Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kristina Ward. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kristina , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
“I am free”. These are the last words ringing out in the chorus of one of Kristina Ward’s chart topping single “Be free” and they perfectly describe an artist who’s ready to liberate others. In Ward’s debut album, #UNFILTERED, she vulnerably explores the darkest places of her heart allowing listeners to journey with her to the light.
Kristina’s journey includes spending most of her life serving the body of Christ in some capacity, and when asked what compels her, her answer reveals the same depth that makes her music so powerful. She reveals “Acceptance drew me in to God, where I found love and security that I never knew. There was no judgement, He loved me unconditionally. And ever since then He’s been my stability and my constant.”
“Constant” is one word that would not describe the early years of Kristina’s life. A Boston native that grew up in the Carolina’s, young Kristina began drawing and writing to find a refuge and release for her emotions. At a tender age, Kristina was filling the role of caretaker for her younger brother and sister to help alleviate the strain her mother faced managing her father’s schizophrenia and Parkinson disease. This tumultuous time left the young teen feeling alone, isolated, and craving the security of someone that could show her the love and care she longed for. Things that have been a lifelong journey to work through, understand, process, and grow from. It was not, and has not been easy through some of the lessons, as well as the ups and downs of depression, but through it all the one thing Ward’s heart desire is to continue doing is helping others through the same processes of healing.
As many teens do, she went searching. At the age of 14, upon accepting a friends invitation to church, Kristina found what she she was looking for. It didn’t take long for her to throw herself into a church family where God started revealing Himself and His love to her through the people that welcomed her with open arms.
Kristina’s hunger for more of God developed into her enrollment in Masters Commission, a year long, hands on ministry training in Atlanta GA and around the country. She fondly describes this time in her life as a “Spiritual Bootcamp”. For twelve months, she learned how to take part in reaching kids in the inner city and the homeless population of Atlanta with the Gospel. Through ministry classes, memorizing scripture, prayer, mentorship and service- God deepened Kristina’s understanding and relationship with Himself and the power of His Word.
The single event that had the most impact on her was a drive by shooting that killed one of the kids that was going home from an outreach Kristina was serving at. “My life was hard growing up but to see what these kids grew up in gave a new perspective to what hard really is” Kristina elaborates. This event awakened her to the fragility of life and how important it is to seize the moments we have to touch people’s lives for eternity.
Upon coming home from this radical year that changed her entire life perspective, Kristina stepped into mentorship, service and leadership roles at Fort Mill Church of God. Through these years, God continued to mold and shape Kristina and draw out gifts she wasn’t even aware she possessed. Teaching, counseling, leading and investing in other young women’s lives became a source of joy for her. In the midst of this, she decided to attend Lee University, hearing of it’s world class music. She ended up traveling with their “Evangelistic Singers” and earning her degree in Video/Audio production with a minor in Bible.
Two years prior to her father’s passing, Kristina distinctly felt the call to move to Nashville TN and pursue a ministry of music. The timing and “release” from God for this move hadn’t come yet, but the passion to write, record and share her music was stirring within her heart.
The first full song that Kristina wrote and recorded is a touching ballad entitled “Daddy”. Years of longing, love and pain poured out into the lyrics. Her father was able to hear the song before his passing and a new chapter began in her life.
She finally felt the release to make the big move she’d been considering. She realized afresh that life is too short to waste. Knowing only one acquaintance in Nashville, Kristina packed up all of her belongings and drove to a foreign city.
Within 6 months of making the bold move to Nashville, the providence of God was clearly being seen. The right friends, co-writers, and producers came together to allow Kristina to fulfill a life long dream of putting her heart to song and sharing it with the world. #Unfiltered is a landmark album. It’s the culmination and story of a young girls journey to find her identity, belonging and acceptance in God. Each song beautifully expresses another facet of her story. Producer Evan Sieling skillfully orchestrated pop infused ballads with urban touches to perfectly counterpoint Kristina’s soulful yet angelic vocals. The result is 4 songs weaved into a tapestry to that shows a picture of God’s grace, love and acceptance.
Freedom is ironically found in being bound to the right things, and as Kristina has fastened herself to God, her song will release other’s into this same truth.
Fast forward 7 years later and God is still bring Freedom, crafting the unique ministry he has for Ward. With two full projects, a Co Published Book (The Breakthrough Effects), and hundreds of miles of tours later, the journey still has just begun. All just because of a simple yes, to step out on Faith and Trust God rest.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
How it began/About Me: It all started with Mariah Carey! A very shy, quite, introverted 13 year old young girl memorized by her talent. As I watched a special Unplugged interview with Mariah, the words echoed in my mind “That… that is what I want to do with the rest of my life”. I had no idea if I could even sing, but was convinced this was it. Fast forward a few weeks later and I decided to enter a talent show with one of my good friends singing a duet of Mariah’s I’ll be there.
I’ll never forget it, I was terrified as I was standing on the stage in front of my whole school. Then in total shock I opened my mouth and the most unexpected beautiful voice was released. The school went nuts, and well the rest become history. Shortly there after the same friend invited me to church, where I found my missing piece. I gave my heart to Jesus, and I have been crafting the two together since that day. Creating, Connecting, Encouraging, and helping others is my heart and Mission in this life, and I am so behind thankful it’s what I get to do.
Where you can find me:
You can find my music on any streaming music site, my book can be found on my website kristinaward.com as well as on Amazon. You can also find me on all Social Media platforms: Kristina Ward or Kristina Ward Music. I love connecting and making new friends, so please don’t be a stranger and reach out to say hi!
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
In this industry you are always recreating your brand, crafting your skills, and constantly building new relationships. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming, and like you are spinning your wheels, so I have found researching resources is vital to keep going.
– The book You Can Begin Again was a huge impactful book for me. Being a little older in the industry you wonder if you have missed your mark b/c of your age, but in this book it teaches there is no age limit. If you want something bad enough, it doesn’t matter what stage of life you are in.
– Podcast are also great, and easy since I am on the go so much. One of my personal fav/go to’s is Ericnordhoff.com, I personally am friends with him and his wife, but speakers he has on the show are some of the best in the industry.
– I also have found it helpful to connect with like minded ppl. in the industry to help keep me on track. So getting involved in groups like Brave Worship has been a game changer.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Absolutely, to encourage and help as many people as I can through this journey called life. I try through my music to tell stories in hopes that it will connect with whomever needs it. I know not every one shares my same faith, but I do hope that I can share enough encouragement, hope, and love that what I create will still connect with them & bring them peace and hope.
Contact Info:
- Website: kristinaward.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinawardmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristina.ward.16
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/kristinamward