Steven Curtis Chapman Inducted Into The Grand Ole Opry

Steven Curtis Chapman was officially inducted into the Grand Ole Opry family on November 1, with Opry members Lady A conducting his induction. For his special night, Chapman invited several other Opry members to join the celebration, including Ricky Skaggs, who had extended the membership invitation to him earlier this summer, as well as Carly Pearce, Russell Dickerson, and the rock band Colony House, which features Chapman’s sons, Caleb and Will Franklin.

He began his performance with “Cinderella” and a rendition of “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” recounting the story of forgetting the words to the latter during his debut at Opryland Theme Park as a teenager. Chapman then performed “My Redeemer Is Faithful and True” alongside his father and brother, fulfilling his dad’s lifelong dream of singing on the Opry stage. Lady A later joined him on stage, sharing heartfelt words to officially welcome him into the Opry family.

Reflecting on the moment, Chapman remarked, “More than we can ask or imagine, God has promised. I know it doesn’t always look like this moment, but I do believe God has so much more for us. And sometimes we get to see it in very tangible and real ways. Like standing in this circle on stage tonight. As I look down, there is an actual light that glows all the way around it. A full circle, an unbroken circle. God is in front and back and side to side; he has us surrounded.”

Chapman debuted a new song he wrote for the occasion, titled “Grand Ole Opry Stage,” and closed the night with a powerful performance of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” with his family, guest performers, and several Opry members.

To kick off National Adoption Month, the Opry and Chapman donated $5 from every ticket sold to Show Hope, the nonprofit founded by Chapman and his wife Mary Beth, which supports orphaned children and families impacted by adoption and foster care.