Steven Curtis Chapman – Speechless ’25 The Tour
Suncoast Community Church, Sarasota, FL – September 26, 2025
When I first heard that Steven Curtis Chapman was doing a 25th anniversary tour for his album Speechless and would be coming to Sarasota, I couldn’t jump at the chance fast enough. This album holds a special place in my heart—it came out during a pivotal year in my life and my walk with God, and it shaped much of my personal soundtrack during that season. Add to that Steven’s status as a classic CCM artist and his enduring artistry—even in his 60s, he still performs with the same energy and skill as decades ago—and it was a no-brainer that I had to be there.
The concert took place at Suncoast Community Church, a sizeable venue that appeared to be sold out for the evening. I had the privilege of attending with a friend from church, and our drive down to Sarasota was filled with meaningful conversation as we shared stories and got to know one another better. Arriving at the venue, we found great seats and appreciated the tour’s excellent media access for photos and video. A bonus was running into an artist friend from Sarasota, which made the night feel even more connected.
Steven opened the show by performing the entire Speechless album, starting with an intro that led into “Dive,” “Speechless,” “The Change,” and finishing the first set with “Be Still and Know” before intermission. Hearing these songs live, many of which I had listened to countless times before, was a fresh and moving experience. The addition of the La Vie Quartet’s strings added a beautiful, dynamic layer that elevated each track.
One song in particular, “The Change,” struck me deeply this time. Its lyrics about how outward symbols of faith—the Christian t-shirt, the bumper sticker, the fish magnet on the car—mean nothing without the inner transformation Christ brings truly resonated with me. There were several moments during the night that brought tears to my eyes, including “Fingerprints of God,” where Steven shared the story of writing the song for his daughter, who struggled with self-image compared to the girls in magazines. The authenticity and heart behind these stories made the music feel even more personal.
“With Hope” carried a similar weight, as Steven reflected on both meeting a family who had lost a child tragically and on the profound pain of losing his own daughter years ago. The instrumental “The Journey” showcased his guitar skills and the quartet’s talents, leading beautifully into “Be Still and Know,” which he wrote on a plane with his son while heading to a mission trip—a song inspired by the comforting verse, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10, NIV). Before intermission, Steven also highlighted Show Hope, the organization he and his wife founded to help families afford adoption, sharing stories of their own adopted daughters from China and the thousands of families they’ve assisted over the years.
After intermission, the energy picked back up with some of Steven’s greatest hits, including “The Great Adventure,” a medley of fan favorites, “For the Sake of the Call,” and “Cinderella,” which prompted reflection on my own relationship with my daughter. The evening concluded with “Don’t Lose Heart” and a reprise of “Dive,” capping off nearly three hours of music, stories, and memories.
This concert was more than just a performance—it was an experience, a journey through a beloved album and the life of a man whose music has touched countless lives. Witnessing Steven Curtis Chapman still delivering his artistry with passion and authenticity, surrounded by hundreds of fans sharing in that same joy, was a reminder of how God continues to work through faithful ministry. It was truly an unforgettable night.
