Faith is a guiding force for Steven Curtis Chapman, and his lyrics.

Some numbers: 23 albums in 30 years. Five Grammys. Forty-eight No. 1 singles. Over 11 million in record sales with 10 RIAA-certified gold and platinum albums. An unprecedented 58 Gospel Music Association Dove awards. And he’s also a successful author. His recently released memoir Between Heaven & The Real World made Publisher’s Weekly best-seller list – twice.

This adds up to Steven Curtis Chapman being the most decorated artist in Christian music history. You might think the Kentucky-bred singer would slow it down a little – and you’d be wrong. With performances on countless tours and a bevy of appearances at festivals and events worldwide, Chapman stops in Monterey as part of his fourth annual SCC SOLO: A Night of Hits, History and Influences tour.

“I’ve had such a great time on the SCC SOLO tour, sharing stories and taking my friends on a musical journey in cities across the country,” Chapman says. “I’m excited to be coming back.”

Chapman’s road hasn’t been all sweetness and light however. In 2008, his 5-year-old daughter Maria was tragically killed in a freak accident in his Franklin, Tennessee driveway. He and his wife Mary Beth were crushed. He considered not touring anymore, but realized Maria would never have wanted him to stop singing. Ultimately he and the Chapman family chose to speak publicly about their loss and the role that faith played in their healing.

“Your sky is so dark that you feel like you are never going to feel happy or joy again in your heart,” Chapman says. “Your life feels so heavy and weighty. I know that feeling so well and so I’m here to say that will happen. The blue will return to your sky.”

STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN 7:30pm Friday April 5. Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey. $26-$75. 649-1070, goldenstatetheatre.com