Tampa, FL – April 3, 2025

4.6/5

Written by: Mike Laxton (April 9, 2025)

It’s been well over a dozen years since I last saw MercyMe live, and when the opportunity arose to volunteer for Children International, the child sponsorship organization they partner with, I couldn’t pass it up—especially knowing I’d also get to see the concert. As a strong believer in child sponsorship programs, it felt like a win-win situation. Not only would I be contributing to a great cause, but I’d also be able to reconnect with the music that has meant so much to me over the years.

Arriving early for my volunteer duties, I was given some training and got to meet Paul Colman, former lead of the Paul Colman Trio. For those unfamiliar, Paul Colman Trio was a staple in Christian music during the late ’90s and early 2000s. As a fan from back then, it was a real treat to meet him in person, especially after hearing his music for so long. I’m also thankful to my good friend and founder of Today’s Christian Entertainment and Kingdom Builder, Jay Heilman, who facilitated this connection. We even got a photo op later in the evening, which added to the memorable experience.

However, what truly stood out to me was the overwhelming response during the child sponsorship portion of the evening. Between Zach Williams’ set and MercyMe’s, we had a chance to encourage concertgoers to sponsor children through Children International. The energy in the room was incredible—so many hands shooting up to support children in need. I couldn’t keep up with how many packets were being taken! In total, I probably distributed several dozen, but by the end of the night, I only had about five packets left for the next tour date. That was humbling and moving, knowing how many lives were potentially going to be impacted by these generous acts of kindness. It was a beautiful reminder of how many people are willing to answer the call to serve others.

Of course, this concert wasn’t just about the volunteer work—it was about the music too! First up was Sam Wesley, who I was especially excited to see. I’ve had his song “Greater Than I Know” in heavy rotation on my playlist lately, so seeing him perform it live was something I’d been anticipating. The song really hit me deeply, and I was grateful to witness it firsthand. If you haven’t heard it yet, I highly recommend it—there’s a raw sincerity to the lyrics that resonated with me on a personal level.

Next was Zach Williams, who brought a unique country flavor to the night. I’ve always enjoyed his style, and his performance was no exception. One moment that particularly stood out was when he performed “Jesus Loves.” The song was as powerful as it was simple, reminding us of the profound truth of God’s love. Unfortunately, I had to step away for a bit to return to my volunteer duties during Zach’s closing song, “Chain Breaker,” so I missed a part of his set. However, the time I did spend enjoying his performance was absolutely worth it.

After Zach’s set, I was finally able to settle in for the second half of MercyMe’s performance. It was worth the wait. The band, with over 20 years in the business, brought their A-game. The acoustic rendition of “Word of God Speak” was moving and intimate, and it was a perfect contrast to the full band sound that followed. They also performed their latest single, “Oh Death,” which was performed in tribute to Bart Millard’s father-in-law. There was something incredibly special about hearing that song live, knowing the personal story behind it.

But the most powerful moment of the night for me came when MercyMe performed “I Can Only Imagine,” the penultimate song of their set. I found myself with my arms outstretched, reflecting on the people I look forward to seeing in heaven one day. The song’s message of hope in the face of loss took on an even deeper meaning for me this time, as I’ve recently experienced the loss of my mom in 2023, as well as the passing of my close friend and Christian music industry professional, Chris Chicago. As Bart Millard’s voice soared through the lyrics, I couldn’t help but think about these dear souls, and it felt like a bittersweet moment of closure.

The night closed out on a lighter note with “Happy Dance,” which served as a fun and energetic way to turn the mood from deep reflection to celebration. The crowd was on their feet, dancing and clapping along, and I couldn’t help but smile. MercyMe’s ability to blend moments of heartfelt reflection with moments of joy is what makes their live performances so unique. Bart Millard’s humor and engaging storytelling between songs only added to the overall fun and enjoyment of the evening.

Looking back on the concert, I can honestly say it was an experience I’ll remember for a long time. From the selflessness of the volunteers to the music that ministered to my soul, everything came together to create a night that was both uplifting and transformative. I am deeply thankful to have had the chance to not only witness a legendary band in concert but also to play a small part in making a difference in the lives of children around the world.

If you get the chance to catch the MercyMe Live 2025 Tour, don’t hesitate. It’s a show that combines worship, laughter, and the undeniable presence of God, making it an unforgettable experience for anyone lucky enough to be there.

Click HERE to see if the tour is coming to a city near you and purchase tickets!