From the saint to the seeker, from the youth to the seniors, Virginia Beach based worship leader and solo recording artist Michael M. Smith paints a picture through song for everyone under the sound of his voice. With his sophomore project Bigger Than I Imagined, scheduled for release in early 2009, Michael exalts praise for the majesty and greatness of God and takes us into a personal worship experience, beholding the glory of God. Bigger Than I Imagined speaks to relinquishing our total selves to God, allowing us to discover and realize the immensity of God’s omnipresence, and be selflessly thankful to Him for His love. Michael Maurice Smith, a “gifted communicator” with a “wonderful voice” grew up in the Low Country of Charleston, South Carolina as a “PK” (preacher’s kid) and indulged in the world of music, recording and producing his first project by age 14. Michael recalls, “as far as I can remember, I was told stories about how I would be placed on a chair in church to sing duets with my sister. She would play the piano and I would sing. I was too small to be seen.” With Gullah as part of his roots, immersed within the church and strategically placed within God’s plan, Michael later spent time in Atlanta, Georgia serving in various capacities ministering to the homeless, crafting his music, and began his life with his beautiful wife, Sharon. Now an award winning recording artist, Michael is passionate about leading people into the presence of the Lord and inspiring them to live a life of worship. It has been said time and time again that Michael is one of the most exciting and energetic worship leaders in the body of Christ today. From conferences and concerts to worship services and small groups, people have come to experience God in a new way through Michael’s powerful ministry of music and worship. Michael ascribes to the philosophy of “cooking for the whole house.” “I am really inspired by Contemporary Christian and Country Music. Those artists craft their music to paint a vivid picture of their lyrics. I want people to be able to see the picture in my head.” As a semi-finalist for the Christian Artist Talent Search, Michael performed music from his first album, Worship of A Redeemed Man. Michael’s music has been well received by radio, charted on the Radio & Records report and added in medium to heavy rotation on radio stations from South Carolina to Kansas as well as Internet radio and Music Choice. Michael has opened for such artists as Richard Smallwood, Luther Barnes, Kurt Carr, and Joann Rosario and has toured much of the eastern United States as well as Italy and Switzerland. While abroad, Michael experienced more than just frigid temperatures, tiramisu, and fresh pasta. Traveling along the European countryside, Michael was amazed at “how it seemed God cupped dirt in His hands and then zigzagged his finger through it to form the mountains.” Visiting the black clam shell infused shores of the Adriatic Sea, the lemon filled orchards of islands, riding along meandering icy roads, and seeing the olive groves alongside mountains, Michael had no choice but to express his gratitude to God for being The Creator in the title song, “Bigger Than I Imagined.” Describing his sophomore project, Michael shares, “This project includes some of what I consider my best writing to date. The songs demonstrate not only my growth as a songwriter, but express a personal journey of worship.” The album describes the price God paid for our redemption and the limitless love He has for His children. “Go God,” a song of excitement and praise, incorporates a captivating phrase that will become the new salutation of worshippers across the globe. “Bigger Than I Imagined” transcends us into worship, reminding us that no matter our diversity or geographical position, our God is great. Differences may separate us, languages may create barriers, but God is still “right there, answering prayer.” Michael once again teamed with co-producer and friend, Kasey Square, as well as the band and singers that have toured with him to record a live praise and worship experience at his home church, Gethsemane Community Fellowship Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia. In addition to several original songs, Michael included some familiar worship tunes to create the ultimate worship experience. Partnering with expert engineer/producer Rob Ulsh and nationally known MasterSound Studios as a staff producer, Michael is also producing other Gospel artists and helping them share their ministry. As Minister of Worship and Arts at his home church, Michael leads the worship team and serves as a mentor for other worship leaders and ministry coordinators. He is a member of the Gospel Music Association and a certified trainer with Leadership Training International serving as an instructor for the Foundations of Faith Institute at Gethsemane. A proud husband and father, Michael also directs the Ebony Impact Gospel Choir at Old Dominion University.