Rebecca St James has sold nearly 2 million albums worldwide. She’s won a Grammy Award and topped Christian radio charts nine times. After more than 30 years in the music industry, this Australian-born singer has built an estimated net worth of $3-5 million. But how exactly did she earn her fortune? And what keeps her income flowing today?
This article breaks down everything you need to know about Rebecca St James’s wealth, career earnings, and the multiple income streams that contribute to her financial success.
Quick Reference: Rebecca St James Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rebecca Jean Smallbone |
| Stage Name | Rebecca St James |
| Date of Birth | July 26, 1977 |
| Age (2025) | 48 years old |
| Birthplace | Sydney, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian-American |
| Profession | Singer, Author, Speaker, Actress |
| Genre | Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) |
| Husband | Cubbie Fink (married 2011) |
| Children | 3 (Gemma, Imogen, River) |
| Net Worth | $3-5 Million (2025 estimate) |
Who Is Rebecca St James?
Rebecca St James was born Rebecca Jean Smallbone on July 26, 1977, in Sydney, Australia. She’s the oldest of seven children in the Smallbone family. Her younger brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone later became famous as the Grammy-winning duo For King & Country.
The Smallbone family moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1991. They arrived with almost nothing after their concert promotion business failed in Australia. Those early struggles shaped Rebecca’s faith and work ethic. By age 16, she had already signed with ForeFront Records. Her talent was clear from the start—she opened for Christian artist Carman when she was just 12 years old.
Today, Rebecca wears many hats. She’s a contemporary Christian music singer, bestselling author, motivational speaker, and actress. Her career spans three decades, making her one of the most recognized names in Christian entertainment.
Rebecca St James Net Worth
As of 2025, Rebecca St James has an estimated net worth between $3 million and $5 million. This figure comes from her long career in music, writing, speaking, and acting.
Her annual income likely falls between $150,000 and $300,000. This includes ongoing royalties from past albums, streaming revenue, book sales, and speaking fees. Unlike pop stars who earn millions per year, Christian music artists typically build wealth slowly over time. Rebecca’s fortune reflects steady work across multiple income sources rather than a few big paydays.
The exact number is hard to pin down. Celebrity net worth figures are always estimates. Rebecca doesn’t publicly share her financial details. Still, industry experts agree her decades of work have paid off well.
Contemporary Christian Music Singer Career
Rebecca’s music career launched in 1991 with her debut album “Refresh My Heart.” But her breakthrough came in 1996 with the album “God.” That record earned RIAA Gold certification, meaning it sold over 500,000 copies in the United States alone.
Her 1998 album “Pray” also went Gold. These two albums made her a household name in Christian music circles. Between 1994 and 2008, she released nine studio albums through major Christian labels.
In 1999, Rebecca won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Gospel Album for “Pray.” She also won multiple Dove Awards. CCM Magazine named her “Favorite Female Artist” for seven years in a row—a streak no other artist had matched at the time.
After taking a break from 2014 to 2018 to focus on raising her children, Rebecca returned to music. Her 2022 album “Kingdom Come” marked her first full-length release in over a decade. She recorded it with Bethel Music, showing she still had an audience eager to hear new material.
Rebecca St James Age and Early Life
At 48 years old, Rebecca has lived an interesting life. Growing up in Sydney, she was surrounded by music and faith. Her parents, David and Helen Smallbone, ran a Christian concert promotion company. Music was simply part of daily life.
When the family business collapsed, the Smallbones moved to America with almost no money. They lived in a small house and struggled to make ends meet. This experience became the basis for the 2024 film “Unsung Hero,” which tells their family story. The movie earned $21.2 million at the box office.
Those hard times taught Rebecca important lessons. She learned to trust her faith during tough seasons. She also developed a strong work ethic that carried her through decades in the entertainment business.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Rebecca’s list of accomplishments is impressive for any artist in any genre.
Awards and Recognition
- Grammy Award (1999) – Best Rock Gospel Album for “Pray”
- Multiple Dove Award nominations – Christian music’s highest honors
- Two RIAA Gold certified albums – “God” and “Pray”
- Nine #1 Christian radio singles – Including “Wait for Me” and “God”
- CCM Magazine Favorite Female Artist – Seven consecutive years
- Nearly 2 million albums sold worldwide
She was also the youngest artist ever nominated for the Dove Award New Artist of the Year in 1995. That early recognition proved she was destined for a long career.
Income Sources and Earnings Breakdown
Rebecca doesn’t rely on just one income stream. Her wealth comes from several different areas.
Music royalties remain a steady source of income. Every time her songs play on streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music, she earns money. Radio play through CCLI licensing also generates revenue. Her catalog of nine studio albums continues producing passive income years after release.
Book royalties add another layer. Rebecca has written over a dozen books. Her most famous, “Wait for Me: Rediscovering the Joy of Purity in Romance,” sold more than 100,000 copies. Book advances and ongoing sales contribute to her overall wealth.
Speaking engagements pay well for established names like Rebecca. Industry sources suggest she earns between $10,000 and $20,000 per event. She speaks at churches, women’s conferences, and Christian gatherings across the country.
Acting roles have added film earnings to her portfolio. She appeared in “Sarah’s Choice,” “A Strange Brand of Happy,” and “The Frontier Boys.” She also made a cameo in “Unsung Hero,” which likely included compensation.
Podcast income represents her newest revenue stream. She co-hosts content with Focus on the Family, including discussions about marriage and parenting. While podcast earnings vary, established platforms typically pay hosts well.
Rebecca St James Husband
Rebecca married Jacob “Cubbie” Fink on April 23, 2011, in San Diego, California. Cubbie was born October 4, 1983, in Denver, Colorado. He’s best known as the former bassist for indie rock band Foster the People.
Cubbie played with Foster the People from 2009 to 2015. The band’s hit “Pumped Up Kicks” reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. After leaving the band, Cubbie shifted his focus to film production and family life.
Together, Rebecca and Cubbie have co-authored the 2025 memoir “Lasting Ever.” The book shares their marriage journey and faith story. Their combined talents make them a creative power couple in Christian entertainment circles.
Is Rebecca St James Married and Family Life
Yes, Rebecca has been happily married to Cubbie Fink since 2011. The couple has three children together. Their daughter Gemma Elena was born in February 2014. Daughter Imogen Watson arrived in May 2018. Son River Jack joined the family in August 2020.
The family splits time between Nashville and Texas. Rebecca and Cubbie serve as worship leaders at First Dallas Church. Family clearly comes first for Rebecca. Her years-long break from touring proves she values motherhood over fame.
Lifestyle and Personal Interests
Rebecca lives a modest lifestyle that matches her values. She’s never chased flashy cars or mansions. Instead, she focuses on faith, family, and meaningful work.
She’s been a longtime spokesperson for Compassion International. Her advocacy for abstinence and purity shaped an entire generation of Christian youth in the 1990s and 2000s. She remains outspoken about her pro-life beliefs.
Her Instagram shows a down-to-earth mom who loves her kids and her faith. There’s no evidence of extravagant spending or luxury living.
Assets and Investments
Rebecca’s assets likely include property in the Nashville area. Nashville real estate has grown significantly in value over the past decade. Any home purchased years ago would be worth considerably more today.
Her intellectual property represents valuable long-term assets. Music catalogs can generate income for decades. Book rights continue paying royalties. Streaming has given older artists new life, as younger fans discover classic Christian music.
Film royalties from “Unsung Hero” and other projects may also contribute to her wealth. As a family project, the Smallbones likely negotiated favorable terms.
Recent Projects and Comeback
Rebecca’s career has experienced a strong second act. After years away from the spotlight, she returned with new music and projects.
In 2020, she released the “Dawn” EP and the single “Battle Is the Lord’s” featuring Brandon Lake. Her 2022 album “Kingdom Come” through Bethel Music marked a full comeback. She regularly performs with her brothers For King & Country on tour.
The 2024 film “Unsung Hero” brought renewed attention to the Smallbone family story. Rebecca made a cameo appearance in the movie, which grossed over $21 million domestically.
In February 2025, she and Cubbie released their memoir “Lasting Ever.” The book tour and media appearances continue driving interest in her story.
Final Thoughts on Rebecca St James’s Fortune
Rebecca St James built her $3-5 million net worth the hard way—through decades of consistent work across music, books, speaking, and acting. She’s proof that Christian artists can achieve financial success while staying true to their values.
Her story shows what’s possible when talent meets faith and persistence. From struggling immigrant family to Grammy winner, Rebecca’s journey inspires fans old and new. And with ongoing projects and her brothers’ continued success, her legacy in Christian entertainment remains secure.
