues of ministry.
She now speaks candidly about balancing family life with career demands, providing authentic insights for Christian women.
St. James remains an influential voice in discussions about faith and culture.
Her willingness to address contemporary issues through a biblical lens keeps her message fresh and applicable.
She also continues collaborating with current Christian artists, including her brothers in For King & Country.
This adaptability ensures her legacy remains vibrant and growing.
Conclusion
Rebecca St. James has built an impressive net worth through her successful career as a contemporary Christian singer, songwriter and actress. Her journey from Australia to international acclaim demonstrates her talent and dedication to her craft.
St. James’ financial success is matched by her spiritual impact. Her music and ministry have touched countless lives while her commitment to her values has made her a role model in the Christian community.
Beyond her professional achievements, St. James has found fulfillment in motherhood. This personal milestone adds another dimension to her already multifaceted life.
Her impact extends beyond music. Through books, speaking engagements, and advocacy work, St. James has created multiple revenue streams while staying true to her mission of spreading faith-based messages.
Rebecca St. James stands as an influential figure in Christian music. Her legacy includes not just financial success but also the positive influence she’s had on her industry and followers worldwide.
Her story illustrates how talent, faith, and business acumen can create both material success and meaningful impact. From her early days in Sydney to her global platform today, St. James has crafted a career that balances artistic achievement, financial stability, and spiritual purpose.
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