US worship artist Cory Asbury has said he spent five years “running” from his faith before returning following a "pivotal" confrontation with fellow artist Forrest Frank.

Writing on social media, Asbury said his departure followed the release of his song Homecoming, which he said was the last worship project he completed before stepping back from ministry. He said he made a conscious decision to leave despite knowing “where home was”.

Speaking about his return, the worship singer said an exchange with fellow Christian artist Forrest Frank, which he described as a “brotherly” rebuke, marked a turning point in his decision to return to faith and ministry. He cited Proverbs 27:6.

Frank, who was named Artist of the Year at the 56th GMA Dove Awards in 2025, has not publicly commented on Asbury’s account.

In his post, Asbury also reflected on his time away, saying he felt his actions and public stance had an impact on others within church communities. He compared his experience to the biblical parable of the prodigal son, suggesting it more closely resembled “running from home” than the narrative that inspired his popular song Reckless Love.

“This running – and His pursuit of my heart – was much more of a true ‘prodigal son’ story than the one that originally birthed Reckless Love,” he wrote.

Asbury, whose music has been widely used in churches internationally, said he now views the period as part of a longer process of reflection and return. 

He ended his message by writing: “I am the one. Thank you, Jesus.”